June
Dear Grandson,
I hope this letter finds you in excellent shape and high spirits. I have wanted to write to you for quite some time now, to share a little bit more about myself, our families, and the people in America and Africa. The moment feels right, especially because I am immensely happy and proud of your recent graduation and achievements. Your mom, dad, and grandma Nana have done a remarkable job raising you, and I have watched you grow into a strong and mature young man. However, I believe that everyone can benefit from words of love and wisdom, no matter how much they have accomplished. That is why, as part of your graduation gift, I am sending you a book that was a key reference for me and which I always had as my bedside book. I find it to be very important in navigating various aspects of life. I have also included some “Gris-Gris”, a sort of talisman that Tano , your Great-Grandma, had prepared for you years ago. Gris-Gris are prayers of health , success, happiness and protection. The prayers are folded and put in a leather container Please use the gris-gris as you see fit ; and ask me questions about them. Along with the book, and the Gris-Gris, I am sending you this letter, which I hope you will take your time to read and familiarize yourself with, as it contains valuable principles and guidance that you will find useful.
They say that becoming a grandparent is one of the greatest gifts in the world. I did not have a full appreciation of that until after you were born and your Dad handed you over to me to hold. I was so thrilled , so happy and I prayed into your ears, as it is traditionally done in our African culture. Your Grandma , Brenda also prayed for you in the early moments of your life. It was a truly magical moment.I still remember it as if it was yesterday Where did the time go ? It's unbelievable how quickly time goes by Now, eighteen years later, I have to stand on tiptoe to give you a hug ! You have grown into a wonderful, handsome young man who is preparing to leave home for college. I experienced the bliss of seeing you each time I came to Los Angeles to visit. Your parents are pretty amazing people. Do you know how lucky you are?
Of course they will love and protect you forever but they have also taught you what you need to know to be a good citizen of the world.I love the way that you cooperate and share with others. Your parents also taught you how to be considerate and kind. May this kindness always be the cornerstone of your soul. Your parents are showing by example what it means to be a true and loyal friend to others. Along with the close-knit family you are blessed to be a part of, it is important to know that you are a member of extended families in Africa and America.
I love that you are so curious about the world around you. May you always have a keen interest in learning about people, places and Africa. You come from highly educated families . Your Mom and Dad, your grandparents and great grandparents were highly educated. That is why your parents will take your education very seriously and make sure that you are exposed to a wide range of cultures and ideas so that you can learn the importance of diversity and acceptance. They will encourage you to always be true to yourself, to be an individual, to be the best “YOU” you can be. You are quite fabulous, you know. The family in Senegal and I feel blessed, honored and grateful each time your parents traveled with you to Senegal. Tano, your great-grandmother felt quite fulfilled and blessed to have her great grandson coming from afar to visit. You will have the opportunity to experience the beauty and wonder of places around the world. May you take advantage of every opportunity and may each experience make you yearn for the next one.
That brings to mind what your Dad and I were discussing when you were about 5 or 6. Having grown up in Senegal, I really wanted you to play soccer or practice Judo or
karate, since that is what I did when I was a young lad. Oh, How wrong I was! I am glad you, your mom and dad, focused on basketball. It is really enjoyable and exciting watching you play over the years. Zion, You are an excellent basketball player , you know Thank you for the joy you bring to our families and friends. Yes, friends should be an important part of your life. May you have family who are your friends and friends who are your family I was also very proud the other day at your basketball signing ceremony at school. That's an exceptional achievement given that there were only three of you chosen for that event. I have no doubt that you will do great things at Tufts University. In addition to all the wonderful qualities that you possess, I also want to encourage you to continue to develop your talents and skills, particularly in basketball. It is clear that you have a natural talent in this area, but there are a few things you can do to take your abilities to the next level.
First and foremost, I want you to know that my love and support for you are never-ending. Please also know that you are surrounded by people in America and in Africa who love you fiercely and will support and protect you forever I admire your skills and accomplishments, and I am truly proud of the person you have become. Your determination and dedication have been inspiring, and I have no doubt that you will continue to achieve great things in your future endeavors.
That said, now I want to tell you more about the family and our culture. I would also like to share with you my thoughts on your mom, dad, grandma Nana, your uncle Tij, and aunt Ali. I have been amazed at how your mom and dad have prioritized raising you well while also focusing on their careers. In our Fulani culture, grandparents are seen as friends who teach you about traditions, and uncles and aunts are important members of the direct family who provide support and guidance regarding customs and ways of life. Our extended family, including my brothers, sisters, and relatives, all share a deep love for you. We celebrate your happiness, and our prayers are always with you. Remember that you have a strong support system that is always here for you.
Let me take a moment to tell you about your great-grandparents, Aliou Abdulay Watt and Kadija Mussa Diallo. They were both born in the Fulani village of Thioubalel, in the Fuuta region of northern Senegal. They were Fulani people of high birth and standing in society and served as community leaders for the great part of their lives.Their legacy is one that we carry with pride and reverence.
Regarding my life in the United States and my professional career, I want to start with my early education in Saint- Louis and Dakar Senegal and my University studies in Grenoble, France. That’s where I had the extraordinary fortune of meeting your grandmother Carole Gaillard. After I completed my Doctorate in Grenoble, Carole and I came to the United States so that she could complete her Master’s degree. We were very warmly welcomed and supported by your Great-Grand-Parents, Lois and Wenell Gaillard. They were extremely kind to me and gave tremendous help and support to adjust in the United States. They were not only kind but also accomplished in their professional and spiritual lives.
As for my career, I was professor and researcher in the field of water resources; I have been fortunate to become an internationally recognized authority in water resources development and water research management. Over the years, I have performed and directed over 50 projects in the fields of water and energy . I have also served as an advisor and consultant for esteemed organizations such as the US Department of the
Interior, the US Department of Energy, the US Environmental Protection Agency, the UNESCO, the American Red Cross, and the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin. My work has taken me to different parts of the world, including the Middle East and West Africa, where I have addressed critical water issues.
Zion, as you embark on your own journey, I want you to know that I am here to support you every step of the way. I believe in your potential, and I have faith that you will make a positive impact in the world. Always remember your roots, embrace the wisdom of our American and African cultures, and strive to be the best version of yourself.
As you know very well by now, nothing is dearer to my heart than my hopes for your long-term future and happiness. However, whenever we try to live a good life, not everything is within our control. But much of our long-term success derives from our choices, our habits and our attitudes. As I have watched you grow to be a young adult, I’ve observed that you have much of what it takes.
Now, I want to offer you some words of wisdom as you navigate this new phase in your life. Always be true to yourself, follow your passions. Life is full of challenges, but it's also full of opportunities. Embrace them all and make the most of every moment. About money, the two most important things to know are: money management and investing. Continuously educate yourself about investing in stocks, in crypto and in real estate etc. Your money should remain invested entirely in diverse asset classes. If you follow that plan, it’s highly likely that over time your account value will continue to grow. That will gradually increase the annual amount you can take out for essential expenses.
Additionally, communication is key The book I am sending you “Effective Speaking” by Dale Carnegie has helped millions of people including me. This means not only improving your spoken communication but also developing your written communication skills. This will come in handy when it comes to writing emails, filling out forms, and communicating with girls, friends, coaches and scouts. I have to add that both your Mom and Dad are excellent communicators.
Secondly, always be open to learning. As for me, I never stop learning.There is always room for improvement, even for the best among us. Seek out opportunities to learn from coaches and other experienced players, and be receptive to feedback and criticism.
Thirdly, self-acceptance is important. Don't be too hard on yourself when things don't go according to plan. Accepting yourself for who you are, both on and off the court, will help you stay focused and motivated.
Fourthly, responsible behavior is key Always show up on time in class and for practices and games, take care of your equipment, and be good to your classmates and to your teammates. These behaviors demonstrate to others that you are a reliable and responsible person.
Fifthly, respect and love towards your father, mother, and family in general is important. Choose carefully who you hang around with because they could have a significant influence on you. If you meet a girl you like, treat her with love and respect. Remember that your family and your friends are your support system, and they will always have your back no matter what. Treat them with love and respect, and you will receive the same in return.
Lastly, helping others is a great way to give back to the community and demonstrate your values. Whether it's volunteering at a local basketball clinic or helping out a teammate in need, always be willing to lend a helping hand.
Finally, as you well know , one thing very important to me is to reintroduce our Fulani culture to you.Our culture, the Fulani (also known as Fulbe), is the largest community in West Africa. We span across approximately 20 countries from Senegal to Sudan.
Fulanis have a rich cultural heritage and have made significant contributions to Africa. It's worth noting that there were also famous Fulanis in America who arrived here in previous centuries. I want to emphasize the importance of character and good citizenship. As a Fulani, it is vital to embody the values and principles that define our identity Your future outlook should always be grounded in integrity, respect for others, and a commitment to making a positive difference in the world around you.
The most important concept Fulani people live by is the concept of “Endamm”. Endamm is about family love, kinship and bonding It is also about trust, support, and friendship between people
The basis of “Endamm”. stems from the seven Fulani ethical principles called "Pulaaku" and the seven commandments called "Harameeji Jeeddi". These principles are deeply ingrained in Fulani culture and shape the way people interact with one another. The seven main Pulaaku ethical principles are:
1. Bonding and Affection, (Ennɗam)
2. Modesty, (Semteende)
3. Patience/Perseverance, (Munyal)
4. Manliness and Bravery, (Jambaaragal)
5. Dignity and Self Respect, (Neɗɗaagu)
6. Intelligence, Smarts, (Hakkille)
7. Respect (Teddungal)
In addition to these principles, the Fulani culture also emphasizes the importance of following the Seven Commandments called "Harameeji Jeedidi", which are:
1. Never Fear, cultivate courage (Oto Hull)
2. Never Lie (Hoto Fenn)
3. Never Steal (Hoto Wujju)
4. Never Betray (Hoto Jaamfo)
5. Never Break Family Bonds (Hoto Taj Ennɗamm)
6. Always Keep Your Words (Hoto Firtu Aadi)
7. We Share everything (Denden Fof )
You will soon be flying out of the nest and into your future. As you travel down the road of life, please remember the few words I shared with you above. And also remember to keep our conversation going. As you take your first steps into adulthood, remember that you have a strong support system. The families in America and in Africa, We are always here for you, no matter what. You can come to us with any problem, big or small, and we will be there to help you in any way we can
With all love and best wishes, Pape
June, 23, 2023
