By Chief Ibrahim Phodei Sheriff
*Director of Media and Communications*
*Mende Descendants Union International Federation (MDUIF)*
*HOUSTON, TEXAS — July 2026* — The *Mende Descendants Union International Federation (MDUIF)* is preparing to host its *Third Annual Convention* from *Friday, July 24, through Sunday, July 26, 2026*, in Houston, Texas. This historic three-day gathering will bring together delegates from approximately *ten Mende chiefdoms representing nine states across the United States* in a grand celebration of Mende unity, culture, tradition, and organizational development. Each participating chiefdom will be represented by its *Paramount Chief, Chiefdom Executive, Council of Elders, and general membership*, all coming together to strengthen the Federation while preserving and promoting the rich heritage of the Mende people.
The convention will officially commence on *Friday, July 24*, with a colorful *Meet and Greet Reception*, providing members with an opportunity to reconnect with old friends, establish new relationships, and warmly welcome first-time participants into the MDUIF family. Delegates will receive an official welcome to the *State of Texas* and the *City of Houston* from the host Paramount Chief, *Chief Augusta Kamara-Jackson*, whose chiefdom will proudly host this year’s convention. The evening will also showcase the remarkable culinary skills of Mende women through an impressive display of traditional *Hakpei* (Mende soups) and other authentic Mende delicacies prepared from across the various chiefdoms.
Leading their respective delegations to this historic convention will be the Paramount Chiefs and Chiefdom leaders from across the United States, each representing the authority, traditions, and unity of their chiefdoms. They include Dallas Chiefdom – Paramount Chief Cecelia Gegbe; Houston Chiefdom – Paramount Chief Augusta Kamara-Jackson; Massachusetts Chiefdom – Paramount Chief Rebecca Kaikai; DMV (District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia) Chiefdom – Paramount Chief Alusine Adonis Amara; New Jersey Chiefdom – Paramount Chief Agatha Demby; California Chiefdom – Paramount Chief Eleanor Banya; Ohio Chiefdom – Paramount Chief Jeneba Mimie Swaray; Indiana Chiefdom – Regent Chief Jason Bayoh; Minnesota Chiefdom – Regent Chief Mattu Songa; and Dakota Chiefdom – Regent Chief Yusuf Kemokai. Together with their Chiefdom Executives, Councils of Elders, and general members, these distinguished leaders will proudly represent their respective chiefdoms while reinforcing the Federation’s shared commitment to preserving, promoting, and advancing the rich culture, traditions, and unity of the Mende people throughout the diaspora.
In keeping with centuries-old Mende tradition, one of the respected elders from the Chiefdom Councils will invoke the presence and blessings of the Mende ancestors as a symbolic appeal for divine guidance, wisdom, protection, and unity throughout the convention. Following this solemn opening ceremony, each chiefdom will be introduced individually while organizers present the exciting lineup of events and activities planned for the remaining two days of the convention.
Saturday, *July 25*, will feature two major events beginning with the Federation’s official business convention at the *Park Eight Event Center*, located on *West Sam Houston Parkway South* in southwest Houston. Delegates from all participating chiefdoms will convene to deliberate on matters that will determine the future direction and long-term success of MDUIF. Among the major agenda items are the review and adoption of the *MDUIF Federation Constitution*, the process for establishing and structuring new chiefdoms throughout the diaspora, best practices for managing nonprofit organizations within the United States, leadership development, governance, financial accountability, membership expansion, and several other strategic initiatives designed to strengthen the Federation. By the conclusion of the business session, delegates are expected to adopt a final constitution that will become the supreme governing document binding the Federation and all of its constituent chiefdoms.
Saturday evening will usher in one of the most anticipated highlights of the convention—the *Royal Aso Ebi (Ashorbie) Cultural Night*. This year’s official convention color will be *metallic gold*, symbolizing prosperity, honor, unity, and excellence. Members from every chiefdom will proudly appear in customized *MDUIF Ashorbie* fabrics beautifully printed with the Federation’s official logo. The evening will also witness the formal *inauguration, crowning, and installation of newly elected Paramount Chiefs*, who will receive their official staffs of authority as symbols of their leadership responsibilities under the MDUIF Constitution. The newly installed Paramount Chiefs will thereafter occupy their ceremonial chieftaincy thrones and be accorded the traditional honors befitting their offices.
The cultural celebration will continue with spectacular performances by some of the most celebrated traditional Mende masquerades, including *Ngorboi, Sowui, Ngafei, Korngorli, Njobai*, and other revered cultural performers whose appearances have entertained and educated generations of Mende people. Their performances will remind attendees of the enduring richness of Mende customs and traditions. Throughout the evening, distinguished members, community leaders, founding fathers, elders, and other dignitaries will also receive awards and special recognitions for their outstanding service, leadership, and invaluable contributions toward the growth and success of the Federation.
The convention will conclude on *Sunday, July 26*, with a grand *Family Picnic and Barbecue* hosted by the Houston Chiefdom at *Alief Amity Park*, located on *Alief Clodine Road* in southwest Houston. This outdoor celebration is intended as an expression of appreciation to the Paramount Chiefs, executives, Council of Elders, and general members who have traveled from across the United States to participate in the historic gathering. Guests will enjoy delicious traditional and contemporary cuisine, refreshments, music, games, fellowship, and networking in a relaxed family atmosphere. Traditional Mende masquerades will once again entertain members and visitors, bringing the convention to a joyful and memorable conclusion.
Adding further prestige to this year’s convention, an invitation has been extended to *Her Excellency Dr. Fatima Maada Bio*, First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone, to attend as the *Guest of Honor* during her visit to the United States. Should she graciously accept the invitation, MDUIF looks forward to honoring her for her unwavering support of President Julius Maada Bio and for her dedication to promoting women’s empowerment, education, healthcare, and national development in Sierra Leone. Her presence would undoubtedly add great distinction to an already historic convention.
As the Federation continues to expand across the United States, its current administrative framework operates under an *interim governance structure* designed to provide effective leadership while the permanent constitutional framework is finalized and adopted. The Federation is presently headed by *Governor Abu Ben Khalif Daboh*, who serves as the Interim Governor, and is deputized by *Deputy Governor Mrs. Rose Cooper*. Supporting the Governor and Deputy Governor is an Interim Executive Committee comprising the *Secretary General, Treasurer, Financial Secretary, Director of Media and Communications, Public Relations Officer, Social Secretary, Assistant Social Secretary, Director of Cultural Affairs, Deputy Director of Cultural Affairs, Director of Welfare, Deputy Director of Welfare, Auditor General, and Assistant Auditor General*. The operations and strategic direction of the Federation are further guided by the *Board of Directors*, whose members are primarily the Heads of Councils from each constituent chiefdom. Together, the Interim Executive Committee and the Board of Directors provide leadership, oversight, and policy guidance to the Federation, with members serving *two-year terms* while working collaboratively to strengthen MDUIF and advance its mission of promoting unity, culture, tradition, education, and development among Mende descendants throughout the diaspora.
The story of the *Mende Descendants Union* began in *2018*, when several sons and daughters of Mende origin residing in Dallas, Texas, envisioned creating an organization that would unite Mende descendants throughout the diaspora. Initially known as the *Mende Descendants Development Association (MDDA)*, the organization emerged through a series of telephone conversations among Mende leaders before expanding into a WhatsApp platform where prospective members collaborated to develop its mission and objectives. On *March 2, 2020*, the Association was formally registered in Dallas, Texas, with *Chief Abu Daboh* and numerous dedicated members leading the registration process. Before registration, members drafted and ratified a constitution that established the legal framework governing the organization, paving the way for the election of its first Council, Board of Directors, Executive Committee, and Paramount Chief. The Federation’s first Paramount Chief and President was *P.C. Madam Mae Pieh*, whose visionary leadership laid the foundation for the organization’s early stability and growth.
Several years later, *Chief Abu Daboh* was elected Paramount Chief and President, ushering in an era of remarkable expansion that transformed the organization into the *Mende Descendants Union International Federation (MDUIF)*. Under his leadership, new chiefdoms were successfully established in *Ohio, Texas (Houston), the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia (DMV), Massachusetts, California, New Jersey, New York, Indiana, Minnesota, and the Dakotas*, with additional states continuing to organize. Today, MDUIF stands as one of the leading organizations representing Mende descendants in the diaspora, committed to promoting *unity, culture, tradition, education, and community development* while preserving the identity and heritage of the Mende people for future generations.
Looking beyond the convention, MDUIF has announced plans to publish an *exclusive Federation Magazine* dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich history of the Mende people. The publication will feature historical accounts of the Mende nation, biographies of influential Mende men and women, stories highlighting the contributions of the Mende people to the political, educational, cultural, economic, and social development of Sierra Leone, profiles of Paramount Chiefs and chiefdoms throughout the diaspora, and articles celebrating Mende language, customs, traditions, and achievements. Through this publication, the Federation hopes to educate younger generations while preserving the proud legacy of one of West Africa’s most influential peoples.
As delegates prepare to gather in Houston this July, the *Third Annual Convention* promises to be much more than an organizational meeting. It will be a celebration of identity, unity, heritage, leadership, and cultural pride—a defining moment in the continuing evolution of the *Mende Descendants Union International Federation*. The Federation warmly invites all Mende descendants, friends of Sierra Leone, cultural enthusiasts, and supporters of African heritage to join in this historic celebration. Together, MDUIF continues to preserve the proud traditions of the Mende people while building a stronger and more united future for generations to come.
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*About the Author*
*Chief Ibrahim Phodei Sheriff, Sr.* serves as the *Director of Media and Communications* for the *Mende Descendants Union International Federation (MDUIF)*. He is responsible for the Federation’s media relations, public communications, historical documentation, publications, and strategic outreach. Through his writing and research, he is dedicated to preserving, documenting, and promoting the rich history, culture, traditions, and achievements of the Mende people while strengthening unity among Mende descendants throughout the diaspora.
2026 Mende Descendants Union International Federation (MDUIF). All Rights Reserved.
