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Tusu Development Association
Issa Fofana: A Promise Fulfilled (A Special Tribute)
(May 14, 2009) By: Momoh Sekou Dudu
It takes faith, courage, hard work, and perseverance to avoid the many luring pitfalls that we encounter each day on the streets of our adopted country. These treacherous snares are especially ominous for our youths. Often times, in our roles as parents, community leaders, and role models, we are cynical, even churlish, about our youths’ ability to stay above the fray in these circumstances. Sometimes, our cynicism is validated by brutal realities in our communities; other times, we are reminded to be hopeful by the success of those youths who manage to steer clear of the inviting quandaries camouflaged as golden opportunities and/or quick fixes.
Today, I am thrilled to be reflecting about one youth whose exploits in this land of lust, bust, and real opportunities give me hope instead of despair. Issa Fofana is my younger brother by lineage. He also happens to be my former student. So, my pride and happiness about his impending college graduation is two-pronged. First, as an elder brother, I could not be prouder that he is continuing the family tradition of academic excellence. But more importantly, as his former high school instructor, I am elated that he made good on his promise to me many years ago to pursue a solid education and never to digress to ill-fated machinations.
When my good friend, Frank Hassan Sannoh and I headed the Refugee School in Gueckedou, the Republic of Guinea, Issa was one of our model students. Not only did he thrive academically, but he also listened well as we extolled the virtues of a quality education. It is no surprise to me, therefore, that for as long as he has lived in New York City, he has managed to side-stepped the many distractions surrounding him. He has been consistent and unrelenting in his quest for a better future, a better outcome of his time in this country. He has worked hard every waking day to earn an honest living. It is in light of this sacred premise that I am overwhelmed by joy on the occasion of Issa’s college graduation.
On Thursday, May 28, 2009, I will be in New York City along with Hon. Frank Sannoh to bear witness to Issa’s tenacious efforts and success in the face of towering challenges. At 10:30 a.m. on that day, Lehman College of the City University of New York (CUNY) will award him a Bachelors of Science (B.Sc) Degree in Health Services Administration. The program will be held outdoors on the South Field of the Lehman campus, 250 Bedford Park Boulevard West, Bronx, NY 10468-1589. I cannot think of a more apt vindication for hard, earnest work over other unorthodox avenues as the surest key to success.
On behalf of our family and the larger community, I want to say CONGRATULATIONS, Issa. You have taken a giant stride. You are a true and shining example that we are asking all of our youths to emulate.
Remember, however, that in my book, your graduation with a Bachelors Degree is only a partial fulfillment of the enormous promise you represent. By Allah’s grace, I look forward to attending your graduate school commencement in the not-too-distant future. Way to go, little brother; you make me exceedingly proud!
About the Author: Momoh Sekou Dudu is Assistant Professor in the Business Management Department at Brown College, Mendota Heights, Minnesota. He is also Adjunct Instructor of Economics, University of Phoenix Online, and Cardinal Stritch University. He can be reached at sekou1_charter.net.
Source: The Liberioan Journal
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