N
ew Youth President Appointed, 2018 Convention Theme, BOD Meeting in March, MPC scheduled for completion December 2018,
At a virtual townhall meeting on Sunday January 21, the national president Ni Clarence Ndangam briefed members on recent decisions and provided updates on projects. BCA's National Executive have appointed Ma Pheasan Ngang as Interim President of BCA Youths. She takes over from Ma Vanessa Njinjoh. Ma Pheasan is a member of BCA Southern Texas and also secretary of the membership committee. She received an award in 2017 for her dedication and service. She will lead the BCA Youths until elections are organized later this year.
MPC chair Ba Nkom Gwanbidbila Ngati updated members on progress with the construction of the MPC. Landscaping of the facility is almost complete and the entire facility is scheduled for completion in December 2018.
BCA Board Chair Ba Fogam informed members that the Board of Directors will be holding its first in person meeting on March 17th 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia.The meeting will be hosted by the Chair.
During the town hall, the president also announced that the theme for this year's convention will be:
" 30 Years of Family, Culture and Community".The theme is a reflection of BCA-USA's vision and mission to reunite Bali Nyonga sons and daughters celebrating the rich heritage of Bali Nyonga while giving back to our community.
Two BCA Members Elevated to Bali Nobility by HRH Ganyonga II
December honors in Bali recognize leadership and service.
At a special ceremony at the Bali Nyonga Royal Palace on December 30th, His Majesty Doh Ganyonga III, former BCA-USA president Ni Alex (Ba Sam) Ngati was knighted as one of the Fon's Ministers and given the title of Ba Nkom Gwanbidbila. BCA Project Committee Chair and President of Nkumu Fed Fed Washington DC was bestowed the title of Na Jalla, becoming the youngest woman to receive the title. Both nobles spoke with the BCA Publications Committee about what the title meant for them.
Na Jalla Justine Njafuh
"While it came as a pleasant surprise, it gave me joy for what it symbolizes not just to my person as an individual but more importantly to women in Bali Community back home and the wider world (Diaspora). The appointment and installation of a Na Jalla is the equivalent of the English honors tradition of an achiever who has impacted her society. His highness, (Senator) Dr. Doh Ganyonga III with his Councilors and Advisers found me worthy of being honored as one of his four jewels as we are also called.
In my peculiar case where I am the youngest Na Jalla on account of my dedication to community service both back home and out here in the diaspora, this honor, I do not claim alone but celebrate as the culmination of a supported leadership by those that I have been blessed to lead.
I am also elated that my submission to the authority of Jesus Christ with the required Christian humility blessed me with understanding in our communities so much that I can confidently continue and even increase my community leadership and mentoring Work where faith, integrity, and selflessness assist in defining and assuring achievement. I look forward to continuing what earned me the honor and to mentor deserving candidates for similar office in future"
Ba Nkom Gwanbidbila Ngati
"Receiving this honour came as a shock. It was never on my radar. During my time as president of BCA-USA, I served the organization without harboring hopes for any recognition or honors. I had never even harbored ambitions to be president of the organization. You may well know, that I took up a leadership position in the association only in 2009 when I served as a committee chair. Being conferred this title and receiving the "Nfe ngu" at the same time is a huge honor for me, my family and broader BCA family. I am humbled by the recognition from His Royal Highness. I do not lose sight of the responsibilities that come with the title. I shall continue to serve our community as best as I can."
Celebrating 60 Years of Being Awesome: Ma Kahlang Fondong
December 2017 saw celebrations for a special lady in Los Angeles
Happy Birthday Ma Kahlang!!.
We wish you many more blessed years ahead.
CALENDAR
BCA Activities, Events and Dates
Date
Event
January 31
Deadline to buy specially discounted convention packages
March 9 -10
BCA Eastern Chapter Cultural Night. (see flyer below)
March 17
Board of Directors in Person Meeting
March 30
Deadline for convention early bird package sales and kids registration
April 30
Deadline for convention standard package sales and kids registration
May 15
Deadline for convention package sales for late bloomers
May 25 - 29
Annual National Convention
May 31
Deadline to pay BCA membership dues for fiscal year 2017 - 2018
January Birthdays
Happy birthday and best wishes to the following BCA members who celebrated birthdays in January.
Great Lakes 23rd Ni Fidelis Kaspa
Eastern 9th Ma Judith Nwana 11th Ma Stella Tekwe 12th Ma Nagwa Fonjoe & Ma Nagella Nukuna
Southern Chapter 1st Ni Christian Sama 5th Ma Esona Fomuso 9th Blaise Azangue Jr. 9th Ma Helen Nkwah 10th Ba Fogam 13th Ma Loveline Simaze 15th Ni Kenneth Gwanmesia 19th Baby Helen Azangue 20th Baby Vednyongha Fobesi 21st Ni Blaise Azangue
Southern Texas Ma Sang 1st Pa John Awah 1st Mami Rebecca 1st Mami Lucy Sikod 02nd Christopher Ajong 6th Lovala Ajong Jr 11th Ni Charles Tamasang 15th Fanyuy Epo 17th Jaelle Virginie Tchalla 20th Ni Simon Dayebga Nkwah 26th Ma Margaret Atanu Okumgba. 30th Ni Sama Awah 30th
Birth Announcements
Ma Andin and Ni Louis Fogam of Oklahoma City welcomed Baby Gima to their family. Congratulations !
Kah Elise and Ni Peter Fokum welcome Baby Mariah Valuma. Congratulations!
Con-Graduation! Celebrating December 2017 Graduates
Nagela Nukuna
University: Georgia Tech
Degree: Industrial and Systems Engineering
Name: Segala Tita
University: University of Central Oklahoma
Degree: Bsc Biology (Pre Med)
Holiday Happenings!
BCA Northern California Members Celebrate Christmas
BCA Midwest (Denver) members Celebrate Christmas
BCA Oklahoma Launched the Ntumbong Dance
25 Things You Should Know About Dallas
Courtesy of Mental Floss
The Lone Star State's third-largest city is a sprawling metroplex, boasting a rich history, signature snacks, and internationally-recognized architecture. Read on to learn more about the place residents call the "Big D."
