allAfrica.com: Gambia: Gambian-American Children Celebrates Gambia's 43rd Independences Anniversary

Gambia: Gambian-American Children Celebrates Gambia's 43rd Independences Anniversary -

Gambian American Children in Seattle once again on March 15, gathered to commemorate the 43rd Independence anniversary of the Republic of the Gambia. The children as part of the Gambian community's traditional colorful celebration of this historic day turned up in large numbers with their parents and relatives. The event was held at a local community center where the crowd shared the joy of a great milestone of Gambia's attainment of political sovereignty from British colonial rule in 1965.

The youngsters who are usually designated to represent the various traditional dignitaries from all three branches of the Gambia government namely: the executive; leaders of the legislative branch, and the judiciary. The kids were enthusiastic and jubilant upon learning of their participation in front of a huge crowd as dignitaries. They extraordinarily engage their parents a week in advance of the event and often talk about dressing in colorful ways as they fit into the image of a Gambian government official.

It was an amazing thing to see how excited these kids were to walk in front of the crowd waving their hands when they were called upon individually to occupy their seats as respected members of the government. Some make funny gestures towards the crowd and others shy away in excitement into their assigned seats.

This year's President designate was Mumamed Bah who walked in surrounded by the first lady and their entourage. The crowd stood and applauded in cheers with nostalgic feelings of the good old days of the republic of the Gambia at the Independence station in Bakau on a typical February 18 celebration.

The crowd with patriotic feelings proudly stood up to sing the National Anthem of the Republic of the Gambia: "For the Gambia our homeland" in a uniquely melodious way guided by a recorded tune of the National police band. The kids many of whom are US born citizens did not know the deep meaning of the national anthem but joined in the singing at the top of their lungs.

This annual celebration of Gambia's Independence is meant to educate the children of the culture of the Gambia and also to remind parents and other younger generation of Gambians of the significance of our history. It reminds the crowd that despite our comforts and enjoyment of freedom and democracy in the United States, Gambia is and shall always be our motherland where we don't only trace our roots but also owe our identity and good moral upbringing.

Part of the education for the children and the parents were a set of questionnaires on the history of Gambia and its attainment of independence. Surprisingly, some of the basic questions like the first Prime minister of the Gambia proved to be challenging to even the parents. Many participated in the question and answer session with amazement as to how much they really know about the history of our nation.

Other exciting traditional performances were done by a local mandinka entertainment commonly referred to as "KANKURANG" which is deeply rooted in our typical Gambian celebrations especially places like Janjanburay, Kuntaur, and in other areas of the country. The KANKURANG was extremely entertaining to the kids as many relate it to a clown or other cartoonists they see on Television. Some kids who spend part of their lives in the Gambia were surprise as to how we were able to bring a Kankurang to the United States. It was a fun moment for them.

Other programs incorporated for the day's celebration was a GALLA NIGHT for the Adults which was held at the later part of the night. The chief guest of honor for the occasion was Dr. James Freeman PHD, a former Gambian soccer super star and now renowned economic Professor at Wheaton College in Boston. Dr. Freeman spoke to the audience on issues affecting our community and the need for our younger generation to take advantage of numerous opportunities available to them to pursue knowledge and skills to be able to complete with their counterparts. Dr. Freeman also took questions from the audience. Dr. Freeman congratulated the leadership of the Seattle Gambia Association and the community for former what he regarded as "One of best organized Gambian communities in America. As a result of his impression of the community and the association the Professor donated Five hundred dollars ($500.00) towards the community's efforts to secure their own community center.

The President of the Seattle Gambia Association Mr. Momodou Mboob extends his profound appreciation to Mr. Freeman for taking the time to attend this significant event. He also thanks all those who donated in cash or kind towards the success of this event.

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