Issa
Fofana: A Promise Fulfilled
May
13, 2009
Momoh Sekou Dudu
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.
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-step 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.
