The 2013 July 4th events In Atlanta I have watched with utter dismay the blatant attempt to undermine the AGERA-organized 4th of July Gambian re-union. There is no doubt that the so called “Live West African DJs Festival” being organized and promoted by a man I love and respect dearly, in Mr. Solomon Silva, is meant to either settle a score with AGERA or to try to bring the well established July 4th re-union into disrepute. This is America where everybody has a right to choose, but we must not lose sight of what is important and in the interest of the people. The “DJs Festival” is a purely private enterprise where all funds generated will be for the few organizers whereas AGERA’s is purely for the community. Lest we forget, it was just a little over ten years ago when over ten Gambians were rounded up by the immigration services in Atlanta leaving the Gambian community in a state of confusion, due to the lack of a viable and responsive organization. Understanding what was at stake, the people mobilized not only to fight for the freedom of those hard working detained Gambians, but also the need to put in place a viable organization, hence the birth of Atlanta Gambia Emergency Relief Association ( AGERA). AGERA has since developed into one of the most vibrant organizations in the Diaspora. The main fundraising event for AGERA happens to be the July 4th event, which takes tremendous resources to organize and has ALL proceeds going to finance their well documented philanthropic programs such as: the repatriation of deceased Gambians, the help with hospital bills of Gambians, back to school backpack give back to Gambian children in Atlanta, graduation program for Gambian graduates in Atlanta, the sending of thousands of dollars worth of medical supplies to the Gambia, the sending of food, clothes and other items to flood victims to the Gambia. It is on this premise that I write to appeal to all Gambians in Atlanta and those travelling all over the world for the upcoming festivities+, to support the long standing July 4th events sponsored by AGERA, which in turn will provide more benefits for the community at large. While we support Mr. Silva’s individual entrepreneurial spirit, we mustn’t turn our backs on AGERA. Let us stand united with an organization that provides a greater good for a greater amount of people.
Posted on: Wed, 03 Jul 2013 02:46:44 +0000
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