From Latest to Oldest:
The Trustees of The Africa Society met at
1221 Massachusetts Ave., NW, #403, Washington, DC Present were
Adam Ouologuem, Mamadou Diakite, Henry Francisque, Alseny Ben Bangoura,
Alpha Oumar Sow, and Steffanie J. Lewis. Secretary Lewis presided
in the absence of Jean Claude Andre who was ill.
Respectfully submitted,
________________________
Approved: ______________
Steffanie J. Lewis, Secretary
Respectfully submitted,
________________________
Approved: ______________
Steffanie J. Lewis, Secretary
The meeting was called to order and the minutes of the October 7, 1999 meeting were approved as read. The treasurer reported a balance of $431. Mamadou Diakite contributed $100 to enable the Society to send in the application for non-profit status.
The following Old Business was conducted.
1. The letter from the Embassy of South Africa,
responding to the letter of introduction The Africa Society, was read.
It was noted that Central African Embassy did not receive the original
letter sent by The Africa Society. The corporate secretary is to
send a replacement letter to the Central African Embassy.
2. Adam Oudoguem and Albert Lewis reported
that they had communicated with the Djibouti Ambassador regarding the Ambassador’s
Association meetings. Their next meeting takes place in a week.
He suggested that the Society send a letter requesting to be placed on
the agenda for the meeting at the end of November. Albert Lewis will
draft such a letter.
3. Adam Ouologuem reported that she had contacted
Pathe’o. His trip to New York was short and too tight to enable him
to have a showing in DC. He expressed his continued interest in having
a fashion show fund raiser in DC.
4. Adam Ouologuem reported that she had been
in contact with Amy Koita. Her manager was had not yet returned to
Mali in order to respond to our fax. It was suggested and agreed
by consensus that another more specific letter be sent to Amy Koita’s manager
suggesting alternative means by which the Society might distribute Amy
Koita DC’s.
The following New Business was conducted:
1. By consensus it was determined that qualifications
for trustee will continue for the year 2000.
2. The date for the Annual Meeting was set
for Saturday, November 6, 1999* and will be held at 3511 North 13th Street,
Arlington. Tel: 703 522 1198. Trustees will be elected
from those present who express the desire to serve. The meeting of
the newly elected Trustees will immediately follow the Annual Meeting.
*
3. A discuss of the proposed "toguna" facility
identified the following as desired features: A concert place capable of
holding 200-500 people; an exhibit hall of 600 sq. meters, film theater,
conference room, offices, store and restaurant. The facility should
have street display with an outdoor capability in the form of a yard, terrace
or sidewalk.
4. Alpha Sow presented two names of persons
living in Africa who are desirous of participating with The Africa Society.
The corporate secretary will send them a letter acknowledging their interest.
The terms of participation of non-US members will be discussed at the next
meeting.
5. The next meeting was will be the Annual
Meeting set for November 6, 1999 at 11:00 a.m. to be held at 3511 North
13th Street, Arlington. Telephone: 703 522 1198. The
meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
________________________
Approved: ______________
Steffanie J. Lewis, Secretary
* By subsequent telephone conference, the annual meeting was rescheduled to November 7th, Sunday, @ 11:00 AM
The meeting was called to order and the minutes of the August 21, 1999 meeting were approved as read. The treasurer reported a balance of $431and the need for a total of $500 to send in the application for non-profit status.
The following Old Business was conducted.
1. Albert Lewis reported a database containing
54 African embassies and presented a draft membership application form.
A modification of the form was approved.
2. Adam Ouologuem reported that she had no
word from Pathe’o regarding the fashion show fund raiser and would
place a telephone call to him.
3. Adam Ouologuem reported that two CD’s by
Amy Koita had been received. Upon his request a French translation,
of the letter which was previously sent, was faxed to Amy Koita’s Manager,
Mr. Samir Naman. There has been no response to that letter.
4. The corporate secretary reported that mailings
to the ambassador of each African country had been made. Adam Ouologuem
reported that she has made personal contact with several of the ambassadors
and was requesting a written response from the embassies.
5. Adam Ouologuem and Albert Lewis will make
the contact with Ambassadors’ Association to be placed on their agenda
to promote membership in The Africa Society.
Because of time constraints, action on the following
New Business was tabled until the next meeting.
1. Determine qualifications for trustee elections
in November. Information will be needed for the second letter to
Embassies.
2. Discuss and develop verbal description of
proposed "toguna" facility for use in approaching real estate personnel,
architects or designers.
The next meeting was set for October 21, 1999
at 7:30 p.m. to be held at 3511 North 13th Street, Arlington. Telephone:
703 522 1198. The meeting was adjourned at 9:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
________________________
Approved: ______________
The meeting was called to order and the minutes of the August 7, 1999 meeting were approved as modified. The treasurer reported a balance of $431. The following Old Business was conducted.
1. Albert Lewis displayed samples of business cards and prepared cards for Samuel Kiendrebeogo and Alpha Sow. Mr. Lewis presented a sample of letterhead which was adopted with the addition of the 1221 Mass. Ave. address and telephone across the bottom. The draft brochure is still in progress.
2. The Fashion Show Project was tabled until Adam Ouologuem returns from Mali.
3. The e-mail concerning to the potential Recordings Distribution & Promotion Project, previously sent to Samir Naman, manager of Ami Koita, was reviewed and approved by consensus.
4. Mr. Lewis reported that the membership application form is still in preparation and will be designed to permit the designation of levels of privacy with respect to all information so gathered. Presently, a membership dues schedule is located on the Society’s web page along with directions to submit dues to the address of the treasurer. This listing was reviewed and approved by consensus.
5. The corporate secretary presented the substance of the letters to be mailed to the ambassador of each African country introducing the Society. Arrangements were made for Samuel Kiendrebeogo to receive the letter on Monday to translate into French. IBLF will print the letters in English and French along with the envelopes and 20 stamps. Alpha Sow and Samuel Kiendrebeogo will mail the letters.
6. A list of African countries to receive introductory letters was complied.
7. The corporate secretary was directed to send condolences by e-mail to President Adam Ouologuem’s family on the passing of her mother.
8. The discussion of personal follow-up to the initial introductory letters and the determination of qualifications for trustee elections were tabled until the next meeting.
9. Albert Lewis was selected to chair the September 4th meeting to be held at 3511 North Thirteenth Street, Arlington, Virginia 22201-4907 (telephone 703 522-1198) at 4:00 p.m.
10. The meeting was adjourned at 5:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
________________________
Approved: ______________
Steffanie J. Lewis, Secretary
The meeting was called to order and the minutes of the July 24, 1999 meeting were approved as modified. The treasurer reported a balance of $231. The following Old Business was conducted.
1. In order to develop as quickly as possible materials for the commencement of promotional activities, Albert Lewis volunteered to contact the artist Cheko to obtain the logo and use it in creating business cards and letterhead. He would distribute through the internet a draft brochure for comment. When the English language brochure is adopted, Samuel Kiendrebeogu will translate it into French.
2. FASHION SHOW Project: An invitation to have a fashion show in DC under the sponsorship of The Africa Society was faxed to Pathe’O over President Ouologuem’s signature. The Society is awaiting a response. Adam Ouologuem will telephone Pathe’O to follow-up on the matter.
3. Music Distribution Project: The corporate secretary will write to Samir Namon regarding distribution and promotion of Ami Koita’s music.
4. The corporate secretary will draft letters to the chief political official of each African country introducing The Africa Society. Samuel Kiendrebeogu will translate the letter into French. The first letter will be followed by a second letter explaining specifically what the Society can do for the specific African country. A third letter will be sent asking for membership dues and other commitments. All present agreed to contribute 60 stamps to be used in the mailing. Solicitation of dues would additionally be sent to other persons at each embassy. Adam Ouologuem will prepare a list of persons to receive the initial letters.
The following New Business was conducted.
1. The committee organization was suspended and trustees agreed to work as a general committee on all projects until the membership is substantially increased.
2. The identity of trustees holding seats on the Board until the Society’s November election was unclear. As a solution, Albert Lewis will draft a membership application form that will request confirmation of Trustee status and present it at the next trustees meeting.
3. The August 21st meeting will be held at 3511
North 13th Street, Arlington, VA 22201, telephone 703 522 1198, from
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m and Samuel Kiendrebeogu will chair the meeting.
Chairman Lewis adjourned the meeting at 6:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
________________________
Approved: ______________
Steffanie J. Lewis, Secretary
The Board of Trustees of The Africa Society
met at 3511 North Thirteenth Street, Arlington, VA at 4:00 p.m. Present
were: Adam Ouologuem, Alseny Ben Bangoura, Alpha Oumar Sow, Erebweren Dyibo,
Samuel T. Kiendrebeogu, Wanda Bullock-Bangoura and Steffanie J. Lewis.
Alseny Ben Bangoura presided as Chairman.
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Alseny Ben Bangoura. The minutes of the July 10, 1999 meeting were approved. Treasurer Albert Lewis reported a balance of $231. The following Old Business was conducted.
1. The English translation of The Africa Society slogan was approved as “In Unity We Succeed.”
2. The brochure, letterhead and business card presented by President Adam Ouologuem were approved in concept. It was decided that the documents as well as the internet Home Page would be written in both French and English. Albert Lewis will draft the language for the Home Page and the brochure with consultation and assistance with other Board members as may be interested. Samuel T. Kiendrebeogu and Alseny Ben Bangoura will translate them into French.
3. It was reported that Adbushaker Aboud is traveling and will mail to President Ouologuem the list of initial contacts for building donations. It was suggested that there are certain individual owners of business property in the downtown DC area who might be extremely interested in assisting the Society with its efforts, perhaps to the extent of providing rental-free space for use by the Society which would thereby enhance the quality and value of the adjoining real estate. While this would not replace the long-term objective of acquiring ownership of the actual building space to be utilized, it would be consistent with the efforts of the Society to commence sustaining operations as soon as possible, as a means of demonstrating the viability of the concept as well as generating interest in the long-term project. However, since such a contribution would be extremely beneficial, it was urged that great care be used in identifying and contacting such individuals who might have the ability to provide such assistance.
4. It was agreed that the amount of time or money used to influence legislation should not reach an amount that might jeopardize the organization’s non-profit tax status. The Secretary was authorized to effect that policy on form 1023.
The following New Business was conducted.
1. By conditional consensus, the
organization will be classified as a charitable non-profit organization,
a “Public Charity” by definition on form 1023, on the grounds that
the organization expects to receive not more than 1/3 of its support from
gross investment income and will receive more than 1/3 of its support from
contributions, membership fees, and gross receipts related to its exempt
function of promoting African culture. Condition: If the organization
does not qualify with the IRS as a public charity, it will be switched
to a private foundation.
2. The Statement of Revenue and Expenses for the purpose of completing form 1023 was discussed. The year from incorporation to 12/31/99 was projected and approved. Steffanie Lewis was authorized to project years 2000 and 2001 on the basis of the discussion.
3. Conceptually the multi-year Budget was separated into three phases: (1) the period prior to making the initial financial commitment on the building; (2) the period after making a financial commitment on the building until its occupancy; and (3) annual building operating budgets.
4. During this first budget phase,
the following goals were approved in the order stated.
a. Enlist a broad scope of membership
(including influential individuals and groups).
b. Raise sufficient money to fund the
pre-building commitment operations - Successfully complete fund raising
activities.
c. Identify location and building requirements
d. Obtain financing for building acquisition
prior to 6/30/99
Goal(a) - mailings will be sent
out as soon as the brochure is completed so that individuals and groups
understand who the organization is and what it expects to accomplish.
Goal(b) - two fund raising projects
were proposed. President Ouologuem presented a brochure of Pathe’o
who is doing a show in New York in September and has an interest in The
Africa Society. President Ouologuem also presented a letter from
Amy Koita’s manager offering some form of collaboration with the Society
in promoting and distribution of CD’s and tapes as a potential fund-raising
project.
5. Fashion Show. The organization’s secretary will draft a letter to Pathe’o extending an invitation to show in DC under the sponsorship of The Africa Society. President Ouologuem will draft the fax in French and will send both to Pathe’o. The fax will request conditions Pathe’o would include in an agreement to show. Approval of conducting the fashion show is contingent upon The Africa Society’s ability to conduct it professionally and meeting the conditions Pathe’o may request.
6. The organization’s secretary was asked to draft a response to Amy Koita’s manager with the intent of promotion and distribution by The Africa Society through its home page as a fund raising activity, but without damaging potential members in the music distribution business.
7. Samuel Kiendrebeogu will host the August 7th meeting at 2200 Columbia Pike, Apt. #312, Arlington, VA 22204 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m and Albert Lewis will chair the meeting. Chairman Bangoura adjourned the meeting at 6:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
________________________
Steffanie J. Lewis, Secretary
The Africa Society met on July 10,
1999 at the residence of Adam Ouologuem, 1221 Mass. Ave, NW, # 403, Washington
DC at 4:00 p.m. Present were: Adam Ouologuem, Alseny Ben Bangoura,
Alpha Oumar Sow, Henry Francisque and Samuel Kiendrebeogo.
The meeting was called to order by Alpha Oumar Sow. Adam Ouologuem informed the meeting that The Africa Society had been assigned an employer identification number by the Internal Revenue Service.
The meeting approved the minutes of the June 19, 1999 meeting.
The treasury report presented by Adam Ouologuem showed a balance of 231 dollars, available in account. Alpha Oumar Sow offered a check of 100 dollars representing his membership fee. Alseny Ben Bangoura promised to send his contribution in the coming days.
Participants reviewed, filled in and approved the form 1023, the logo, letterhead and business card design of the Society, as submitted by acting chairperson Adam Ouologuem.
The meeting decided that prior to any request for donation should be preceded by the sending out of letters disclosing the existence, and stating the goals of the Africa Society to outside parties, including to African embassies. Moreover, the information process should be set in motion immediately.
Participants agreed that membership benefits should include subscription to a newsletter, information provided by a web page, full account of financial activities, invitation to all TAS-related events and discount on tickets.
The meeting adopted a draft fee schedule for services submitted by acting chairperson Adam Ouologuem. The proposed fee for big events would amount to 1,000 dollars for businesses, 500 hundred for universities, 100 for individuals, with members enjoying a discount of 50 %.
The next meeting was scheduled for July 24th at 3511 North Thirteen Street, Arlington VA at 4:00 p.m. under the chairmanship of Alseny Ben Bangoura. Chairman Alpha Oumar Sow adjourned the meeting at 6:00 p.m.
Samuel T. Kiendrebeogo, Acting Secretary
The second meeting of the Board of Trustees
of The Africa Society met at 3511 North Thirteenth Street, Arlington, VA
at 4:00 p.m. Present were: AdamOuologuem, Alseny Ben Bangoura, Alpha Oumar
Sow, Modibo Diallo, Abdushaker Aboud, Marcel A. Kouaho and Steffanie J.
Lewis.
The meeting was called to order by acting chairman
Adam Ouologuem. The minutes of the June 5, 1999 meeting were approved.
Acting treasurer reported a balance of $131after initial website and incorporation
fees had been paid. There being no old business, the chairman moved to
new business. The following were discussed and approved as indicated.
Respectfully submitted,
_________________________
Steffanie J. Lewis, Secretary
The organizers ofThe Africa Society met
at 3511 North Thirteenth Street, Arlington, VA at 11:00 a.m. Present
were: Adam Ouologuem, Albert
Z. Lewis, Jr., Alseny Ben Bangoura,
Alpha
Oumar Som, and Steffanie J. Lewis.
The following occurred and consensus was obtained as indicated below.
1. Adam Ouologuem presented The Africa Society certificate of incorporation from the District of Columbia.
2. The Organizational Meeting followed. Officers were selected, a bank named and Bylaws adopted which increased the Board of Trustees to fifteen. Minutes of the Organizational meeting are attached.
3. President Ouologuem called a meeting of the initial Board of Trustees. Initial Trustees present were, President Ouologuem and Albert Z. Lewis, Jr.
4. Pursuant to the Bylaws adopted in the Organizational Meeting, the two Trustees filled vacancies on the Board of Trustees with the following people: Henry Francisque, Alpha Oumar Sow, Alseny Ben Bangoura, Lisa Nichols, Marcel Kovaho, Mamadou Diakite, and Steffanie J. Lewis. By consensus, the remaining vacancies will be filled at a later meeting of the Board.
5. The minutes of the May 22, 1999 informal meeting were adopted as read. Following a discussion regarding the role of President and Executive Director, it was unanimously decided that the chief officer of The Africa Society would be the President.
6. It was unanimously decided that the Board of Trustees have a rotating Chairman who will preside over the Board meeting. At each Board meeting, a Chairman would be selected to chair the next scheduled Board meeting. The rotating Chairman’s presiding over Board meetings would not conflict with the responsibility of the President to preside over Membership meetings.
7. It was unanimously decided that the Society would meet every other Saturday. A best time for the meetings was not determined, but it was agreed that the next meeting be held between 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 19, 1999, at IBLF, 3511 North Thirteenth Street in Arlington, telephone: 703 522 1198.
8. President Ouologuem reported on the fund raising art show proposed at the May 22nd meeting. The art donor does not appear to be serious. He had not appeared at two meetings he had arranged with President Ouologuem.
9. Albert A. Lewis, Jr. reported on The Africa Society web page. It can now be accessed by typing www.theafticasociety.org.
10. Henry Francisque was selected as Chairman for the meeting on June 19, 1999.
11. In order to maintain a maximum meeting length of two hours, it was unanimously agreed to carry the New Business over to the next meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 12:00 noon.
Respectfully submitted,
_________________________
Steffanie J. Lewis, Secretary
MINUTES OF THE ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING OF
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
OF THE AFRICA SOCIETY, INC.
The organizational meeting of the first Board of Trustees of The Africa Society, Inc. (the Foundation), was held at 3511 N. 13th Street, Arlington, Virginia 22201-4907, on June 5, 1999, at 10:00 o'clock, a.m., pursuant to notice of May 22, 1999 Ms. Adam Ouologuem, and Mr. Albert Z. Lewis, being two of the three the Trustees, were present. Ms. Ouologuem acted as Chairman of the meeting. Mr. Lewis acted as Secretary and recorded the Minutes.
The Chairman pointed out that it was desirable to elect officers for the Foundation. Thereupon, on motion duly made and seconded, the following persons were elected to the offices set forth opposite their names below, to serve until the first annual meeting of the Trustees and until their successors are elected:
Office Name
President - Adam Ouologuem
Treasurer- Albert Z. Lewis, Jr.
Secretary- Steffanie J. Lewis
The Chairman then stated that it was necessary to designate a depository for the funds of the Foundation and to authorize a certain person to sign checks for the Foundation and to authorize the Foundation to borrow funds on a short-term basis. On motion duly made and seconded, it was unanimously
RESOLVED, that either the President and Treasurer, or authorized designee, of this Foundation are authorized to open and maintain checking accounts in the name of this Foundation and is authorized in the name of this Foundation to sign checks or other orders for the payment of money from such accounts with their double signatures; and further
RESOLVED, to authorize this Foundation to borrow on a short-term basis up to $25,000 from banks and other lending institutions on terms approved by the appropriate Officers of this Foundation and the Board of Trustees ; and further
The Chairman then stated it was in order to adopt Bylaws for the Foundation and then presented to the meeting a form of such Bylaws. On motion duly made and seconded, the form so presented was adopted as the Bylaws of the Foundation and the Secretary was directed to insert the Bylaws in the Minute Book.
The Chairman then stated that it was necessary to establish a fiscal year. Thereupon, on motion duly made and seconded, January 1, to December 31, was adopted as the Foundation's fiscal year.
The Chairman then presented to the meeting the question of taking advantage of the provisions of Section 501(c)(3)of the Internal Revenue Code. Thereupon, on motion duly made and seconded, the following resolution was adopted:
RESOLVED, that the Officers of the Foundation or any of them be, and they hereby are, authorized and directed to file or cause to be filed the application with the Internal Revenue Service for recognition of exemption under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
There being no further business to come before the meeting, on motion duly made and seconded, it was unanimously adjourned.
______________________
Albert Z. Lewis, Secretary
Approved:
_____________________
Adam Ouloguem, Chairman
The following topics were discussed and consensus obtained as indicated below.
1. The minutes of the previous meeting were adopted.
2. Albert Lewis reported on the Internet registration of the domain name: TheAfricaSociety.Org which was accomplished.
3. The proposed Articles of Incorporation were reviewed and the general organization was discussed. It was agreed that Adam should file the Articles as presented, and that the next meeting would be the first organizational and business meeting of the Society.
4. Adam and Mamadou agreed to report back concerning a possible art project for raising money for the Society.
5. It was agreed that there should be a Chairman of the Board of Trustees who would lead the meetings of the Board, and that the principal operating officer of the corporation should be the Executive Director rather than President.
6. Concern was expressed that the organization should be developed in such a way as to ensure that no one country or member organization should be able to have a dominant position or control of the business of the Society. To this end it was proposed that there be a limitation on the number of persons of the same nationality to serve on the Board at the same time, and that various classes of membership be established to maintain diversity in the Board of Trustees, and that these rules should be stated in the Bylaws, for example, a rule might provide that 4 seats be set aside on the Board of Trustees for representatives of Country Members of the Society, and that these seats would be filled by the vote of the Country Members rather than the membership at large.
7. In order to proceed with the business of the Society in as productive and vigorous manner as possible, it was proposed that all those persons attending the initial organizational meeting (to be the next meeting) be asked to serve as the initial Board of Trustees until the first annual meeting in November.
8. The next meeting shall take place at the same address (3511 N.13th, Arlington VA) on Saturday, June 5, 1999 at 10:00 a.m. (waffles to be served at 9:00 a.m.)
The meeting was adjourned at 11:45 a.m. (Submitted by Albert Lewis)
Promoters of The Africa Society met at 3511
North Thirteenth Street, Arlington, VA at 4:00 p.m.
Present were: Adam
Ouologuem, Albert Z. Lewis, Jr.,
Samuel
Kiendrebeogo, and Steffanie J. Lewis.
The following topics were discussed. No formal action was taken although consensus was obtained as indicated below.
1. Consensus - The purpose of The Africa Society is to promote a greater appreciation and understanding of and between the 54+ countries of the African continent through cultural activities and exchanges.
2. Consensus - Cultural activities are defined broadly, to include educational, commercial, scientific, artistic, social, and entertainment activities as well as traditional activities.
3. Consensus - The Africa Society is non-political, non-ethnic, and non-aligned.
4. Activities through which The Africa Society intends to promote its purposes include: Establish a Toguna (conceptually) in Washington DC where the activities of the Society can be best displayed and accomplished; Support and Sponsor Exchanges, Expositions, Activities in African villages, Youth participation in African cultural activities in the United States; and Development and maintenance of freely accessible information resources in support of the activities of the Society and other organizations consistent with the purposes of the Society.
5. Specific activities to be initially undertaken include:
Legally organize the Society - S. Lewis
to report back on this activity at the next meeting.
Involve many others in synthesizing concept
of The Africa Society and its development.
Develop a Statement of Purpose
Develop an internet site - A. Lewis to
report back on this activity at the next meeting
Develop a brochure and promotional poster
Develop an immediate budget and calendar
of activities for the first year
6. Incorporators contribute $100 each to fund the initial organizational filing fees and start-up out-of- pocket expenses which is believed to be enough to establish the organization.
7. Financial Sources of Revenue
Memberships, Sponsorships, Fund-raising, Donations, Grants
The next meeting is scheduled for May 22, 1999 at 9:00 a.m. at IBLF, 3511 N. 13th Street, Arlington, VA. All present will encourage other interested persons to join that meeting.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:00 p.m.
(Submitted by Steffanie Lewis, Acting Secretary)