Celebrating Culture and Building Community in Silicon Valley
From November 22 to November 24, 2019, participants from Cameroon, Europe, and North America gathered across the San Francisco Bay Area and Silicon Valley for a series of cultural and community events celebrating the heritage of the Bassa-Mpoo-Bati people.
The events were organized to:
- Celebrate and promote the Bassa-Mpoo-Bati culture
- Educate the broader public about its history and traditions
- Launch the activities of Mbog Liaa USA West Coast in partnership with Mbai Bassa California and other West Coast-based organizations.
A New Platform for Collaboration
Mbog Liaa USA West Coast is a new regional chapter of Mbog Liaa USA. Its mission is to provide Bassa-Mpoo-Bati associations and communities on the West Coast of the United States with a shared platform to coordinate initiatives, strengthen collaboration, and expand their impact.
A Successful Launch
According to Alain Nonga—who was also installed as the President of the Mbog Liaa USA West Coast chapter—the success of the events exceeded the organizers’ expectations.
Participants highlighted several key outcomes:
- Strong engagement and enthusiasm:
Attendees shared overwhelmingly positive feedback and enjoyed meaningful cultural and social exchanges.
- Greater cultural awareness:
Through the various activities, many people in the San Francisco Bay Area discovered the vibrancy of the Bassa-Mpoo-Bati community and the richness of its culture.
- A renewed spirit of collaboration:
Participants emphasized the importance of working together as a united community to create meaningful and sustainable impact.
This momentum has already inspired new ideas and initiatives. Participants left the event with a list of action items and priorities to guide future projects in the short, medium, and long term.
A Heartfelt Thank You
We extend our sincere gratitude to all participants whose energy, dedication, and enthusiasm made this gathering such a tremendous success.
We would also like to offer special thanks to Jerome Minlend and Sara Minlend, who traveled from Cameroon to support this important milestone. Their commitment and leadership continue to inspire and strengthen the Bassa-Mpoo-Bati community worldwide.
Finally, we thank Pie Bayehe for his unwavering support and leadership, both behind the scenes and throughout the event.
Together, we continue to strengthen our community, celebrate our culture, and build a brighter future. 
