By Ata Nchomba
The Cameroonian community in Houston came out in blissful colors to celebrate its third annual thanksgiving and cultural festival. Organized by the CAMCOH, the festival enabled Cameroon associations, religious and ethnic groups to eat, drink, dance, celebrate and share their diverse but rich cultural heritages.
Bui Family Union (BFU) drummers
The event began with a word of prayer from Pastor Victor of the Omega Church. Mr. Bendrix Tabu and Henri Consty took to the microphone to co-emcee the evening in English and French respectively. Bendrix introduced and thanked the executive and board of CAMCOH for organizing the cultural event.
The crowd clapped with joy followed by Omega Gospel Band that brought attendees to their feet as they danced and thanked God. The Calabash Choir of Houston followed with their rhythmic praises followed by Cameroon Catholic Community and Christian Women Fellowship.
DJ Skipper played ethnic music for each of the cultural groups as they showcased their traditional outfits and danced for the crowd. The Akum Cultural Association graced the floor followed by Bali Cultural Association, MUNYANG (Nkongho-Mbo), Fako Elements Cultural Association and Wimbum Cultural & Development Association.
John Ayuk and John Eta of Manyu Element Cultural Association
The cultural showcasing was syncopated with a fashion show as Men, women and children walked the floor to model various ethnic dresses and clothing. After the fashion show, cultural and ethnic dances continued with La Famille Bamileke (LAFABAH), Mankon Cultural & Development Association, Manyu Elements Cultural Association, Bafut Manjong Cultural Association, SAWA, Meta Cultural Development Association, Bakossi Cultural & Development Association, Bui Family Union, Moghamo and the Bafaw.
As the cultural parade came to an end, the Houston Soccer Club brought hall to its feet as they render their signature coupé décalé dance.
However, the festive and joyous atmosphere was interrupted when a car that belonged to Ms. Evodie, a Cameroon student from Prairie View A & M University was burning outside. The car was a total loss, so the community paused the festivity and raised $2,607 for Ms. Evodie to replace her car. In addition to the raised cash, many pledged to help the young lady. It was for this reason CAMCOH was formed – to bring Cameroonians together and help each other when in need.
Camerooninan Women at CAMCOH's 3rd Annual Thanksgiving and Cultural Festival
The vision of CAMCOH, as printed on the program for the cultural evening, “is to be an umbrella organization for all Cameroon cultural groups in the Houston metropolitan area. To achieve this vision, CAMCOH seeks among others to:
- Identify, encourage support and foster sustainable networking and communication within the Cameroonian Community in Houston.
- Leverage and empower new Cameroonian arrivals in Houston through orientation and counsel.
- Leverage and empower the young generation through kid’s programs and youth educational activities.
- Advocate for Cameroonians interests in the Houston Area.
– Encourage internal and external cohesion.
- Build and manage a community center which defines Cameroon as a people and caters for the needs of Cameroonians in Houston.
While CAMCOH is a young organization, Cameroonians in Houston acknowledge its importance. “This organization,” according to John Ayuk, “is vital to the unity and growth of the Cameroon-American community in Houston and surrounding areas.” Chairman of the Board for CAMCOH, Mr. John Kwang, explained that the organization is raising funds to build a cultural center that will educate not only Cameroonians but the Houston community as a whole.
Mr. John Kwang, Chairman of the Board, speaks about the past, present and the future of CAMCOH.
