LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY — Members, families, supporters, and friends of the United Bassa Organizations in the Americas, Inc. (UNIBOA) came together in Louisville for the organization’s 35th National Convention. For four days, the convention brought people together for meetings, elections, culture, worship, music, fellowship, and sports. It was also a time to look at UNIBOA’s future and renew its focus on unity, growth, service, and Bassa culture. A Warm Welcome to Louisville The convention opened Friday as delegates arrived from different UNIBOA chapters. Registration and the Meet-and-Greet gave members a chance to reconnect, meet new people, and build stronger relationships. The Kentucky host chapter and its volunteers welcomed guests and helped keep the weekend’s activities moving. Saturday: Business, Culture and New Leadership Saturday focused on the work and future of UNIBOA. Members took part in the business session and received reports about the organization. Financial reports were presented by Daniel Moore and Marie Payne, and members had an opportunity to ask questions. The convention also held elections and welcomed a new team of national officers. The new leaders will help guide UNIBOA as it works to strengthen chapters, improve communication, and bring members closer together. Culture was also an important part of Saturday. The UNIBOA Queen Contest brought energy and pride to the convention and gave chapters another way to celebrate Bassa heritage. Celebrating Bassa Culture Culture and heritage were at the heart of the weekend. The Queen Contest gave chapters another way to celebrate Bassa identity and community pride. The convention also opened a wider conversation about preserving the Bassa language and adding more cultural programs at future conventions. Distinguished Guests Join the Convention UNIBOA was also joined by distinguished guests and friends of the Bassa community, including Hon. Magdalene Ellen Dagoseh and Senator. Gbehzongar Milton Findley. Their presence helped strengthen the connection between the Bassa community in the United States and Liberia. Sunday: Thanksgiving and a Message for the Future Sunday gave members time for thanksgiving, worship, and reflection. One of the major highlights was the keynote address by Emmanuel Nuku Reeves. His message focused on UNIBOA’s future, unity, and the need to keep building an organization that can serve the Bassa community for generations. The words “The Future Is Now” captured an important message of the convention: honor the past, but prepare the next generation to lead. The convention also recognized Mr. Reeves for his continued support of UNIBOA. The final press release will include the official wording about the UNIBOA Empowerment/Resource Center after the convention resolution is confirmed. Looking Ahead to Liberia 2028 Liberia. The gathering would give members in the diaspora another chance to connect with the homeland and strengthen relationships with Bassa communities in Liberia. Unity was also an important part of the weekend. Leaders discussed ways to rebuild relationships where disagreements exist. The message was clear: UNIBOA should build bridges, solve problems through dialogue, and keep the organization together. Sunday Night: A Celebration of UNIBOA Sunday evening brought members and guests together for the UNIBOA Fundraiser Banquet, Dinner & Ball. After days of meetings and activities, the evening gave everyone a chance to enjoy dinner, music, dancing, and fellowship. Liberian recording artist D12 (Dee Tweh) performed live and added to the celebration. Monday: Fellowship on the Soccer Field The convention ended Monday with sports and fellowship at Highview Park in Louisville. Members, families, and friends gathered for soccer and other activities. It was a relaxed and joyful way to close four days of meetings, culture, celebration, and community. A New Chapter Begins As members left Louisville, UNIBOA began a new chapter. The organization left the convention with new leadership, plans for growth, a stronger focus on unity and Bassa culture, and a vision for deeper connections with Liberia. Thirty-five years after its journey began, UNIBOA used the Louisville convention to celebrate its history and prepare for the work ahead. UNIBOA at 35: Honoring the Journey. Strengthening the Union. Building the Future. Visit: https://unitedbassaassociationintheamerica.pixieset.com/ to see more pictures from this year’s convention. Site Password (if asked): 1991 Download PINs:Fundraising Ball & Banquet — 5584Sporting Activities — 4028Church Service — 5076Cultural Heritage Night — 3770Registration & General Assembly — 1437Welcoming Delegates & Social Night — 8575 Share your memories using #UNIBOAAt35. UNIBOA Media & Communications Committee www.uniboa.net ### END ###
