Mungaka Corner By Ni Gahlia Gwangwa'a
Mu du yo toñ.
Tsu Nnanna Bo a ba To'ti
(Idiomatic Expressions and Meanings)
Yi a ka la mu (Previous)
Ñnkud kud, ndzubo.
Literary interpretation: A hard worker does not eat.
That is: One never reaps the fruits of one's labor.
To'ti ni Muñgaka:
Le bo ñga: ñgañ-kud kud (fa' fa') ma ni ndzu
bo.
Yi a bo Ndio a (Present)
Mu bo du yo
toñ
Literary interpretation:
I am the bee that discovers a hive
That is: Such a bee is often killed when the rest of the bees occupy the new
hive (new abode or new home).
To'ti ni
Muñgaka:
Le bo ñga: Du yi a yo toñ a, ni ñgo mfuñ fad
bi. Ndip bo to mbi tso wu' le, bo ñño' i.
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CONVENTION 2010:
BABY SITTING OPTIONS
Babysitting services will be available on Friday and Saturday from 8pm - 3am.
Parents in need of babysitting during the convention can contact Ma Emma Daiga by email @ kahma 2002@yahoo.com or phone number: 240 731 5698
Babies from ages 0 to 2 shall be $20 per child Families with more than two kids shall pay $20 each for the first
two kids and $10 each for the other children for example 2= $20 a night 3 kids shall be $50 a night 4 kids shal $60 a night 5 kids shall be $70 a night
To ease identification, kids should bear the same last names or have proof that
they come from the same household.
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BCA-USA Gift Shop
As
we count down to the convention, we are delighted to bring you a great
selection of specially designed apparels for the convention.
Check out the BCA Giflt shop online today. Place your orders today. Get what that you like, in the
colour you prefer and a the size that
suits you. It is simple: select your t-shirt, choose a colour and size
that suits you and then proceed to check out. For most t-shirts, our
sizes range from small to 2X and 3X.
All items are produced when you place your order. Orders are
shipped all over the USA and the world. All major credit cards are
accepted. Not satisfied with your order? There is also an excellent
customer service to handle all returns/exchanges.
Visit our store today and place your order. To get your items before the weekend, we recommend premium shipping to an address in Baltimore or Washington DC.
If you have questions about
items on the shop, drop us an email at: gifts@bca-usa.org
Enjoy shopping and see you in Baltimore,
The Gift Shop store managers
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Are you on Facebook? Join BCA-USA on Facebook 
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Last Minute Convention Checklist
- Confirm convention package
- Confirm flights and car rentals
- Confirm hotel reservations
- Arrange babysitting
- Get BCA convention t-shirt
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Fun Facts About Baltimore
By Ma Diane Daiga
The city of Baltimore was named after Lord Baltimore in the Irish House of Lords, the founding proprietor of the Maryland Colony. Lord Baltimore himself took his title from a place in Bornacoola parish, in Ireland. Baltimore is an anglicized form of the Irish Baile an Tí Mhóir, meaning "Town of the Big House".
Baltimore is an independent city and the largest city and cultural center of the state of Maryland. The city is located in central Maryland along the tidal portion of the Patapsco River, which sits on an arm of the Chesapeake Bay. Baltimore is sometimes referred to as Baltimore City in order to distinguish it from surrounding Baltimore County. It was founded in 1729 with a population of approx. 638,000, and has a very busy seaport. Baltimore's Inner Harbor was once the second leading port of entry for immigrants in to the United States and a major manufacturing center. The harbor is now home to Harborplace, a shopping, entertainment, and tourist center, and the National Aquarium in Baltimore. After a decline in manufacturing, Baltimore shifted to a service-oriented economy. Johns Hopkins University and Johns Hopkins Hospital are now the city's largest employers.
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Bali Nyonga On Wikipedia Lets write our own story.
Click the Wiki logo above to add to or edit what we have so far about Bali Chamba in general and Bali Nyonga in particular.
Send questions, concerns and comments to wikipedia@bca-usa.org |
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Note from the President |
23rd Annual Convention
Theme: Preserving our
Culture for Posterity
Dear Members,
The countdown to our Annual Convention is underway. On behalf of the national executive, I warmly invite you to join us on Memorial Day Weekend from Thursday May 27th,
2010 to Monday May 31st, 2010 for our 23rd Annual Convention This year the
convention
will be hosted by our brothers and sisters in the Baltimore-Washington
DC Metro
area - home to one of the largest assemblage of Bali Ndahkums outside Cameroon.
The
theme of this year's
convention is "Preserving Our Culture for Posterity". With our culture
facing
new challenges, this convention will present an opportunity for us to
reflect on renewing interest in culture and preserving our rich heritage for the next
generation just like our parents did for us via literary works, art,
music and
folk tales.
This year's convention participants can look forward to a different reflections
of the convention beginning on Friday May 28th 2010 with
planned
activities to recognize and honor all those in our midst who have
written books
and research papers about Bali Chamba. The Guest Speaker for our annual Night of Glamour fundraising dinner will be our very own Dr. Gahlia Gwangwa'a from Alexandria,
Virginia.
Our
General assembly scheduled for Saturday May 29th, 2010 will feature two
other
great minds in our community. The Keynote speaker will be Dr. Jude
Fokwang of
Toronto,
Canada - author of
Mediating Legitimacy: Chieftaincy and Democratization in Two African
Chiefdoms. Dr Fokwang is an anthropologist who has carried out
extensive
research about different cultures not just in Cameroon but Africa as
well. The general assembly will also
feature as guest speaker, Dr Gwan-Nulla Daniel (MD) a thoracic surgeon
based in
Missouri. We are very excited and
grateful to them for accepting to be a part of the convention.
Last
year we took a step in
the right direction by wrapping up the general assembly deliberations at
3:45PM.
This year it is my hope that we will maintain the same discipline with
our time
management. This being an election year, we anticipate finishing our
deliberations at 4:00PM. The convention presents a rare opportunity for
families
and groups of friends separated by distance and time all over the world,
to
re-unite. We would like to encourage families to take advantage of the
time slot
immediately following the general assembly and before the Saturday night
Gala,
to schedule their family reunions and other group get-togethers.
Make plans now to join us for an exciting convention on Memorial Weekend.
See you in Baltimore.
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From the Publications Committee
With this edition of Ba Sa Ko
e? the current Publications Committee bids farewell to our readers. On behalf of the Publications Committee we want to say Thank You to all
our readers. Thank you for your support, comments and suggestions concenring Ba Sa Ko
e? We started publishing the e-newsletter in June of
2009 with the objective of providing frequent updates to BCA's membership about the association, its members and our community in general. After close to a year of publishing the electronic newsletter, we have successfully built and maintained a good readership among BCA members. Although, reaching 100% of the BCA membership has remained an elusive target for us, we are honoured to have made a significant contribution to this association's communication strategy. This is our last edition as a committee
as we will be handing over to the next publications committee. We wanted to take the
time to say Thank You to all our readers. Our committee is grateful for the
opportunity to have served you. We appreciate your time and support, and hope you have enjoyed all our publications. We thank
you and hope you will continue to support the next Publication
Committee.
Committee members:
Ni Emmanuel Babila, Ni Gahlia Gwangwa'a, Ni Kenneth Gwanmesia, Ma Kate Fofung,
Ba Jerry Domatob, Ma Lilian Ndangam Fokwang, Ma Eva Ndangam and Ni Victor Gomia (Chair)
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Welcome to BaltimoreBy Ma Diane Daiga Local Hosting Committee The drumbeats from Dallas still echo in our ears. It seems like only yesterday. But I promise you, the city of Baltimore and the patriotic Bali people of the Greater Washington Metropolitan Area await you with great preparation and elevated anticipation. The month of May as you already know evokes a deep sense of nostalgia in the hearts of every Bali person both at home and abroad as our annual conventions here in the USA have now become synonymous to the Lela festivities away from home.
This time, the largest conglomerates of Ndakums in the USA are coming under one umbrella to host what will go down in history as the highly prestigious 23rd Annual BCA-USA Convention.
If you are still wondering if the convention will be worth your while, please think no further! This convention is intended to surpass your expectations. So what do we have in store for you? Lots of pleasant surprises! Keep in mind, the surprises are embedded in the programs, all to be unraveled upon your arrival. Things like the Kukuwa Dance Workout by Ma Feh Gwanyalla and the Female Soccer Match being coordinated by someone I know only too well - Ma Diane Daiga (smile please), are just some of the spicy snippets awaiting you!
Mfed Ba, there are some things in life that hearing about may suffice. But there are others that you simply must witness in Person! BCA-USA convention fits right into that category! If this will be your first time participating in the convention, it will be our pride to imprint your memorable first impressions. And for those who make it a duty every year, we are certainly obliged to you!
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BCA-USA 2010 Elections: Meet Your Candidates
Julius N. Ndangam
Candidate for President of BCA
I
wish to seek re-election as President of BCA-USA during the forthcoming elections.
My commitment to this association is best reflected in my actions over the last
two years as President and the six years preceding that, as Secretary General. Over
the past two years, I have worked with the executive and NEC to expand and
re-structure BCA's membership, strengthen its communication with the members,
and enhance transparency and accountability in its decision making process.
These changes are borne out of my vision that power and change is more
effective when it comes from the grassroots.
Continue reading Ni Julius Ndangam's personal statement
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Ma Maggie Galega Yongho
Candidate for Office of Financial Controller
I am heartened by
your nomination, show of support and belief in my candidacy as your financial
controller of BCA USA. To those who have placed their trust in me, and with
great hope for our organization, I am immensely thankful. I am inspired by the
trust you have bestowed upon me as the candidate best equipped to oversee the
finances of our great organization.
BCA USA owes its
success to both the hard work and dedication of its leadership and the loyalty
and commitment of its diverse membership. The role of the financial controller
is akin to that of a gate keeper who watches over the coffers of an
organization with honesty, attention to detail and dedication. It requires
someone with integrity, who is equally reliable, responsible and respectful. What I want to do in this capacity will be
just that and more. I plan to pursue a fiscally responsible policy on financial
affairs with an increased accountability for every dollar spent. As a financial
controller, I will forcefully initiate discussions on questionable financial
transactions, and report every detail of the financial situation to the membership.
Continue reading Ma Maggie Galega Yongho's personal statement~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ni Blaise N. Azangue
Candidate for Financial Controller
I want to first
take a moment to extend my sincere appreciation to every person who nominated me
as a candidate for the position of Controller/Financial Secretary. I also
want to seize this opportunity to re-introduce myself and to state the reasons
I am running for the position of Controller/Financial Secretary for
BCA-USA, and why I believe I am the better candidate for the office.
Continue reading Ni Blaise Azangue's personal statement
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Ni Samuel S. Dinga
Candidate for Public Relations Officer
It takes willingness and ability to serve
others. I have demonstrated in the past four years that I have these two
qualities and more. For two years I served as a member of
the Cultural Committee where my committee and I came up with new and
exciting events for the cultural night. I participated and played a
verity of instruments to assist the different dance groups. In the past
two years I was a co-chair person of the Membership Committee. During
these two years, my committee has developed creative ways of recruiting
new members and retaining existing members. Our record speaks for itself
as we have continued to beat our records and continue to create new
ones.
Continue reading Ni Samuel Dinga's personal statement
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Doh Geka - Banyuga Pefok
Candidate for BCA-USA Treasurer
I am seeking re-election as Treasurer of BCA-USA. In the summer 1987, a number of persons, including Ni Joe
Fonjoe, Ma Liga Mutia, Ni Nubea Lima, Ma Andin Mutia, Banyuga and a few others
met on several occasions to discuss the possibility of starting an organization
for the Bali people here in the US. Coincidentally, others elsewhere were
having a similar discussion which eventually culminated in a meeting in Atlanta GA
later that year.
I have been quite active in BCA-USA since I attended my
first convention in Northern California in
1990. I have held a number of positions in the association over the years,
including Chairperson of the Awards committee, Chairperson of the Membership
Committee, Financial Secretary and Treasurer.
Continue reading Doh Geka's personal statement
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Asked & AnsweredWe bring you responses to your questions about BCA. Question: Why is BCA USA financial information confidential? Why is it that I have never seen a report on donations
made towards the MPC? Question submitted by Anonymous
member in Eastern chapterAnswer: BCA USA publishes its
financial report soon as after the fiscal year ends. The financial
report is usually mailed out to the BCA e-group, and a copy is published
on the monthly Newsletter Ba Sa Ko e. This report has never been
confidential. If you are not subscribed to the BCA e-group please
contact the BCA secretary general to get subscribed. Also, if you are not receiving the monthly
Ba Sa Ko'e? newsletter, please send an email to publications@bca-usa.org Regarding donations made towards the Multipurpose Center, the Fundraising
Committee is currently in the process of putting together a detailed
report to show all donations received towards the MPC. If you have
previously made a donation, you will be receiving an email from them
soon. If you don't hear from them, please send an email to fundraising@bca-usa.org
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Question: Why do we keep going to the same
cities to host the convention? Why can't we go to different cities? Question
submitted by anonymous member
in The CarolinasAnswer: The venue for the convention is usually decided two years in
advance at the convention. It is nominated by the chapter and voted on
by the general assembly. In recent years, the growth of BCA USA has been
overwhelming on smaller chapters as they have been unable to host such a
huge crowd. However, efforts are currently underway to look into
catering the entire convention. If that can be done, we hope that in the future
we can be able to go to newer cities and have a good convention without
any concern that the chapter may be unable to host the crowd. |
Convention 2010
Female Soccer Team Line Up Announced! By Ma Diane Daiga and Ma Dora Fomunung One of this year's most anticipated sporting event at the convention is the female soccer. The soccer encounter pitching the DC Metrolettes against the Out of Town Conquerers is scheduled for Sunday May 30th. Since its inclusion in this year's convention line up, the friendly but
competitive game has gained more momentum with over 35 participants registered so far. Ma Diane Daiga leads the DC Metrolettes while Ma Dora Fomunung is the team coordinator and coach of the Out of Town Conquerers. View a complete team line up here. |
BCA's Night of Glamour 2010
Night of Glamour - BCA's premier fundraising dinner is scheduled for Friday May 28th this year. Last year the event raised over $21,000 for the Bali Multipurpose Center (BMC) - the highest ever amount of money raised for the project in one event. See the 2009 Night of Glamour here. This year, the fundraising committee has put together another entertaining programme for the evening. 6pm: Red Carpet 6.45pm: Welcome of Guests and Introduction of
Officials (Ba Nji Fonjoe and Ma Bri Voma) 6.55pm: Opening
Prayer (Rev Dan Pefok) 7.00pm: Dinner 8pm: Welcome to
Baltimore-Washington (Ni Julius/Ni Charles/Ni Gabby/Ni Vally) 8.20pm:
Musical by Wuluma Fofung 8.30pm: Musical by Langmia and Nina Fonjoe 8:
35pm: Introduction of Keynote Speaker (Ma Lilian) 8.40pm: Key Note Speaker (Dr. Gahlia Gwangwa'a) 8.55pm: Musical interlude - Live Band 9pm: MPC Presentation Ba Nkom Lima
9.15pm: Hip Hop by Ndam
&Co
9:30pm: Fundraising
10:00pm:Music
request from live band 10:30 pm: Second part of Fundraising 11.00pm: Comedy interlude
11:15pm: Music by Odilia Njinjoh
11.20pm:
Dance by Njinjoh and Nchamukong kids
11.25pm: Music by Elizabeth Njabet 11:30pm:Dance floor opens
1:30am:Closing remarks (Ma Bri or Ba Nji) |
Convention Dreams and Expections
By Ba Jerry K. DomatobAs convention approaches Dreams and expectations rise Like blooming rose flower That tower and power Sometimes it's just hope Deceiving like
dope That there might be something Where there is nothing Often it's faith and confidence Which demolish diffidence Raising aspiration Like new inspiration Click here to continue reading... |
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BCA-USA's
Washington D.C's 2011 New Beginning
By Ba Jerry K. DomatobIn concert with tradition BCA-USA, since foundation Like global leaders, often convenes, in Washington, D.C. For cheerful deliberation and celebration But 2011 marked a new beginning As members luxuriously gathered Rather than squat in floors and basements Participants graced, star-studded hotels This stood in diametrical opposition To Atlanta's modest start, almost a quarter century
ago When mainly struggling students, converged To commiserate, concert and concretize BCA-USA Like organic associations Imbued with men and women of mission BCA-USA carved a splendid vision Members strategically, executed as tacticians Click here to continue reading...
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Hatches, Matches and Dispatches BIRTH
ANNOUNCEMENTSMa Nahjella Awah and Ni Anthony
Ngafor of Houston welcomed a baby Anthony Jr into their family in April. Congratulations to Ma Nah and Ni Anthony. Best wishes to the entire family.
CON-GRADUATIONS Congratulations the following graduates: Ma Lora Fogam who graduates on Wednesday 26th May from Mercy University, New York with a BSc Majoring in Biology. Ni Vanessa Kayeba Fomunung, who graduated from Columbus State Universty, Georgia, with a BSc in Health Sciences Ni Kenneth Sabum Fomunung, graduated from University of Houston, Texas, with a BA in Communications minor in Psychology Ma Bridget Kaspa wife of our BCA USA Vice President who graduates from Pharmacy School on Thursday May 27th. Ma Nguendap Gwanyalla Fokum who graduated from University of Massachussetts Amhest with a BSc in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Ni Lebga Gwanvalla who graduated from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth with a BA in Crime & Justice Studies minor in French. |
News from the Bali Diaspora Around the World
BCA Germany Annual Convention  Date: July 30- 31 2010 Location: Essen Contacts: President: Ni Feh Francis + 49 (0) 173 191 7869 Vice President: Ma Patience Fokumlah + 49 (0)1520 788 5035 Publicity Secretary: Ma Andin Therese + 49 (0) 162 569 2186
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Around the Country: Chapter Updates and Events
SOUTHERN
BCA-ATLANTA
Next Meeting - June 26th 2010Host: Ma Kuna Nukuna-NjowirAddress: TBD
NORTHERN C ALIFORNIA
Next MeetingHosts: Ni Dinga & Ma Noella Nfon
Venue: 5841 Masoni Place, Gilroy 95020
Contact: 408 239 3644
Date: June 5 2010
Northern California News
BCA Northern California has a new executive.
President: Ma Evans Fogam
Secretary: Ma Boh Fielding Geh
PR: Ma Pam Fielding Sona
Treasurer: Ni Dinga Nfon
Financial Secretary: Ni Ben Gwandiku
Adviser: Ba Nkom Edwin Njinimbam
Cultural Adviser: Ma Hilda Njinimbam
2011 Convention Committee Chair: Ma Patience Fielding
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MIDWEST
GREATER KANSAS CITY
Next Meeting - June 19th 2010
Host: Ma Mado and Ni Julius Ndangam
Address: 2113 SE 7th Str, Lees Summit, MO 64063
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SOUTHERN TEXAS
Houston:Next Meeting: June 19th 2010Host: TBD CAROLINAS
Next meeting: June 12thHost: Ma Segmia TataVenue:RaleighOKLAHOMA
Next meeting: Saturday, June 12th 2010
Host: Ni Sama and Ma Nicoline Jangha
Venue: 2132 Houston Ave # D
Norman,OK 73071
Time: 8 PM prompt.
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