Purple means royalty. It is a mystical color that stands for nobility and spirituality.
On the first weekend of August 2008, GSSA alumni painted the city of Charlotte, North Carolina PURPLE. The aura of a small town in Ebonyi State, Nigeria, graced big town Charlotte, NC in the USA. The event and the environment brought out the kids in men. There was an extra spring in their steps. Faces lit up and beamed with joy. And happiness sat softly on every brow. Dredged up from the deep recesses of the mind, memories of GSSA days of yore resurfaced, lingered and were savored.
But, sad to tell now, little did we know that one of our own was next door in Fayetville, NC waiting for his call to glory. Sylvester Nnoruka (SMO); May your soul rest in peace.
GSSAAA convention 2008 kicked off without fanfare Friday evening (August 1) in Charlotte, NC. As the sun set, groups formed informally in generational patches of five or more persons signifying classes by seniority. Picture the class of ’67 being referred to as “0r-ings”. Although groups jelled effortlessly, or-ings knew where they belonged and dared not trespass. It was an evening of tale telling steeped in nostalgia. While the veterans were calling it the night, the honorary mayor of the city for that weekend, Dr Charles Agunobi chose to show the rest of the gang what Charlotte night live was all about. Yes, we went, we saw, and we conquered. Most of us had three hours of sleep before the next day’s event. Go figure.
Saturday, August 2nd was the D-Day. Breakfast and registration started at approximately 7:30AM. Alumni by marriage (wives) took charge of registrations. We couldn’t be prouder of those wonderful ladies and cannot thank them enough. Welcome to the family.
The secretary general (Ozoemena, Leonard) introduced the master of ceremonies, Mgbada, Patrick who in turn introduced the national President, Dr Uche David. The main event kicked off with an opening prayer and song from “Songs and Praise”. The lesson was read from ……..where else but 1 Peter 2 verses 13 thru 17 ending with the admonition: “Love the brotherhood, FEAR GOD HONOR THE KING”
The chairman’s opening remarks were geared towards the task ahead, purpose of the convention, and the drive to accomplish set goals. Dr Akamnonu, author of “Suppers of Many Dishes” took the podium and delivered the keynote address. He schooled most of us on the CULTURE of our beloved institution. It felt like a Monday morning in the assembly hall except no RUNS were dished out. As the clock ate into the hours of the day, more grinning faces graced the group. By lunch time, we had a full house.
All the speakers addressed a common goal; the drive to restore our beloved Alma Mater. Dr Obi Nwasokwa eloquently presented both a rationale for action and a detailed road map towards accomplishing set goals. When the secretary called upon members to step up to the plate and support set goals for GSSA, they responded with enthusiasm. Even members who were unable to attend answered the call. One feels pride and great joy to announce that we raised over Thirty Thousand dollars on the spot. Let us keep the flag flying by contacting our financial secretary (Victor Okoye) at 612-272-0338, via email ( financialsecretary@gssaaa.org), or mail your contributions to his attention at:
GSSAAA: P.O.Box 23005, Richfield, MN 55423
Members were also challenged to enroll at least two Alums come ’09 convention. Afikpo House dominated Charlotte ’08. Ibiam, Okpara, School, Akabogu, Charles Low, Mboto, Niger, and New Houses, where art thou?
Saturday Evening, August 2, 2008: Dr and Mrs. Agunobi’s residence…the venue of the “Night” to remember. The greenery was a reminder of nature; the ambience, a testament to hard work, music very well orchestrated, and dinner, tastefully prepared. And yes, we brought our appetites. We wined, dined, and danced away the night. It was a blast!
The flag was lowered Sunday morning after breakfast. Members exchanged pleasantries and reaffirmed their commitment to the association and to Mother GSSA. It was a weekend to remember. GSSAAA Convention 2009 countdown has begun. Stand up and be counted. Be part of the pomp and pageantry. Be part of history. See you in Maryland/Washington D.C.
Love the brotherhood, FEAR GOD, HONOR THE KING.
-Obiora Egbuniwe, Ph.D.