In an exclusive interview with AGERA's new Chairman Musa Jeng, he discribed Atlanta's July 4th celebration as "one of major Events in Gambian calendar" . Below is the full interview with the optimistic and upbeat chairman...

GON: Hello Mr. Jeng! It is a pleasure to have you at GON again.

Musa: It is indeed always a pleasure to speak to you guys...

GON: Are you breaking any news today?  You sound like it...A

Musa: The breaking news is what is; here we are again celebrating what is now considered one of the major events in the Gambian Calendar: July fourth reunion. July Fourth reunion 2009 will be celebrated this year July 03, 2009 to July 05, 2009.

GON: Our readers know you but just for the sake of this interview, how
would you like us to picture you again.

Musa: I am a Gambian who happens to leave outside of our homeland, but always believe that we cannot walk away from issues affecting our homeland whether is in the arena of politics or matters of our community. Our contribution to our community and homeland is relevant to all aspects of our development.

GON: Since the last time we spoke with former AGERA chairman Mr. Habib Mbye, how has things been shaping for AGERA?

Musa: AGERA has ushered in a new and bold agenda, and elections were held and a new team was voted into office. Habib is still part of the new team; he is still one of the LEADERS of this organization and his guidance is always crucial to everything we do.

GON: Before we go deep into talks here, Gainako is privy to a new
leadership of AGERA. We congratulate you for stepping up to the plate. Tell us a little about AGERA and the committee structural setup.

Musa: As Habib indicated in his last year’s interview, AGERA is really an organization managed by an Executive and in no way by a single individual. Bottom-line, elections were held and a new team was voted in, also reorganization was put in place with a bolder committee structure which will be responsible for implementing AGERA’s agenda for the future.

GON: Again, just a little buzz on your old wounds sir –has last year’s
issue in your community being finally resolved now? What are some of the successes and failures of AGERA?

Musa: Indeed, the entire Atlanta community is speaking with one voice, and our relationship with other community organizations is excellent. All of us in Atlanta ultimately see that we are all working for the interest of the community, and it is incumbent upon all of us to coordinate our activities and relationships for the betterment of our community. For instance, our sister organization GFAA celebrated their Mothers' day and Fathers' day event this year, and AGERA participated in these programs and there is really a climate of oneness and the beginning of collaboration and working together for the greater good. I am very optimistic about the Gambian community in Metro Atlanta.

GON: July 4th is at the corner. Atlanta is known to be the famous place for the celebration. Tell us a little about these events and why it is important for us all as Gambians and American residents.

Musa: I am assuming that you are referring to the book review, and immigration forum. This is organized by AGERA, and the whole purpose is to celebrate Gambian Authors and their successes. In addition, we always strive to make the July Fourth celebration to be a lot more than the parties, which without a doubt is a huge component of the festivities.

GON: What do we expect on the day? I mean entertainment, educational, cultural, …etc 

Musa: starting Friday; Immigration forum and an author’s forum with Dr. Nyang, Dr. Saine, Yankuba Mambureh and Halifa Sallah. This is one event that all of us should attend. That same evening, there will be an elaborate cultural jamboree, Seruba – celebrating and embracing our Mandinka culture; Mbalax drumming, celebrating our Wolof heritage, a famous singer from Mali; and a fashion show. Now, there is a new element – Jola dancers, I am sure you must be saying how about the “riti” (laugh) and our Fula heritage. I can assure you that AGERA will not settle for anything until we are able to embrace and celebrate the richness of all our Gambian cultures.

Saturday, we will be starting with the soccer tournaments, and the main Gala Night with guest artist from London and a surprise guest artist from the Gambia is at work as well.

We will cap it off on Sunday with a Grand Picnic with the soccer final, and a fare well party at night. July fourth 2009 is going to be a one to be remembered for years to come. You do not want to miss this one.

GON: I am sure you cannot silent your critics. It is alleged that July 4th
is a propeller for some individuals who usually boast their gatherings by attaching some political functions. Share this story with us and how can you convince them that July 4th is on its own. 

Musa: There is one reality that all of us will agree, and that is July fourth has become one of the most successful events outside of the Gambia; it has really become the celebration of our national day. The organizers are fully aware why people are attracted to the program. The focus is always why people come to Atlanta and we work on catering for their expectation. Now, political events which do not really on their own a main driver of attracting people but still relevant to our development can bring in to reinforce its relevance to our quest for a greater Gambia.

If political events are really crowd pullers, you would have seen people heading into Chicago Labor Day celebration which is typically known for its political forums.

GON: Mr. Jeng, you are just comfortable being a part of organizations and that makes you a viable person. Please share some motivation skills with us.

Musa: I am not sure of comfortability or viability for that matter, but I think I am indeed a junky for being part of something meaningful, and ultimately making a difference in my community

GON: We appreciate the time to interview with us.
 Be rest assured Gainako will grace the occasion and will give live coverage of all the events to our esteem readers.

Musa: Again, we thank Gainako and all the online newspapers in their effort to help in the selling of our program, and ultimately the Gambian agenda.

For all our guests this coming July Fourth, they can contact the Hyatt Place at the Airport – we have negotiated a special discount rate. When you make the reservation, just ask for the Gambian discount which is $59.00. You can visit Hyatt Place .com.

Thanks,

Musa Jeng

AGERA

Chairperson