I am glad you saw my point. It is deception in news coverage when stale news is presented to look like new news. That is all I am saying. Except for the parts that cover the upcomming festival, most of the story belongs to a period immediately following Adelaide's assumption of the Presidency. Why is it hard for everyone to understand this simple fact. Perhaps, because of my experience in the newspaper business and news coverage as a reporter, I have an understanding of news that is different from people who still can't get the point. As far as I am concerned, Madison Times can write a ten page story about Ms.Fiske and the AAM, but if it is a news item, it has got to be new.

In response to Askia, I can simply say that I have nothing against Godwin. I do not even know the guy. I guess I have seen him for a few brief moments two or three times. That's it. I never had any discussion with him at all. So I do not understanding why I would have anything against someone I do not know anything about.

If I present my personal opinion about situations and events, I do not expect anyone to necessarily agree with me. And so, my personal opinions and views are not meant to be read in a way that is seen as write or wrong. You may form an opinion about me based on what I write, but always remember that I am not trying to make you agree with what I say or write about.

"Kumapayi, Ray" <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

I just read the article. I can see how Adelaide Fiske's ascendancy to AAM presidency may be seen as a recent event; obviously a news reporter bungled, nevertheless, it is still all good. The article narrated Adelaide's journey to US and upliftment of herself, encouragement to others and especially women to aspire to reach their chosen goals and her plans for AAM's positive growth in its position as a shelter for Africans in Madison Area. Adelaide went further to discuss our festival. The article was placed such to augment our upcoming festival. Inside the paper, our festival ad was displayed. It is a very good article! As Aggo said, the article mentions Godwin once as outgoing president. How on earth could you reach the conclusion that Godwin fed the newspaper? And what if Godwin fed the newspaper? Godwin is a leader within Madison community and our African community as many others on this listserv. With Godwin's role on this year's Festival Planning Committee, do you know whether I or Adelaide gave him the responsibility? It is no wonder Askia asked whether you had something against Godwin. Besides, freedom of speech has its limits; there is such a thing as slander/libel! Do yourself a favor, read the article again!

Constructive criticisms is always welcome for our positive growth but to criticize without the benefit of research leaves you so wide open such that it appears you are not truly informed. From your past postings, I can confidently say that you definitely need to take the time to assess situations and be more resourceful prior to a pronouncement. It is not enough to react to your first instinct; this is why I am not waiting for your rationale! Your lack of knowledge of AAM workings & many other organizations attached to this listserv is obviously why so many on this listserv request that you get involved. Believe it or not, AAM can be a resource for you; this is one of the reasons we have AAM. Please take the time to contemplate these discussions for it is so easy to lose oneself in cyberspace.

Cheers and have a great day.

-----Original Message-----
From: mathew jallow [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Friday, August 06, 2004 3:42 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Article; AAM President

I hope you are not misunderstanding my position with regards this matter. My only beef about this is that it is an OLD STORY that has no revelance a year after it had happened. It has nothing to do either with being curious about Ms. Adlaide Fiske's achievement to date. Simply put if there is to be a story about the AAM President in The Madison Times, it ought to reflect her accomplishments and challenges. Sources Times intimated to me that the story had to do with the forthcomming Africafest, in short to serve as an encouragement for people to attend. Beyond that I do not see where the subject of titles has relevance to this matter. I am not talking about writing about Ms.Fiske's titles at all.

Kelechi Eke <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

Mr. Jallow,

I welcome the opportunity to work towards anything that will benefit our people (as time permits) but I still disagree with you on this subject given your last reply to bro Godwin. I recall a posting that Mr. Redd made here a few weeks ago and you rejected his writing and cited how educated AAM members are and how they do not care about titles and accolades. I'm sure you recall. No matter what "someone at the Times believes": do you believe that these same AAM members would let one person have the "ultimate say" on what goes on with the organization? Even decisions made by sister Adelaide or previous AAM presidents have not been a one-man show.

The article was not posted on this forum, which was why I found your initial posting baseless. But if you believe it should focus on sister Adelaide's achievements and challenges at this particular time of her administration then please check with her schedule, interview her and publish the good things she has done for AAM for the past year or gather her responses and send it to Madison Times for a sequel to yesterday's article that you read. Let us start finding solutions to problems instead of compounding them. Peace.

- Kelechi

Do you Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Mail - 50x more storage than other providers!