It was unexpected, but timely.

The stage was perfect when Councilman Donald Payne, Jr. read and subsequently presented a Proclamation in recognition of the Federation’s honoring of students and outstanding community members at its formal launching of the Women’s Wing in Newark, New Jersey Saturday.

Many in FELMAUSA consider the document historic as it gives the Federation the much needed boost and recognition from the State of New Jersey’s economic capital, Newark. The Proclamation pays tribute to FELMAUSA women for hosting an event to honor deserving graduates and outstanding community members.

The Proclamation reads: “On the joyous occasion of recognizing the graduates of the Liberian community and the opening of the new “Women’s Wing of FELMAUSA” held at the Central High School on Saturday, March 28, 2009. The Governing Body applauds this wonderful endeavor and wishes the graduates continued success in their future achievements.”

To the delight of many attending the ceremony held in the beautifully decorated Newark Central High School auditorium, Councilman Payne, the latest sensation in the fight for Liberian legal status in the United States, read the Proclamation signed by President of the Municipal Council, Mildred Trump and other council members.

Councilmen including Augustus Amador, Charles A. Bell, Carlos M. Gonzales, Oscar S. James, Donald Payne, Jr, Luis A. Quintana, vice president of the Council, Anibal Ramos, Jr and Roland D. Rice, signed the document, dated March 27, 2009 and attested by the city Clerk, Robert P. Masrasco.

FELMAUSA President Konneh, flanked by his Vice President for Administration, Mrs. Mameita Jabateh Sirleaf from North Caroline, Board Chairman Abraham Kromah, Education Committee Chairman Varmuyan Sirleaf and Women's Wing Chairlady Mrs. Fatima Kromah joyously received the Proclamation from Councilman Payne amidst cheers from the audience.

Councilman Payne, Jr, son of New Jersey Congressman Donald Payne, decorated FELMAUSA for honoring deserving graduates. He also praised the FELMAUSA Board chairman, Abraham Kromah for being very instrumental in the fight for the Liberian immigration status.

The Councilman said all the effort he’s been making in the Liberian community is based on “moral conviction as a human being who feels the plight of the Liberian people and wants to help them.”

The State official said that the facility in which the program was being held is the newest high school built in the city of Newark and “it is very symbolic that your program promoting education is held in this building.”

In introducing the Councilman, Mr. Kromah called him as one of the brains behind the successful holding of two pro-Liberian immigration rallies in Newark, New Jersey, and Washington DC respectively.

Meanwhile, FELMAUSA has officially launched its women’s wing in grand style in Newark, New Jersey on Saturday, March 28, 2009. Both President Konneh and Board Chief Abraham Kromah officiated the ceremony. They were joined by members of the Women's Wing and the Guest Speaker, Ms. Assata Kaba.

The much anticipated ceremony saw graduates and outstanding community leaders and members being honored by the FELMAUSA.

The event was held amidst unfortunate news that two members of the community, Zumanah Keita and Sekou Sackor, had been shot and killed in cold blood in New York. A special moment of silence was held in honor of the deceased members.

One of the highlights of the ceremony was when the late Mamayan Kanneh, one of Newark's most respected and outstanding community servants was honored. Her daughter, Fatu was called on stage to receive her mom’s certificate.

VP Sirleaf praised the late community leader and encouraged Fatu and her siblings to remain strong in the wake of their mother’s death. “You are not alone,” she told the children. “We are with you and I am sure your mother is also with you.”

Liberian educator, Ms. Asata Kaba who served as the guest speaker, strongly underscored the importance of educating women in the Liberian society. She advised women to keep their head up and not be left behind in the pursuit of sound education.

According to Ms. Kaba, the belief that women should be housewives should be discouraged in this 21st century. “It’s time we do thing things differently,” she declared.

The Educator noted that in the past, women were not given equal opportunity to go to school. Using her story as an example, the soft-speaking keynote speaker said she triumphed in the face of adversity to gain quality education.  

According to Ms. Kaba, beating the odds against her was not an easy task, but she persevered. “I am the first among my father’s girl children to go to school. I set example for my other sisters to follow. I was always competing with my brothers,” she said.

Ms. Kaba proudly told the cheering audience that because she persisted, “I am proud to say today that my sisters follow my footsteps and they all have obtained degrees including Bachelors to Phds.”

Ms. Kaba holds Masters in education and teaches math at a school in New York. She highly praised FELMAUSA for giving priority to education in her campaign.

Former Liberian Commerce Minister, Dr. Abrahama Kaba is her elder brother. Dr. Kaba served as Liberian Ambassador to Egypt, before becoming Minister of Commerce in the transitional Liberian government.

In his opening remarks, FELMAUSA president, Richmond Mohammed Konneh, thanked members of FELMAUSA Women Wing for working together to organize the event which he termed “another milestone” in the short history of FELMAUSA.

He encouraged the women to keep steadfast in holding on to the banner of FEMAUSA, adding “women are a force in any society to reckon with, and without them, society cannot progress.” He, like the speaker, underscored the importance of education as the passport to community bright future.

Konneh noted that FELMAUSA attaches serious importance to education and advised the youth to enroll in schools and acquire the requisite skills and knowledge for the challenges ahead of them.

“Be prepared,” he emphasized. The President observed that the key to any social problems affecting the Mandingo community in Liberia is education, adding, “if we are not educated to understand the historical and social issues of our country, we will not be able to solve them.”

Earlier in welcome remarks, the President of the FELMAUSA local chapter, Sekou Fofana expressed excitement that the historic launching of the women’s wing was being held in his city. He repeated his call to the FELMAUSA leadership to continue on the outreach effort it embarked on recently.

The Mande President indicated that reaching out is part of networking which he noted will generate much enthusiasm among commuity members who will embrace FELMAUSA. “We need to talk to people; we need to work together and we must ensure that FELMAUSA is not a party to any conflict, but a peacemaking crew that will seek unity as the way forward for us.”

Leading the delegation from FELMAUSA chapter state of North Carolina was the Vice President for Administration Mamiata Jabateh-Sirleaf, who came along with her husband, Vamunyan Sirleaf, chairman of the Education Committee. Their young son Vamunya Jr. read the welcoming statement.

Also speaking during the occasion was the Chairlady of the Women’s Wing Mrs. Fatima Kromah who thanked everyone for positively responding to their invitation. According to her, the launchin of the women’s wing is the first step in a series of significant events to raise funds for the Federation’s education fund.

“Me and my women will do anything within our power to support FELMAUSA,” Mrs. Kromah declared.