Unity in Strength
BACDA USA, the Bakossi Cultural and Development Association, is a non-profit organization based in America. Comprised of Bakossi individuals and organizations, its mission is to safeguard and advance the vibrant cultural legacy of the Bakossi people from Cameroon. The association is dedicated to ensuring the transmission of Bakossi traditions, language, and values to future generations.
Vision
globally connected and empowered Bakossi community, rooted in its rich cultural heritage and contributing to the advancement of Bakossi
Mission
To nurture and preserve Bakossi culture, history, and language while fostering economic, academic, and social empowerment among the Bakossi people in the USA and beyond, through networking, cultural exchange, and collaborative development initiatives.
Values
Cultural Preservation: The organization is committed to "nurturing and fostering of the Bakossi cultural and traditional values" and "promote[s] Bakossi history, culture, and language." This is a core value.
Collaboration & Partnership: The organization aims to "collaborate with other organizations in advancing education and economic development." This value shows a commitment to working with others to achieve shared goals.
Community Empowerment: A primary goal is to "Promote economic, academic, and social empowerment among the Bakossi everywhere." This value focuses on improving the lives of the community members.
Cultural Integration: The organization seeks to "foster cultural integration in our host country, the USA, in strict compliance with its laws." This value demonstrates a forward-looking approach to embracing a new environment while maintaining cultural identity.
Unity & Fraternity: The text emphasizes the encouragement of "fraternity amongst the Bakossi through cultural and social interactions" and the creation of a "networking forum for BACDA-USA members." This highlights the importance of bringing people together.
Our History
In July 1990, the Washington D.C. chapter of the Bakossi Students Union (BASU), under the leadership of Nhon James Ndone Mbide, received an invitation to convene in New Jersey. This invitation was extended by Bakossi individuals who had become aware of their presence in the United States. Representatives from the Sobe's of Rochester, NY, also attended this gathering to ascertain the significant presence of Bakossi people in the U.S.A.
During this inaugural assembly, the NJ/NY chapter was formally established, with Moses Metuge Alobwede, also known as Ahidjo, assuming leadership. All attendees reached a consensus regarding the implementation of an annual meeting. The subsequent year, BASU-Washington D.C. served as the host for the convention, during which Rochester, NY, was designated as the venue for the following meeting. The objective of this subsequent gathering was to gain further insight into the Sobe community's residence and to commence the drafting of a constitutional framework for the organization.
Several years thereafter, Bakossi individuals residing in Atlanta, GA, founded their own group, integrating provisions from both the Washington D.C. chapter's constitution and the National constitution. The Atlanta chapter extended an offer to host the forthcoming convention, an invitation that was accepted by both the D.C. and NJ/NY chapters
At the Atlanta convention, the designation BASU-USA was formally modified to BACDA-USA, reflecting the fact that the majority of members were no longer matriculated students. This alteration also acknowledged the Atlanta chapter's chosen nomenclature, which resonated with members' aspirations to contribute to their ancestral homeland. Presently, BACDA-USA encompasses the following chapters in New England, Delaware Valley, Houston, Dallas fort worth, Oklahoma and Minnesota, with members also residing in Ohio, North Carolina, Arizona Illinois, Alabama and Michigan.
The contributions of individuals such as Nhon James Ndone Mbide, Moses Metuge Alobwede (Ahidjo), and the foundational members of BASU Washington D.C. are integral to the organization's historical trajectory. Furthermore, we recognize and honor the late Dr. Moses Akwensioge, whose residence served as the genesis for the initial concept of a meeting, and Dr. Dominic Ntube, for his diligent guidance of the Washington chapter, which is regarded as the "Mother Chapter." Additionally, new members, including Mr. Linus Ngide and Nhon George Enogene, have significantly enriched our cultural heritage.
The paramount objective of BACDA-USA is the preservation and promotion of our culture, thereby ensuring that succeeding generations are educated about their heritage and perpetually mindful of their origins.
Thank you
Yours Truly
Susan Eduke
ACHIEVEMENTS IN USA
What we've done in our local community
Community Service : BACDA USA is dedicated to "Giving Back" to its communities across the United States. We acknowledge the crucial support from our generous donors and aim to strengthen communal bonds through concrete initiatives. To achieve this, we are launching programs and projects that directly benefit the areas where our members live, promoting a spirit of reciprocity and community improvement. A key focus area is food security. Through its various chapters, BACDA USA addresses local hunger challenges by providing volunteer services at local food banks and soup kitchens.
Cultural Preservation : BACDA USA is dedicated to the active support and preservation of the Bakossi people's rich cultural heritage. The organization's annual convention serves as a platform to exhibit diverse aspects of Bakossi culture, including dance, cuisine, and traditional attire, with the objective of maintaining cultural identity for succeeding generations.
ACHIEVEMENTS IN CAMEROON
What we've done in the Bakossi community
BACDA USA is committed to improving the welfare of the Bakossi people in Cameroon. Our impactful initiatives consistently contribute to significant advancements in their lives and promote the comprehensive development of Cameroon. These initiatives encompass a variety of sectors, including:
Educational: BACDA USA and its chapters have made substantial contributions to educational initiatives, encompassing donations of school supplies, the establishment of a computer laboratory, and a sustained commitment to the Bakossi Library. Furthermore, they have reinvigorated the instruction of Akose in educational institutions and disbursed scholarships across all academic strata.
Health: BACDA USA and its chapters have consistently advocated for healthcare initiatives from its conception. Our endeavors encompass organizing health campaigns, contributing essential medical supplies and pharmaceuticals to healthcare facilities, and establishing readily accessible health clinics across the Bakossi region. These campaigns address a wide array of health concerns, providing services such as ophthalmic consultations, epilepsy awareness programs, and comprehensive women's and children's care.
