"Improving lives through
education!"
education!"
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| Graduation! |
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.
In these United States, it is not uncommon for immigrants to go astray,
to wander from the straight and narrow to the fast lanes where
looming danger lurks. 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.
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.
Issa Fofana: A Promise Fulfilled (A Special Tribute)
May 14, 2009 by Momoh Sekou Dudu
May 14, 2009 by Momoh Sekou Dudu
| Congratulations for a job well done. |