30 years of Family, Culture and Community

BCA-USA MIRROR 30 YEARS OF FAMILY, CULTURE AND COMMUNITY

Fogam family San Jose, CA

Fogam family Oklahoma City, OK

Gwanmesia family Apopka, FL

Gwanyalla family Orlando, FL

Ndangam family Kansas City, MO

Ngati family Hagerstown, MD

Njambed family Oklahoma City, OK Lima family Atlanta, GA

Njinimbot family Washington DC

Awah family Houston, TX

Fogam family Oklahoma City, OK

Kaba family San Jose, CA

Fomunung family Dallas, TX

Mwaka family Houston, TX Fomunung family Chattanooga, TN

Fomukong family Houston, TX

Fomuso family

Atlanta, Washington DC, Dallas & Belgium

Galega family Aurora, CO

Nukuna family Edmond, OK

Tangeh family Houston, TX Fokwang family Lakewood, CO

Titamohkumi family Edmond, OK

Yongbi family Frederick, MD

Gangdia family Aurora, CO Takam family Washington DC

Titih family Camp Hill, PA

Sema family Washington DC

Continued from page 7

with members mainly through U.S. post office or telephone calls, which was expensive years ago; but now and with the click of a mouse/button on a computer or cellphone, one reaches hundreds of people at once. Instead of having a yearly paper wall almanac with smiling head and shoulder photos, we now have such information in cyber space and which can be downloaded as needed; we now carry wallet-size association photo identification cards. Instead of holding the convention meetings in members’ homes or rented halls that were usually different from where the Saturday night gala would take place, we now execute all in one hotel setting where we also lodge. No more driving around and getting lost. People no longer have to call around to see if they can stay at friends’ or relatives’ homes/apartments in a convention-hosting city. The women are ‘free’ from the excess cooking they used to do for the convention. A usually three-day convention (Friday through Monday) has changed to starting from Thursday with Friday being the Night of Glamour when sons and daughters of Bali and their relatives show off in Hollywood style on a red carpet. Who can beat this show of pride and beauty? The photos taken at this red carpet event are so beautiful, I term them magnificent! Many people in their lives would not have the chance to show off on a red carpet and take photos that set them apart from their everyday styles. The convention provides the forum to have the experience. Instead of deciding on the next convention-hosting city during the current general assembly, we now project four years in advance and that allows for adequate negotiations and planning.

The changes in the organization come from great, creative and selfless minds. These changes set BCA-USA apart from other cultural organizations in positive ways. BCA –USA is often referred to as Mother of all cultural associations in the US, if not in the diaspora when it comes to African based organizations. The spirits that have propelled

the association to this level and standard is well grounded as our younger generation including children are now gently taking parts in the running of the organization – reassuring and fulfilling as many of us are winding down in life. An added organ of the association, the Board of Directors, infuses more credibility and prestige to the organization.

I believe BCA-USA’s future is very good because of the stability I see in it. Anything established without God in it, is like a house built on sandy soil which can be blown away and off its foundation by the slighted wind. The organization is full of great and wise minds. We now have a church service during the convention to worship God and an established monthly prayer line. These moves place BCA-USA spiritual foundation on the solid rock here on earth and in heaven!

Over the years, BCA-USA projects and benevolent gestures have continued to improve the lives people especially in Bali. Considering that funds to support the projects come from members themselves, one respects the organization for its worth. Its members are truly dedicated to just causes that elevate human dignity to higher and better levels. Generous individuals, ingenious, dedicated, and dynamic members raise the roof with fundraising for the organization. Accountability is ensured through established systems in the organization.

My sincere thanks to all who have done whatever big or little they have done to move the organization forward. Since all the five fingers of a hand are not the same but are all needed for the hand to function efficiently, the big and little are needed to form the whole or holistic value that BCA-USA stands for, now and the future. May God bless BCA-USA, its members and all of our goodwill sponsors.

BCA-USA MIRROR 30 MESSAGES AND WISHES FOR BCA @ 30

For the next 30 years, l would like BCA-USA to commit to actionable projects that are fundamental to life sustenance like potable drinking water for the entire Bali population, opening up new farm to market roads and improving upon existing ones. This would create economic activities from agriculture, increase income and transform lives. Electrification of key centers, better town planning and zoning to create green spaces, and shopping hubs. Most of these development projects would need to be done in collaboration with Bandeca, City Council while placing a premium on transparency, accountability and responsibility. Technical training centers would be a must. The future belongs to STEM. - Ni Joe Fomunung, Dallas, Texas

Great work has been done by BCA’s past and current leadership. My wish is that the hard work and dedication of all who volunteer to serve is manifested in the continued growth and strength of this wonderful organization. Happy 30th anniversary. - Ma Mado Ndangam, Kansas City, Missouri

Have BCA-USA MPC project mission accomplished by 2020. Engage in Sanitation Hospital Project where we BCA-USA can be proud to visit during our vacation stay in Bali as well as volunteer in training nurses. – Ni Jean Rean Tchoksi, Atlanta, Georgia

My wish is for BCA USA to own their own Convention Center here in the USA. To engage the youth in more leadership roles for the continued operations and legacy of BCA USA - Ma Miranda Gwanyalla, Florida

I wish for BCA USA to expand its network through partnerships with other organizations to accomplish its goals. I wish for the continuous engagement in projects that transform the lives of Bali people for the long haul. - Ni Divine Ajong, Galveston, Texas

I wish for our all children to be actively involved in the mastery of Bali culture for a lasting legacy. I wish for love, respect, unity and continue growth of BCA-USA. - Ni Henry Fofang, Plano, Texas.

Happy 30th Anniversary! I look forward to a convention in the white house in Washington DC, after one of our young adults runs and wins the office of US President. - Ma Nams Lima, Atlanta, Georgia

I wish for BCA-USA to grow by leaps and bounds. – Ni Simon Nukuna, Edmond, Oklahoma

BCA USA has reinforced my pride, sense of identity, and belonging as a Bali native. My wish is for BCA USA to continue to be custodians of this great culture for generations to come. - Ni John Gwananji, Houston, Texas

Hearty congratulations on 30 years of bringing Bali families together to celebrate our culture. My wish is for BCA-USA to take care of the water problem in Bali once and for all. Water is a basic necessity of life. It is sad that many of our people do not have access to portable water today. – Ma Muyo Sama Galega, Denver, Colorado

For BCA USA to help eradicate diabetes at home by sponsoring dieticians, endocrinologists, to encourage a healthy lifestyle; to solicit for MRI Equipment and CT Scan to reduce the number of deaths from misdiagnosis; to help the younger generation transition to leadership roles. For members to wait a year for Nkap Ntod defeats the purpose for which it was introduced, limits membership and participation. - Ni Richard Gwananji, Washington D.C

Hearty congratulations to BCA-USA for 30 successful years. The beautiful memories of my prizes from this great association in 1993 and 1994 (Primary 5 and 6) can never be forgotten. Thanks for the great work and support to the Bali community at home and abroad. All the best for the next 30 years! – Nyongbela Colins Doh, St. Paul Minnesota. I wish for BCA-USA to continue soaring to higher heights. Higher higher we go! - Ma Eva Caspa, Charlotte, North Carolina

BCA-USA hoyee!!! Pearl anniversary Hoyee!!!! As we celebrate 30 years of spending time together, I pray that God will make BCA-USA to grow stronger as a community and as one big and fabulous family. Over the next 30 years, I wish that in whatever location we find ourselves, we will feel at home being a part of a BCA-USA chapter. I wish that the organization will also grow financially and achieve more projects back home in Bali. - Ma Lusia Fomuso, Dallas, Texas

I wish for continual growth and unity as we enter the 4th decade of family reunions, love, and support of one another. I commend and raise up everyone who has contributed in any way to make this association what it is. May God replenish you ten folds. – Ma Esona Fomuso, Atlanta, Georgia

I wish for continual growth and unity as we enter the 4th decade of family reunions, love, and support of one another. I commend and raise up everyone who has contributed in any way to make this association what it is. May God replenish you ten folds. – Ma Esona Fomuso, Atlanta, Georgia

Health care is very important to me and even though the MPC will have a primary care center, my greatest wish is for BCA- USA to own and control a hospital in Bali. I wish for continuous growth and better involvement of the youths. They are our future and we need to identify and motivate those interested in BCA-USA goals. I wish to see BCA take the center stage as the best humanitarian group in the diaspora. I mean, on major news organizations like BBC, CNN etc. I wish to have a celebrity be part of our team. I wish for increased membership Finally, I wish for good health and prosperity and may we all live long to see the next 30years. – Ma Patricia Kaba, San Jose, California

My wish is for BCA USA to build a State of the art hospital, transportation system, healthcare centers, daycare centers, nursing home, and youth job training centers. - Ma Evangeline Fogam, San Jose, California.

I wish BCA-USA all the best and continuous strength. BCA should continue to grow from strength and to build up the Bali community at home and in the diaspora. I wish all our past, present and future leaders all the best so that they keep up the good work. They should do what they think is best for the organization and not listen to detractors and those forming their own factions. We will live as a bundle of broom that cannot be separated. BCA forward and backward never! For those who have gone before us, let their souls rest in peace. Let them know that what they started, we would continue to do it. I am very proud of our culture and will keep up the culture work. – Ma Kahlang Fondong, Los Angeles, California

My wish is for BCA USA leadership to play a more significant and active role in the preparation, inclusion, integration, and mentoring of the youths and young adults in BCA-USA leadership roles for a sustainable future. - Ma Bola Njinimbam, San Jose, California

BCA has come a long way. Some things seem to be moving in the right direction. We are striving some much for luxury rather than building community. Today, BCA seems to be focusing on elegance and all that. BCA needs to maintain a platform in which everyone can fit in. As much as you want to grow, you don’t want to grow rapidly and exclude others. We started BCAUSA, we used to meet in club house and in people’s houses. Today we have people who just arrived the USA and find themselves in the position we were back then. These people are just starting out. BCA USA should not forget about them. When a ladder goes up too high, only a few people can jump! Happy 30th anniversary to BCA-USA. – Ni Cletus Titalanga, Kansas City, Missouri

My wish is that we as proud Bali people can forgive one another, learn from the past, work together and get WATER running in Bali. - Ni Divine Kuja, Dallas, Texas.

Congratulations on the years of bringing Bali people together. I pray that BCA will continue to grow and bring all the Bali people in the USA together. One of my greatest wishes is to make the convention affordable and more friendly for every single Bali person in the USA so that they can come and commune with fellow Bali people and also commit at their own level. May God continue to Bless BCA-USA - Ma Lydia Kehbila, Minneapolis, Minnesota.

BCA has come a long way from its humble beginnings to the largest Cameroonian diaspora association in the USA. The flag ship project – the MPC - is going to go a long way to help our community’s education, health and computer literacy. It will attract tourism and development in Bali. I think BCA still has the potential and capability to be at the forefront to help other projects in Bali especially those that will help our community. So many other development groups have struggled to complete projects in Bali. After the completion of the MPC, BCA can now look at these other projects and see what can be done. The water crisis is one thing I think BCA will be and should be able to look at. I thank the founders and all who are currently working tirelessly to make sure BCA keeps moving forward. I wish for all Bali people in the USA to support BCA-USA. – Ni Legima Doh, Washington D.C.

Happy 30th Anniversary BCA-USA! My wish is for BCA to continue with its vision and mission to change the lives of ordinary people in Bali in the next decade. To focus on little things that can change the lives of ordinary Bali folks. – Ni Stephen Doh, Tulsa, Oklahoma.

My wish is that BCA should go from strength to strength. What BCA is doing for the people back home is wonderful. We are lucky to be here and have all the opportunities we have. It is heartwarming to lend a hand to support to those back home. I thank BCA for what it does. I pray that our association should keep doing what it does and do it better. – Ma Awa Nukuna, Washington DC

It has been an exceptional 30 years within the association. BCA stands on top of the hill with utmost admiration from other organizations and our accomplishments stand out for many to see. Our flagship project is an exemplary. Cohesive forces and our determination to get those things going brought us this level. In the future, I hope we maintain what we have and build on it. I would like to see us try to get more diverse views and more collaborative efforts to bring Bali people together. We could do more together if we all came together. I feel very proud that from humble beginnings we have progressed to this level. On behalf of my whole family, we wish BCA-USA well and continuous excellence in their endeavors. - Ni Chris Fokumlah, Minneapolis, Minnesota

BCA has come a long way and has grown so much. I am proud of this association. I look forward to the next phase. I am so excited with the kids involvement within BCA. It was a good idea to bring kids together through our reunions. The cultural education and enrichment that our kids get from belonging to this association is so important. In future I would like to see mentorship and networking programs for our kids. Such an opportunity will possibly help steer them into good career choices. Happy 30th anniversary BCA-USA. -Yvonne Pefok, Washington DC

BCA-USA is one unique organization that has demonstrated excellence in all it does. My wish is to see BCA-USA continue to inspire more young people to leadership roles and most importantly keep up with their development spirit back home. God loves a cheerful giver! – Ma Marie Gwanmesia, Apopka, Florida

I really appreciate BCA for what it is doing. BCA has come a long way. With what the current administration is doing, many people are encouraged. All chapters are very engaged. Some people might not attend convention. But is not because they don’t like the convention. It might just be due to financial constraints and personal commitments. On the whole, people appreciate what BCA is all about. I wish us all the best. Let us keep focused on our goals. We shall succeed. – Ni Charly Doh, Washington DC