I'm Not Photogenic: A True Confession!

See, I probably will be one of those who will be forgotten in history. But am trying very hard so it won't happen.


The main reason why I think so is because I'm always striving to be one of a kind in my generation by trying to be unique and completely different from others by the way I do things.
Even though it is a very difficult task to do things differently in a society where everyone's views are locked in exactly the same direction, but am working feverishly hard to make some strides.
In our society, one will note with seriousness that, if you don't comply to certain accepted standards of behaviour, you're either considered "crazy" or something else far from "normalcy." It happened in school days. When you are too outspoken amongst your colleagues, the Faculty brands you as "rude" student.


I kinda fit that category -"crazy" and "rude." But there's a thin line between genius and crazy. It's revolutionary!


A man whom I've known from my formative days in Liberia and met in the USA, now a former instructor of Tubman University, recently confirmed this concept. He lashed out at me in the public for no apparent reason other than not complying with those standards such as, hanging out in the bars, drinking and chasing girls everyday and night, living a lavish life and bragging of personal achievements.


Those things are not my style and outside the life I have chosen to live! Am striving to be great and not to be merely successful! For there's a big difference! Am in a nation building mode. And that's revolutionary!


I've not been photogenic! So I do not parade the corridors of photo bonear. As such, many of my FACEBOOK friends and others query me. But am glad they know am not against photo taking. It's lovely! In fact, each time I see these beautiful fb ladies posing, am moved and fascinated by the ambiance and beauty! But am sorry I do not take photos as many would like me to! It's just me. And I just can't help it.


This also has a political reason. But that's another topic for another time.
The fact is, in my lifetime, I've taken very few photos.


There are cases where I should have taken photos, but I didn't!


For example, when I played ball for The Mighty Barrole First Division Ball Club in Liberia.
Another case is when I played ball on The Lone Star of Liberia - the nation's ball club. I took no photos.


So if I told you that I featured on those Ball Clubs and you asked for photo evidence, none will be obviously available.


I am one of the only Liberian ballers to have ever flown in a helicopter landing in the Antoinette Tubman Ball Park since the history of balling in the country. It was in preparation of a ballgame. We flew along with the President of the nation, H. E. Samuel K. Doe, from James Spriggs Aero Port in Monrovia. I took no photos also.


Another case is in 2006, I cosponsored a "Thank You! " Event for former president of The Union of Liberian Associations in the America's (ULAA), H. E. Roberta Rashid. Liberians came to that function in the tens. And it was just to see me in person in Pittsburgh. Prior to that, many of them thought I was handicapped. For years, most of them never saw me in person, except to read my mind-boggling and provoking authorship. At the end of the Event, they saw me. But strangely indeed, they were disappointed. I wasn't handicapped. I was on the floor dancing like a sailor! No photos again!
So folks, I know some of you will understand and agree with me: I don't have the time to do many things my age group will do. Because, am on a mission assigned by God. So I have to follow a strict regiment. In the event I do not comply to many of the accepted norms of my generation, no one should misread me! For it's just me. And that's who I am!


Am just not photogenic!


Once in a while some kids around me may outsmart me and throw out a clip of mine. But please keep in mind, it is God's will! So I will have no qualms! Because, what is meant to be, will be!

I'm Not Photogenic: A True Confession!

 See, I probably will be one of those who will be forgotten in history. But am trying very hard so it won't happen.


The main reason why I think so is because I'm always striving to be one of a kind in my generation by trying to be unique and completely different from others by the way I do things.
Even though it is a very difficult task to do things differently in a society where everyone's views are locked in exactly the same direction, but am working feverishly hard to make some strides.
In our society, one will note with seriousness that, if you don't comply to certain accepted standards of behaviour, you're either considered "crazy" or something else far from "normalcy." It happened in school days. When you are too outspoken amongst your colleagues, the Faculty brands you as "rude" student.


I kinda fit that category -"crazy" and "rude." But there's a thin line between genius and crazy. It's revolutionary!


A man whom I've known from my formative days in Liberia and met in the USA, now a former instructor of Tubman University, recently confirmed this concept. He lashed out at me in the public for no apparent reason other than not complying with those standards such as, hanging out in the bars, drinking and chasing girls everyday and night, living a lavish life and bragging of personal achievements.


Those things are not my style and outside the life I have chosen to live! Am striving to be great and not to be merely successful! For there's a big difference! Am in a nation building mode. And that's revolutionary!


I've not been photogenic! So I do not parade the corridors of photo bonear. As such, many of my FACEBOOK friends and others query me. But am glad they know am not against photo taking. It's lovely! In fact, each time I see these beautiful fb ladies posing, am moved and fascinated by the ambiance and beauty! But am sorry I do not take photos as many would like me to! It's just me. And I just can't help it.


This also has a political reason. But that's another topic for another time.
The fact is, in my lifetime, I've taken very few photos.


There are cases where I should have taken photos, but I didn't!


For example, when I played ball for The Mighty Barrole First Division Ball Club in Liberia.
Another case is when I played ball on The Lone Star of Liberia - the nation's ball club. I took no photos.


So if I told you that I featured on those Ball Clubs and you asked for photo evidence, none will be obviously available.


I am one of the only Liberian ballers to have ever flown in a helicopter landing in the Antoinette Tubman Ball Park since the history of balling in the country. It was in preparation of a ballgame. We flew along with the President of the nation, H. E. Samuel K. Doe, from James Spriggs Aero Port in Monrovia. I took no photos also.


Another case is in 2006, I cosponsored a "Thank You! " Event for former president of The Union of Liberian Associations in the America's (ULAA), H. E. Roberta Rashid. Liberians came to that function in the tens. And it was just to see me in person in Pittsburgh. Prior to that, many of them thought I was handicapped. For years, most of them never saw me in person, except to read my mind-boggling and provoking authorship. At the end of the Event, they saw me. But strangely indeed, they were disappointed. I wasn't handicapped. I was on the floor dancing like a sailor! No photos again!
So folks, I know some of you will understand and agree with me: I don't have the time to do many things my age group will do. Because, am on a mission assigned by God. So I have to follow a strict regiment. In the event I do not comply to many of the accepted norms of my generation, no one should misread me! For it's just me. And that's who I am!


Am just not photogenic!


Once in a while some kids around me may outsmart me and throw out a clip of mine. But please keep in mind, it is God's will! So I will have no qualms! Because, what is meant to be, will be!

The Bishop Ferguson High School Reunion: An SOS!

I am prompted to author this post because we are moving into another year 2018 in two weeks and some important things are seemingly getting obsolete and eluding our grasp while we, as a people, are not yet helpless. Like the age of the dinosaurs, most things are becoming extinct.

One of the prime examples of things eluding our grasp is The Bishop Ferguson Episcopal High School Alumni Association.

Bishop Ferguson Alumni Association was the first of its kind of Liberian high schools in the Americas. I stand corrected. It set the basis and guidepost for other alumni associations to develop. But for obvious reasons, the Association died a sad death in the Americas in the late 70s. And nothing has been heard about it since!

If my calculations serve me right, the death of the Association is approximately thirty years now.

While I don’t wish to find excuses for such sad situation, I would like to think that the opportunity exists to resurrect the Association ASAP!

So many opportunities and capacities abound.

1^st, there are many alumni in both the Diaspora and Liberia. 2^nd, most of these alumni are in better economic and social positions to provide the necessary tools and resources to make this happen. 3^rd, the appetite is there to plant the seed and the requisite energy to harvest the fruits. 4^th, succeeding generations are awaiting the resurrection to pluck into the enterprise and redevelop hope. 5^th, there is a dire need for the Association to retake its place as its Alma Mater (Bishop Ferguson High School) is seemingly extinct besides the structure which, understandably, has been leased to The Tubman University in Harper.

All things considered, there is no more Bishop Ferguson High School in Maryland.

So the question abounds: can the School be resuscitated to retake its place as a fountain of 21^st Century academic institution?

The answer is a resounding “Yes!”

Why?

Because, it is the remnant of the then Cuttington College. The College was first, in what is now known as Cavalla, built by the Episcopal Church. For whatever reason (s), the College was moved within the Spring Hill environs. For another reason, best known to history, the College was removed to Bong County where it has now grown into a university. Thus, The Bishop Ferguson High School replaced it at a location commonly referred to as “Snow Hill,” five minutes driving time from Downtown Harper City.

Bishop Ferguson High School was named in the stead of Bishop Samuel David Ferguson. History tells us, he was the first American born Black person to be elected a bishop of the Episcopal Church in Liberia. He was born at Charleston, South Carolina and died in Cape Palmas, Liberia. As a Missionary Bishop of Liberia, he founded what is now Cuttington University College. He also established the Bromley Mission.

And so, with this sort of rich history and academic excellence provided by The Bishop Ferguson High School, the need is dire, appropriate and timely for the School to be resuscitated. The first step in this direction is the rebirth of the Alumni Association.

I am calling all Ferguson Alumni to put aside their personal busy schedules and anything else barricading the rebirth of the process to re-engage in bringing alive the Association for the reemergence of the School!

I am ready! If you are, then let’s do it!