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August 20,
2000 - Board of Trustees
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July 23, 2000 - Board of Trustees
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July 9, 2000
- Board of Trustees
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June 21, 2000 -Board of Trustees
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May 31, 2000 - Board
of Trustees
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May 7, 2000 - Board
of Trustees
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April 19, 2000 -
Board of Trustees
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March 27, 2000 -
Board of Trustees
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February 6,
2000 - Board of Trustees
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January 23, 2000 - Board
of Trustees
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January 9, 2000 - Board
of Trustees
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Minutes of the year 1999
(including Organizational Meeting)
DRAFT MINUTES of The Africa Society Board of Trustees
Meeting: November 12, 2000
The Trustees of The Africa Society met at 3511 N. 13th Street, Arlington,
VA at 4:30 p.m. Present were Adam Ouologuem, Albert Z. Lewis and
Steffanie J. Lewis.
Letters were prepared for certain of the embassies, and brochures prepared.
Arrangements were discussed for the coordination of the meeting with the
Mayor. Items on the agenda were continued until the next meeting.
The next meeting was scheduled for 4:30 pm on December 10th at
3511 N. 13th Street, Arlington, VA.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
________________________
Steffanie J. Lewis, Secretary
Approved:_______________________
MINUTES of The Africa Society Board of Trustees
September 24 , 2000
MINUTES of The Africa Society Board of Trustees
August 20 , 2000
he August 20, 2000 meeting was cancelled due
to organizational conflicts. However, Albert Lewis & Mustapha
Chibinon met as the Building Committee and discussed at length the need
for preparing an adequate building proposal for use in promotion of the
project. Of particular utility, comparable successful projects in
other major cities would be most useful in the use as comparisons for how
the Toguna might be designed, built and managed. In particular, the
Arab-French Center in Paris was discussed as a possible model for the fund-raising
and building approach. Mustapha undertook to prepare further information
on that project and Albert was to identify other buildings such as might
exist in London for the New Zealand and Australian interests as models
for use in preparation of the building description and proposal.
It is hoped that by the next meeting, a draft building proposal will be
prepared by members of the Building Committee for consideration and further
refinement.
MINUTES of The Africa Society Board of Trustees
July 23, 2000
No formal minutes have been prepared of this meeting - The main
issue of importance was the gathering of support from the various embassies.
Various members attending were assigned particular embassies to contact
and seek written support for the Toguna project.
MINUTES of The Africa Society Board of Trustees
July 9, 2000
The Trustees of The Africa Society met at 1221
Massachusetts Ave., Suite 403, Washington DC. Present were
Alpha O. Sow, Mustapha Chibinon, Albert Lewis,
Yvonne Dunlap, Emawayish Gerima, Adam Ouologuem, Nicholas Robertson, Yolanda
Robinson Darricarrere.
The meeting was called to order at approximately
6:45 PM without a prepared agenda or treasurer's report or deisignated
chairman. The following matters were discussed:
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Architectural Concepts / Discussion: With
the assistance of Mustapha Chbinou, a professional architect, a general
discussion ensued concerning the method of developing an architectural
plan for the building of the Toguna, including the development of a proper
business plan, the historical context and projected budget. The plan
to solicit participation of architectural colleges was discussed and approved.
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Correspondence with Mayor's Office / Preparation
for Meeting: As soon as the meeting can be scheduled, interested
members will be contacted to meet and prepare prior to the meeting.
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Formation of Building Committee: Several members
undertook to commence the preparation of a list of available or possibly
appropriate properties meeting the potential needs of the Toguna.
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Next Meeting: The next meeting was scheduled
for Sunday, July 23rd at 4:00 PM at 3511 North 13th Street, Arlington VA.
The meeting was adjourned at approximately 8:05
PM and immediately reconvened in appreciation of an excellent repast prepared
by Adam Ouologuem and Emawayish Gerima.
MINUTES of The Africa Society Board of Trustees
June 21 , 2000
MINUTES of The Africa Society Board of Trustees
May 31, 2000
The Trustees of The Africa Society met at
1221 Massachusetts Ave., Suite 403, Washington DC. Present were Albert
Lewis, Samuel Kiendrebeogo, Ben Bangoura, Jean Claude Andre, Adam Ouologuem,
Sakour Abdoul, Yvonne Dunlap, and Henry Francisque.
Albert Lewis called the meeting to order at
6:45 P.M. and the minutes of the previous meeting were approved.
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Architect: Since the sponsoring trustee
and guest architect were unable to attend the meeting, this agenda item
was tabled until the next meeting.
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IRS Tax Exempt Status: The IRS preliminary
approval letter concerning our application for tax exempt status was noted
and our brochures for distribution now include the appropriate ID numbers.
There is now no impediment to our proceeding to contact the embassies and
the ambassadors for their support.
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Letter from Mayor Williams: The letter from
Mayor Williams' office was read and several of those present volunteered
to attend the meeting when it is sheduled by the Mayor's assistant as this
meeting will be an important step forward in obtaining awareness and appropriate
contacts to develop our proposals.
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The Toguna Gala: Since serveral members
who were to report on alternatives were unable to attend, it was agreed
to table detailed discussion until the next meeting, in particular whether
the initial Gala to be held this October should be primarily for general
public with substantial costs at a top-line venue, or a more initimate
meeting to meet, discuss and encourage those who support the Toguna concept.
Those
who would like to make suggestions about Gala were asked to put into writing
their ideas and submit before the June 21st meeting (this can be emailed
to: azlewis@iblf.com) President
Adam reported on various contacts made in New York which could be useful
to the Gala, including Miriam Makeba, Angela Kidjo and a possible sponsor
from Nigeria.
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Correspondence: Several membership
applications were received and letters from certain embassies. Albert
Lewis undertook to prepare an appropriate welcome letter and to add members
to the new eGroup (toguna@eGroups.com) which we are now using to facilitate
group communications.
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Next Meeting: The next meeting will
take place on Wednesday, June 21 at 3511 North 13th Street, Arlington at
6:30pm. Jean Claude Andre was selected to chair the meeting.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:25 PM by Backup
Chairman Ben Bangoura who came off the bench just after half-time
when Starting Chairman Albert Lewis was knocked out of the chair and left
the meeting early due to a transportation engagement.
Respectfully submitted,
Albert Lewis, Acting Secretary
MINUTES of The Africa Society Board of Trustees
May 7, 2000
The Trustees of The Africa Society met at 3511
North 13th Street, Arlington at 4:00 p.m. Present were Adam Ouologuem,
Alpha Oumar Sow, George Alula, Henry Francisque, Siga Traore, Albert Z.
Lewis, Jr. and Steffanie J. Lewis.
The meeting was called to order by meeting chairman
Henry Francisque. The minutes of the April 17, 2000 meeting were
read and approved. The treasurer reported that the April bank statement
had not yet arrived. The bank balance as of March 31, 2000 was $84.11
and a trustee contribution of $100 from Eerebweren Dyibo had been deposited
bringing the balance to $184.11.
Old Business:
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The corporate secretary reported that no reply
had been received from the IRS non-profit application and that no response
had been received from the letter sent to Mayor Williams. It was
decided to wait any further immediate action and allow time for the Mayor
to respond. The corporate secretary was requested to followed up
with the IRS.
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Approval of the book sale form and website was
tabled until the next meeting. Alpha Oumar Sow reported on the first
book to be listed when the website is up.
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Saturday, October 14, 2000 was set for the
Toguna Gala. Respecting his expertise, the trustees consulted Mr.
Diakite by telephone with respect to location. Questions included:
availability, capacity, cost, food service options and additional services
available and included in the price. Mr. Diakite will report at the
next meeting. Mr. Henry Francisque will telephone the Four
Seasons. Adam Ouologuem will also look into potential hotel sites.
Mr. Henry Francisque will also be contacting potential entertainers and
sponsors. Tables seating five persons for the Gala will be sold to
Businesses at $1000 and to Universities at $500. Individual
seats will be sold to individuals at $100 per seat. A pre-invitation
notice is to be sent out regarding the Toguna Gala by August 13, 2000.
Invitations will be sent by August 27, 2000. The corporate
secretary was requested to send a letter to all Ambassadors’ wives asking
that they identify and donate their best national craft to be auctioned
at the Gala. George Alula will help with marketing the Gala in June
when he returns from Paris.
New Business:
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Alpha Oumar Sow reported that the architect
continued to be interested to meet with the trustees regarding the toguna
building, but that a conflict had arisen and he would like to meet with
the trustees at their next meeting. Such was approved.
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Albert Z. Lewis, Jr. was selected to chair
the next meeting scheduled for May 31, 2000 at 6:30 p.m. at 1221 Massachusetts
Ave. N.W., Suite 403, Washington, DC .
The meeting was adjourned at 6:00
p.m.
Respectfully submitted, Approved:_______________________
________________________
Steffanie J. Lewis, Secretary
MINUTES of The Africa Society Board of Trustees
April 19, 2000
The Trustees of The Africa Society met at
1221 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Washington DC at 8:00 p.m. Present were
Adam Ouologuem, Alpha Oumar Sow, George Alula, Henry Francisque and Steffanie
J. Lewis.
The meeting was called to order by meeting
chairman Alpha Oumar Sow. The minutes of the March 27, 2000 meeting
were read and approved. The treasurer reported that the bank balance
as of March 31, 2000 was $84.11.
Old Business:
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The corporate secretary reported that a response
had been made to the IRS and followed up with a telephone call. A
letter requesting a meeting had been mailed to Mayor Williams.
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A discussion was held concerning the proposal
that books be sold on The African Society website. Notice should
appear on the website stating that any position held by any publication
or author is that author’s position and has no bearing upon any position
held by The Africa Society. The website is only publicizing the availability
of the book in exchange for a percentage of each sale as a donation by
the publisher. Alpha Oumar Sow was selected to manage the book sales
and the corporate secretary was asked to prepare a form that can be sent
by Mr. Sow to publishers who may wish to have books listed on The Africa
Society website.
New Business:
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The Toguna Gala will be held at a date to
be determined between mid September and mid October, 2000. Invitations
will be prepared listing sponsors. Professional entertainment will
be provided and sponsors to cover their costs must be located. These
should be a fashion show, music and food in a formal dinner setting.
Mr. Diakite will be asked to coordinate the food and place for holding
the Gala. George Alula will aid in marketing guidance when he is
in town. The corporate secretary was requested to contact artists
and sponsors.
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Alpha Oumar Sow reported that he will bring
an architect to the next meeting to discuss the toguna building with the
trustees.
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Henry Francisque was selected to chair the
next meeting scheduled for May 7, 2000 at 4:00 p.m. at 3511 N. 13th Street,
Arlington, VA. .
The meeting was adjourned at 9:30
p.m.
Respectfully submitted, Approved:_______________________
________________________
Steffanie J. Lewis, Secretary
MINUTES of The Africa Society Board of Trustees
March 27, 2000
The Trustees of The Africa Society met at
3511 N. 13TH Street, Arlington, VA, at 4:00 p.m. Present were Adam
Ouologuem, Abubakar Sadig Ibrahim , Alpha Oumar Sow, Albert Z. Lewis, Jr.
and Steffanie J. Lewis.
The meeting was called to order by meeting
chairman Adam Ouologuem. The minutes of the February 27, 2000 meeting
were read and approved. The treasurer reported that the bank balance
as of February 29, 2000 was $84.06.
Old Business:
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The corporate secretary reported that the
second letter to Embassies, as approved at the March 12th meeting of the
Trustees, had been mailed to all African embassies on March 16, 2000.
A copy of the letter was submitted to be attached to the minutes.
Adam Ouologuem offered to personally contact the embassies as a follow-on
to the letters.
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Alpha Oumar Sow provided many brochures from
businesses that are African related and the corporate secretary was requested
to establish a database for these contracts.
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President Ouologuem submitted a letter she
received from the IRS requesting more information with respect to the nonprofit
determination letter. All questions asked appeared to have been answered
during the Trustees’ meeting last summer. The corporate secretary
was requested to respond.
New Business:
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President Ouologuem reported that she would
be in New York on business to cover the UN activities while Mali is on
the Security Council. The corporate secretary was asked to pick up
the mailbox key from her to receive The Africa Society mail in her absence.
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Adam Ouologuem requested brochures for her
to distribute during the annual meeting of the World Bank and IMF,
April 12-17, 2000 and suggested that the brochure be sent to her by e-mail.
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The corporate secretary was requested to
prepare a letter for District of Columbia Mayor Williams to initiate the
toguna location search.
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It was agreed that The Africa Society sell
on its website books by, and related to, Africans. A letter be sent
to each author displayed on the website requesting a contribution of the
difference between the retail and sales prices of each book sold via the
Society’s website.
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It was agreed that the next meeting would
be dedicated to the Toguna Gala and to invitations to universities to participate
in designing the Toguna. The corporate secretary was requested to
write to artists and fashion designers to obtain a date in August for the
Toguna Gala.
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Albert Lewis offered to poll the members
to determine if there were another day and time for meeting was preferred.
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Alpha Oumar Sow was selected to chair the
next meeting scheduled for April 16 at 4:00 p.m. at 3511 N. 13th Street,
Arlington, VA. .
The meeting was adjourned at 6:00
p.m.
Respectfully submitted, Approved:_______________________
________________________
Steffanie J. Lewis, Secretary
MINUTES of The Africa Society Board of Trustees
February 6, 2000
The Trustees of The Africa Society met at
1221 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Washington DC at 4:00 p.m. Present were
Adam Ouologuem, Jean Claude Andre, Alpha Oumar Sow, Alseny Ben Bangoura,
Albert Z. Lewis, Jr. and Steffanie J. Lewis.
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The meeting was called to order by meeting
chairman Alseny Ben Bangoura. The minutes of the January 23, 2000
meeting were read and approved as corrected. The treasurer reported
no change in the financial condition from the prior month.
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The following Old Business was presented
and acted upon.
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The corporate secretary reported:
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that IRS Exempt Status had been submitted
as previously reported to the Trustees and when it is received the exempt
status should be retroactive to June 6, 1999, the date of incorporation.
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that a response to the World Bank had been
sent requesting a meeting date and time to obtain potential private sector
persons with an interest in The Africa Society goals.
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that the second letter to Embassies was held
subject to inclusion of brochures and membership applications.
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that introduction letters had been sent as directed
at the previous meeting.
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that AHEAD had been contacted. Mary Beal
is the volunteer coordinator. One volunteer may accompany one ticket
holder and a meal will be offered. Orientation for volunteers will
be held at 2:00 on Saturday 2/26. Posting will be made on TAS web
page. AHEAD's next event will be an international telecast in March
– a town meeting on breast cancer, cervical cancer and aids.
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that Amy Koita's letter is being held subject to
direction from Trustees. It was agreed that Amy Koita CD’s will be
given to promote membership in TAS to donators of $100 or more. The
CD will be promoted on the TAS website and directions given where the CD
can be purchased. Alpha Oumar Sow will present a list of the selling
music shops at the next meeting.
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The corporate secretary was directed to send
an introductory letter to the World Bank President and also one to Mr.
Sabib.
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Adam Ouologuem presented material about the
African Summit to be held in DC February 16-20 and encouraged the Trustees
to attend. All African heads of state would be present or represented.
The Summit would be addressed by President Clinton and V.P. Gore among
others.
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Albert Z. Lewis, Jr. presented the Membership
Application with Notes. It was recommended that the application be
available on the TAS website. Also, it was recommended that the application
give directions as to where to send the membership money.
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Albert Lewis undertook to see that the brochures
and membership applications are printed in quantity for the next meeting.
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The following New Business was presented
and acted upon.
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It was unanimously decided that a membership
classification of “small business” with membership dues of $100 be created.
Each business applicant will make the determination as to whether it is
a small business or not. This new classification will be added to
the membership application.
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The future composition of the Board of Trustees,
as to representation of nationalities, was postponed until after the membership
drive is fully underway.
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Since the final day of the African Summit
would fall on February 20, 2000, the next meeting of TAS was rescheduled
to February 27, 2000. Jean Claude Andre was selected to chair that
meeting which will be held at 3511 North 13th Street, Arlington, VA. Telephone:
703 522 1198.
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The meeting was adjourned at 6:00 p.m. followed
by dinner served by President Adam Ouologuem.
Respectfully submitted,
____/s/________________
Approved: ___2/27/00__________
Steffanie J. Lewis, Secretary
MINUTES of The Africa Society Board of Trustees
January 23, 2000
The Trustees of The Africa Society met at 3511
North Thirteenth St., Arlington, VA. Present were Adam Ouologuem,
George Alula, Alpha Oumar Sow, Alseny Ben Bangoura, Albert Z. Lewis, Jr.
and Steffanie J. Lewis.
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The meeting was called to order by meeting
chairman Alpha Oumar Sow. The minutes of the January 9, 2000 meeting
were read and approved as corrected. The treasurer reported that,
as of December 31, 1999, The Africa Society had a bank balance of $633.63.
The DC tax and IRS exemption checks in the amounts of $50 and $500 respectfully
had not yet cleared. After clearance of those check the balance will
be $83.63.
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The corporate secretary reported that the
request for exempt organization status had been mailed to the U.S. Internal
Revenue Service. A copy of the complete filing was circulated for
inspection by the Trustees and a copy of the cover letter was distributed
to each. The corporate secretary explained that the date by which
funds were to be returned to donators, if the aggregate is insufficient
for a down payment on the acquisition of a facility for The Africa Society
activities, was changed from June 2000 to December 31, 2000. It was
moved and the Trustees unanimously affirmed the changed date.
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The corporate secretary reported on the correspondence
received and answered.
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Albert Z. Lewis, Jr. presented The Africa
Society brochure which was approved, printed and given to Trustees for
distribution as appropriate. The draft membership application was
presented. The corporate secretary was requested to draft a paragraph
for the application describing the corporation and exempt tax status.
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President Ouologuem circulated a letter from
AHEAD inviting The Africa Society to participate and advertise at the Harambee
Carnival 2000 to be held on Saturday, February 2000 at Gallaudet University.
It was unanimously decided that this year The Africa Society was not in
a financial position to participate financially in any way, but because
The Africa Society shared the goals and efforts of AHEAD, the corporate
secretary was to send a letter regretting ability to contribute financially
but offering to volunteer man/women hours to help at the carnival.
The Africa Society would promote the event on its web site and the letter
should also offer to establish a web site for the event on the internet.
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The corporate secretary was requested to
obtain a subscription to The Diplomatic Directory, if there is no charge,
so that the Trustees may keep abreast of all new diplomatic appointments.
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A discussion followed concerning the possibly
of contacting African institutions to hold an architectural contest as
part of the building acquisition program. As the meeting was closing,
the concept was tabled.
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The next meeting was set for February 6,
2000 at 4:00 p.m., 1221 Massachusetts Ave. N.W., Washington, DC telephone:
202 347 3353 . Mr. Alseny Ben Bangoura will chair the meeting.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
________________________
Approved: ______________
Steffanie J. Lewis, Secretary
MINUTES of The Africa Society Board of Trustees
January 9, 2000
The Trustees of The Africa Society met at
3511 North Thirteenth St., Arlington, VA. Present were Adam
Ouologuem, Alpha Oumar Sow, Albert Z. Lewis, Jr. and Steffanie J. Lewis.
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The meeting was called to order. This meeting
is a continuation of the meeting held on December 19, 1999 and adjourned
to January 9, 2000. The treasurer reported that a $50 check was written
to the District of Columbia in payment of non-profit two-year registration
tax and a check for $500 was written as IRS Exempt Status filing fee.
After deducting stated checks, the balance in The Africa Society bank account
was $83.23.
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Following a discussion, it was decided that the
next step would be the membership drive. Minimally, the membership
package should include a membership application and The Africa Society
brochure. Concern was expressed that recipients of the membership
package, believing it to be just junk mailing, might through the package
in the trash without consideration. To prevent this occurrence, it
was decided that each trustee would receive a number of membership packages.
Prior to sending the package, the trustee would telephone the recipient
and alert the person to the arrival of the membership package.
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At the next meeting, each trustee will bring the
names of potential members he or she would like to see on the Board of
Trustees or as members. President Adam Ouologuem will obtain the
names of new ambassadors as he or she takes his or her post in the U.S.
The corporate secretary will send a letter to the President of World Bank
requesting that he meet with the trustees at his convenience. A second
letter would following up on the contacts previously suggested by the World
Bank. It was further suggested that the corporate secretary should
try to respond to every letter received as a means of developing membership.
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President Adam Ouologuem will make contact with
Remingius Kintu on a personal basis and wait until later to make formal
contact with him in his capacity with Smithsonian “Voice of Africa.”
The corporate secretary will prepare a letter of introduction to be sent
to Mr. Remingius Kintu.
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When the brochure is prepared and IRS exempt status
sought, The Africa Society should be in a position to request a meeting
with the African Ambassadors Association. The corporate secretary
will prepare a letter of potential participation that may be taken to the
meeting.
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The corporate secretary was requested to prepare
a letter to Amy Koita’s manager requesting a price for Amy Koita CD’s and
for permission to use them as promotional gifts to donors.
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The next meeting was set for January 23, 2000 at
4:00 p.m., 3511 13th St., Arlington, VA , telephone: 703 522 1198.
Mr. Alpha Sow will chair the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at
6:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
________________________
Approved: ______________
Steffanie J. Lewis, Secretary
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