Niamina America Association

10/30/2024

**ELECTIONS**

With next week’s election, the entire world order is on the line. This is not the time to vote based on a single issue. The complexities of today’s world mean that no one candidate or party will address every concern perfectly, but thoughtful leadership is essential.

Many of us are deeply concerned about the state of the world - both the challenges we face at home and global unrest. Now, more than ever, we need leaders who bring empathy, respect, and a true commitment to all communities. We must reject divisive policies, especially those that target or marginalize entire groups of people or disrespect entire nations.

As global citizen who identifies as an African-American & a Muslim, I’m especially disheartened by rhetoric that dismisses countries with harmful slurs, as we’ve seen with Puerto Rico and others. Every country deserves respect and dignity; any administration should be rooted in these principles.

Similarly, the situation in the Middle East is an issue that affects us all, and it’s crucial to have leadership that approaches it thoughtfully.

To build a world based on empathy and accountability, we must choose leaders who reflect these values.

For this reason, I believe the Democratic Party offers the best chance to address the issues we face and to push for positive, meaningful change.

Let’s vote Democrat, hold our leaders accountable, and work toward a better future for all.

10/25/2024

**SENEGAL**

Politics in Wisconsin and the United States is a constant focus for me and what I’m most familiar with. However, a well-written opinion on Senegal’s political climate by Dr. Ebrima Ceesay inspired me to write this post.

He concluded with a wise reminder: “The truth is that no one has a monopoly on knowledge… we can choose to differ on the subject.”

The unfolding political scene in Senegal illustrates a critical misstep in effective governance: insufficient time spent defining the country’s real issues before diving into socio-political confrontation or conflicts. Albert Einstein’s wisdom—“spend 55 minutes defining the problem and 5 minutes finding the solution”—highlights the importance of deep analysis before action. Here, leaders appear to have done the opposite, quickly engaging in political struggles rather than thoroughly examining the underlying challenges in Senegal’s political and social landscape. This lack of definition has perhaps diverted valuable energy away from solutions that could address Senegal’s core needs.

Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko and President Bassirou Diomaye Faye are seen as symbols of change, particularly for Senegal’s youth, who have long desired an end to the dominance of the old political and economic structures. However, jumping directly into political battles without laying a clear groundwork for policy solutions risks entrenching these very problems. Their failure to focus on root causes—such as economic inequality, entrenched corruption, and the power of the politico-religious-business elite—means that immediate confrontations will likely limit lasting reforms. By neglecting a comprehensive problem definition, their initiatives risk being reactive rather than transformative.

Furthermore, Senegal’s historic model, as Professor Mamadou Diouf explained, is rooted in complex identities and values. Without fully understanding these dynamics, current leaders risk creating deeper divides, especially as social and economic tensions rise. It’s not just a battle of old versus new but a challenge to weave modern aspirations with long-held traditions. Instead of rushing into confrontations with the entrenched elite, defining the problem clearly might have revealed practical steps toward progress while respecting the sensitivities within Senegal’s diverse communities.

Ultimately, the PASTEF leadership’s tendency to prioritize political gains over deep problem-solving may erode the trust of the very people they aim to inspire. Taking the time to define and address Senegal’s challenges holistically could have built a strong foundation for genuine reform, ensuring that the country’s young voters feel empowered by solutions rather than frustrated by prolonged power struggles. A shift in focus from confrontation to problem definition would likely yield a more stable, unified path for Senegal’s future.

07/20/2024

I am joined by Representative Moore Omokunde and Senator Johnson in the following call to action after the recent vote to uphold the ban on Female Ge***al Mutilation in The Gambia. The rights of women to bodily autonomy should never be infringed upon- not in Wisconsin, not in The Gambia, and not anywhere in the world.

07/06/2024

Today, I had the incredible honor of meeting the President of the United States in Madison. I was able to briefly introduce myself to him, and he expressed a pleasant surprise.

As an immigrant, this moment holds special significance for me, symbolizing the journey and opportunities this country offers.

I’ve met Presidents Jimmy Carter and Barack Obama before, but never this closely. This marks the third U.S. President I’ve had the privilege to meet, and each encounter deepens my appreciation for the democratic values and leadership that guide our nation.

I hope my fellow Americans understand what is at stake in this election - these democratic values and our freedoms.

07/05/2024

This past weekend, I had the pleasure of meeting with Governor Tony Evers and Maryland Governor Wes Moore

We spoke about the future of our states and our great nation.

The future looks bright friends!

07/04/2024

As a young boy growing up in The Gambia, I knew that the United States was a beacon of hope, inspiring fights for justice, equality, and democracy around the world.

When I moved here, I was able to experience these powerful values firsthand. We may not be perfect, but we are still the greatest country in the world.

Happy Fourth of July! Let’s all stay committed to holding up our values of freedom and justice for all, and honor the work of all of those who have come before us and fought to make our country the great place that it is.

07/03/2024

Government should work for the people.

We, the people, should also do what we can for the community. That is why I decided to open a grocery store in the former Visions building on East Washington in Madison and offer affordable housing above it. Politics alone was not going to fully meet these needs.

It was an honor to welcome Governor Tony Evers and give him a tour.

06/28/2024

How I was looking forward to the debate tonight, only to end up turning off every media outlet and picking up this book again!

06/25/2024

When I founded Gooh Grocery, I went through many of the same challenges that a lot of small business owners do to make their dream work, but I knew that it would all be worth it as long as I was able to invest in my community and help to remedy a food desert.

Now, we need your help and investment in our campaign’s work to keep growing our impact. Will you pitch in today to help us build a better Wisconsin together?

Show your support with a contribution.

06/19/2024

It's World Sickle Cell Day.

Many individuals with Sickle Cell Disease face unique and profound challenges, including domestic and family violence, or sexual assault. Tragically, their voices often go unheard, and their experiences are not always believed.

In Wisconsin, the rate of homelessness among those with Sickle Cell is on the rise, exacerbated by long housing waiting lists that can take years. These individuals frequently require multifaceted assistance due to their condition.

Let's raise awareness and support for those living with Sickle Cell Disease. Everyone deserves to be heard, believed, and provided with the care they need. Alaafia

06/16/2024

Happy Father’s Day from Team Samba! Fathers play a crucial role in our lives, helping us to learn how to distinguish between right and wrong, being strong for us when we cannot be for ourselves, and instilling in many of us the values and ethics that drive our lives.

Let’s honor all of Wisconsin’s fathers and those who have stepped into that role today and every day! And let’s work together for policies that strengthen and support our families.

06/14/2024

When it comes to building a better Wisconsin together, we can only do it if we’re willing to have conversations with folks throughout our community.

One of my favorite parts about this job is hearing what’s going on in your world and working together to find common-sense solutions that work for everyone.

I can’t wait to keep doing this in the State Senate so that we can all make an even more significant impact on the issues that we care about!