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MMA'S UNDEFINED ROLES IN
FELMAUSA'S UPCOMING CONVENTION
By:
Molley Kamara <osmaab@yahoo.com>
May
22, 2009
 Few
years ago when the idea of a Mandingo organization in the twin
cities was conceived, most people were happy because there was a
need for such an organization. During those early days, the
Minnesota Mandingo Association (MMA) truly delivered on its
promises, Mandingoes moving to Minnesota were usually welcomed with
gifts; some even got financial assistance to help ease the
transition but most importantly they all received warm welcome from
their brothers and sisters in the twin cities.
During those days, the interest of the community was the focus of
the leadership. One can say those were the good days of our unity.
MMA was the glue that had us together as one people with a common
goal.
Leadership:
The first president and vice president were appointed not elected
simply because positions within the organization did not matter;
every member contributed one way or the other to the wellbeing of
the organization; that's not to say that we did not have
differences, but we resolved our differences through dialogue
without keeping a personal grudge against each other. Our leadership
at the time listened to us and did what majority of the membership
wanted. It seemed like we had a true democratic form of government.
FELMAUSA FACTOR:
Almost two years ago when some people saw the need for boarder
Mandingo organization that would bring all Mandingo organizations
together within the US, the idea was embraced by many but some of us
were on the side of caution and did not think that we needed to
fully engage our local organization(MMA) to something that we were
not sure of, at least not at that very beginning. While most people
kept their feelings to themselves for fear of losing personal
relationships, I chose to speak openly to our leadership at the
time. I warned the Ismail leadership that fully engaging our
organization to something that were were not sure of may not be the
right choice for us, and I asked that we attend the convention as
observers and make final decisions later after critical analysis of
the situation by the entire membership of MMA, including our
brightest minds. To our Astonishment, some of Ismaeil’s inner circle
were planning their own political journey, and theysaw Felmausa as
the means. Ismaeil was made to believe that those who opposed the
idea of a broader Mandingo organization were enemies of Mandingo
progress and that he should not listen to them; at some point, we
were labeled as rebels. How can someone who contributed $75.00 to
help facilitate transportation to the convention be labeled a rebel/
enemy of progress? Is there a room in this organization for
difference of opinion?
Unfortunately, Ishmael’s leadership was not immune from the old
African politic; those who disagree with you are your enemies. MMA
proceeded to attend the Philadelphia Mandingo convention of 2008,
and then President Ishmael Komara worked hard to ensure that MMA
not only attend the convention but also became a full flesh member
of Felmausa. In return, Ismael was appointed ways and means
chairman, and his vice president Mr.Mohammed Dorley became a key
figure on the mobilization committee.Ismael's non official chief of
operation, Mr. Mamadee Sesay (who kept all of MMA official
documents, including our financial documents and the check book
during Ismail presidency) became the vice president of operation. It
makes you wonder as to what happen to the other well educated
brothers and sisters in Minnesota. I thought we had the most
college graduates compare to other states!
After the convention ended, there were no official report made to
the membership, neither did we have the chance to engage in a
constructive dialogue. The Felmausa issue is a big secret known only
to those who are in favor of it. It has led to more disunity,
contrarily to what the pioneers of Felmausa had imagined. Those who
asked critical questions about felmausa were either attacked or they
lost personal relationships. Many of the broken relationships over
Felmausa issue were never resolved until Ismail term ended.
MMA ROLE IN THE COMING CONVENTION:
MMA is the official host of the upcoming convention, but it seems
like MMA does not have a define role in the convention. On numerous
occasions, our leadership and Minnesota base Felmausa leadership are
always crashing over various roles and MMA is always giving in. It
leaves one to wonder if it is MMA first or Felmausa first? And the
answer to that question depends on who you ask.
FELMAUSA CONVENTION COMES TO THE TWIN CITIES:
While most people are happy that this will be an occasion to reunite
with old friends, many wonder if Felmausa truly stands for national
Mandingo unity, or it is simply another case of self-interest
individuals using the word Mandingo unity as a means of jumpstarting
their own political journey. Over the years, Felmausa website has
launched programs to encourage education and with higher education
comes intellect which leads to debate. Therefore, if Felmausa
encourages higher education it must also create an environment where
different opinions are welcome. If we are to succeed as a tribe and
a nation ,we must not only welcome differences but also engage in
constructive dialogue as a means of resolving those differences.
In a few days, Felmausa high power delegation will be coming to
Minnesota in preparation for the convention. I hope this delegation
will be willing to engage every Mandingo in the twin cities,
especially those who disagree with them.
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