AlazharTouba.Com

History repeats itself as they often say. From Serigne Mourtada’s relationship with David Norman Dinkins, a former politician from New York City who was the Mayor of NYC from 1990 through 1993 and the first African American to hold that office. It’s now Serigne Mame Mor’s turn with Madam Marcia Bernicat, the United States Ambassador to Senegal. On Wednesday, December 16, 2009, Madam Ambassador, together with her family and colleagues, has visited the Murid capital for the first time. Accompanied by an important delegation from the USAID, the great, humble, and charismatic American diplomat was introduced to the general caliph of Muridiyya, Sheikh Muhamadou Lamin Bara Mbacke, by her honorable host, Serigne Mame Mor Mbacke Mourtada. After meeting the caliph at the Cheikhoul Khadim Residence, Mrs Bernicat, for her admiration, respect, and the US government’s firm belief in promoting freedom and the education of young girls, praised the efforts of Serigne Mame Mor.

Consequently, to express his gratitude to madam Ambassador and the whole US government for their trust, collaboration, partnership, and encouragement, Serigne Mame Mor and the whole Al Azhar Touba Team have organized a remarkably hospitable welcoming ceremony in honor of her Excellency and delegation. In his keynote address, Serigne Mame Mor reminded that the Al Azhar Touba Institute has a long lasting history of friendship and fruitful relationship with the United States government, which dated back in the 1970’s with Serigne Mourtada, his father. Besides, he thanked and praised the US government’s pioneering initiative to open heartedly accept the US Murid community in the American society by proclaiming Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba Days throughout the United States. Furthermore, Serigne Mame Mor applauded the American people for their open mindedness and tolerance towards the Murid community.

Moreover, the charismatic, respectful, and humble American diplomat, Madam Marcia Bernicat, extended her thanks and greetings to the Murid communities both in Senegal and in the United States. She affirmed that the Murid communities in the United States are great examples for a lot of Americans because they are hardworking, respectful, and thus have become law-abiding citizens of the United States too. Madam Ambassador proudly revealed that Murids in the United States have positively impacted and transformed their communities by their discipline and hard work and she is proud to call them “her fellow citizens.’

Finally, Serigne Mame Mor offered a first class dinner to her Excellency and delegation to honor their friendly visit and show his appreciation to them, President Obama, and the American people at large.

 

 

By Cheikh Ahmadou Mbacke

Editor-in-Chief, AlazharTouba.Com