Abdirizaq Lafoole a local Minnesotan opens with greetings to participants –
He introduced Nasir of Atlanta for the reading of Dua/Quran.
Nasser after reading a few Ayats of Quran then lectures on fearing Allah and
the responsibility of ones life most specifically as a Muslim. He said we
need to be aware of using our life duty to worship God at the same time to
be useful to ones family and brotherhood. He also emphasized the
importance of Salaat and Ebada/Tawheed. He closes by welcoming all the
participants to this annual conference.
Farah Hussain, a local Minnesotan as well, takes the podium. He touches
upon those who traveled from other states and other far locations/ cities with
a special welcome to the 7th conference on the day of our own national
independence day. He also welcomed the organizing committee and other
participants.
Board Members individually did their presentations including the
financial/account update (See power-point slides prepared by Board
Treasurer, Adam Weli for more details.)
Lafoole takes the stand again and recognizes stately elders and well known
participants. He acknowledged the women in attendance as well.
He introduces Farah Hussain to give the introduction to the first speaker –
former Ambassador Mr. Mahamoud Haji Nur of VA. He gave a rundown
of Mr. Noor’s work and diplomatic history throughout the years.
Mahamoud Haji Nur: Thanked for the lovely and warm introduction.
He references the last conference in VA, his hometown here in the States.
He spoke about some of the faults of the Somali behavior being often
focused on negativity and pessimism. He said that at times the way we are
and the way that others see us are two different things. “This organization is
ours, and if we cannot do much through it then what else is there needed?”…
he added, “We have to let go of emotional thinking or basing too much
emphasis on it. Bravery and manhood is needed to get things accomplished.”
Ambassador Nur, referenced that the board members had already covered a
lot of what he had prepared on his speech but that he will move on - he
spoke on the importance of membership and fundraising efforts… he gave
the example of some people buying things like a box of cigarettes being
something they can do without and instead use that money to donate instead.
“We should teach our people to not wait on others helping but to help
themselves and their people.” He asked generally, “But what do we focus
on, wells/water, education or health? When we measure – contributions can
spread evenly out.” He went on to state: There are many people who’s
educational skills are basically useless. Vocational training is needed in the
region so that those people can be taught a will and means to teach others.
Those more in number and more active than us men are the women. There
is a western saying that goes: “behind every successful man is a successful
woman.” They are better at fundraising than the men because people don’t
turn women down. Let’s take advantage of the women’s powers and utilize
their abilities. He closes that we need your knowledge and manpower so
please get involved.
The Floor opened up for comments and questions – convention participants
take the microphones set in aisles of the conference room. Then there was a
Poetry reading by: Abdisameed of Ohio (a 5 minute very touching reading).
Questions then resumed for the board - board member answered the
questions accordingly.
The Entire participating attendants of the 7th Annual Conference nominated
potential new board members for the coming year. Forms were passed
around and then collected.
SSHDA Board Candidates
- Abdirazak M. Aden (Lafoole) (Candidate)
- Abdirahim A. Omar Amey (Candidate)
- Nasir H. Warsama (Candidate)
- Mohamed Hassan H. Ahmed (Candidate)
- Ayan Ahmed (Sitting Board Member)
- Niama M.H. Nur (Sitting Board Member)
- Volunteer Members if any
Duhur Prayer then took place
Meeting resumes and Board members tally up the votes –shortly after, Adam
Weli and other board members tally up the votes. Abdirahman Farah then exposed
through power-point listing, those with the highest number of nominations.
The following were the results:
SSHDA New Board Directors
- Abdirazak M. Aden (Lafoole)
- Abdirahim A. Omar Amey
- Nasir H. Warsama
- Mohamed Hassan H. Ahmed
- Ayan Ahmed
- Niama M.H. Nur
- Adam Warsama
Abdrizaq Lafoole takes the mic on some necessities and goals and says that
these efforts are gains for the after life as well.
Women of Minnesota take the mic on African Community Services
Ms. Busad Ali(?):
She said that most of the beneficiaries of the African Community Services
happen to be Dulbahnate group. She encourages the women of MN to be
proactive. She closed with, “Today, we are here to give SSHDA support.”
Introduction of elderly leader to mic: Mr. Mohamed Aden Ahmed
He greeted and commented on the vote process positively. He encouraged
participants to pay up for membership and donations. “If you fall, you must
get back up.” He paid honor to our national day history.
Following:
An Award was mentioned to Dr. Sahra Awad for establishing Nursing School in Lasanod and donated her time and resources for the love of her country and people - Adam Weli
presented an audio feed from Radio LasAnod of the young woman and
stated that all young Somali ladies should imitate her efforts.
Mohammad Sadiq a Minnesotan, spoke briefly on one of the sitting board
Members, Ayan Ahmed, he verbally recognized her for her seven years of
commitment to SSHDA as a board member and contributor.
Lunch Break and Prayer.
Sister Asli of Minnesota spoke on behalf of Minnesota women: “We want our men to show more respect. She said that there is a lot of value to our daughters and woman and that has to be recognized by the men.”
The local organizing committee strived for more membership/to fill out
forms and pay not only their membership fee of $100.00 but whatever else
they are able to add.
Brother Asad served as MC after the lunch break – more on membership fee
payment encouragement. He announced that there is a participant male, who
he refrained from stating name, told him, “I don’t work nor have money, but
I’d like to donate my food stamps as money.” Asad said it gave him the
goose-bumps and others applauded.
One conferece participant then gave an update on Nugaal University.
Membership applications and payments were collected.
Water project update by another participant– “The well is in function and
some water functionality is existing… the future initiatives must be worked
on as there is a major need. Presenter said added, “We have to help our
people – don’t sleep on it, do something about it!”
CLOSING BY FARAH HUSSAIN AFTER ANNOUCING THE UPCOMING EVENINGS GATERING OF “SOMALI Weyn”
END OF DAY SESSION OF CONFERENCE |
