As America prepares to inaugurate its 44th president, Barack Obama, on January 20 becoming the first black occupant of the White House, Africa experts are praising the special role a Gambian-born senior newspaper editor played in giving Obama the much needed victory in the state of Michigan where he won by 57 percent to Sen. John McCain’s 42 percent.

Bankole Thompson, originally a native of The Gambia and former writer of that nation’s Daily Observer newspaper made history when he was among the few top Black journalists around the world who had several face-to-face interviews with President-elect Obama on the campaign trail.

Mr. Thompson’s three sit-down interviews with Obama on the campaign in addition to phone interviews with him are now being cited as a contributing factor to delivering the struggling manufacturing state to the Obama column.

Mr. Thompson serves as senior editor/executive editor of the Michigan Chronicle newspaper founded in 1936 and widely read by policy makers across the country.
Noted for being one of the most influential African American newspapers in the U.S., the Michigan Chronicle was one of the first media outlets in America to endorse Mr. Obama for president three weeks before the election.  Excerpts of that endorsement can be found on Obama’s website alongside other endorsements from the New York Times, Washington Post and the Chicago Tribune. 

When contacted Mr. Thompson said it was an interesting experience for any journalist who covered the race giving the historic nature of the campaign.   

"We have to understand that Mr.. Obama ran an effective campaign and he was willing to sit down with any media that he thought was crucial to the success of his presidential run," Mr. Thompson said. "

When he first came to Michigan last year to address the Detroit Economic Club, his campaign headquarter in Chicago called ahead of his visit to request that I sit down with their candidate for an interview.

I took that request from the campaign to mean that Mr. Obama understands how important Michigan was to win because the Wolverine state has been hardest hit by the economy. Moreover as journalists our job is to report the news."

That first sit-down interview with then Democratic presidential nominee Mr. Obama held at Detroit’s downtown Cobo Hall, led to two more face-to-face encounters with the man who would become the first black president of the world’s superpower.

Mr. Thompson’s most recent sit-down interview with Mr. Obama took place in Grand Rapids, Michigan four weeks before the November 4 election.
Even though President-elect Obama has a powerful American story, Thompson said he found him to be a humble person whose intelligence comes across quickly when you start engaging him in discussions.

"As a journalist of African descent I understand the implications of this election for Africa and the rest of the world because Mr. Obama is just one generation away from Kenya," Thompson said. "Mr. Obama had a compelling message and an unbelievable story that can only happen in America. That’s the fact.

Let’s face it. America is a land of immense opportunities and the rise of Mr. Obama to the pinnacle of power is testament to this fact." 
At 29, Mr. Thompson, is one of the youngest leading newspaper editors in America, and is also a correspondent for the North America bureau of the global news agency Inter Press Service based at the United Nations in New York.
 
In 2006, during its 70th anniversary, the Michigan Chronicle, did what some Michigan media analysts like WXYZ-ABC editorial director and host of the Sunday morning talk show Spotlight, Chuck Stokes, called a "journalistic coup."

 The newspaper tapped the 27-year-old Thompson, who had already made his mark as a sought-after analyst and a regular face on the top rated Sunday morning political shows in the state such as Flashpoint on WDIV-NBC, American Black Journal on WTVS-PBS and Spotlight on WXYZ-ABC and radio programs. 

Thompson, left the Michigan Citizen where he was city editor and lead political writer to join the Michigan Chronicle, becoming the youngest editor in the paper’s 72-year-old history.

The newspaper is credited for producing editors that have made significant impact on the national and global scene.  For example, Louis Emanuel Martin, served as the Michigan Chronicle’s first editor for 11 years and went on to become a senior adviser to three Democratic presidents.

 His views about African American politics were highly sought in all areas including the historic appointment of Thurgood Marshall as the first black justice of the U.S. Supreme Court to former president Lyndon Johnson’s commitment to civil rights. Martin who died in 1997 founded the Joint Center for Economic and Political Studies, a respected think tank in Washington DC. 

Another example is Ofield Dukes, often referred to as the dean of public relations in Washington DC. Mr. Dukes was an editorial editor at the Michigan Chronicle writing editorials and columns when former vice president Hubert Humphrey tapped him in 1964 to become deputy director of information for the President’s Committee on Equal Employment Opportunity chaired by president Lyndon B. Johnson.

"I’m aware of the history of the institution that am associated with and what it means to people," Mr. Thompson said. "That is why I take my role seriously with the support of our publisher Sam Logan," Thompson said.

"He gave me an opportunity and believed in me understanding that talent and capability are key ingredients for any successful institution." 
President-elect Obama’s victory believed to derive from a massive support of young people including voters and volunteers, has  ushered in an era of young people playing major roles in U.S. politics as never before.

For example, his chief speechwriter is 26-years-old Jon Favreau, who leads a team of two young speechwriters for the president Adam Frankel, 26, and Ben Rhodes, who at 30, calls himself the "elder statesman" of the team.

Erstwhile Gambian resident, Iowa-based C. Paschal Eze, said the rise of Thompson to the top of American journalism and his coverage of the 2008 U.S. presidential election is a victory for Africa and Gambia in particular. 

Eze, a notable AGOA specialist and certified training consultant, said being assigned to cover a presidential campaign in American politics and interviewing the would-be president several times as Thompson did is a big prize that most journalists in America seek. 

"I’m pleased Bankole played such a remarkable role especially because of the significance it has to the relationship between America and African countries like Kenya and particularly the Gambia, the country of his extraction," Eze said.

Former U.S. ambassador to Gambia George W.B. Haley who has been a longtime mentor and fatherhood figure to Mr. Thompson said the newspaper editor is a gifted writer and communicator. 
"Bankole is extremely brilliant and wise beyond his age," Haley said. "Very few people at his age are where he is today. I am always proud to call him my son." 
 
Haley, brother of Roots author Alex Haley, said he became involved in Mr. Thompson life after realizing how talented he was at a younger age and also discovered that he was being single handedly raised by his late grandmother Hannah Lucy Krubally. 

Eze, noted that President-elect Obama’s rise to the most powerful job in the world places resplendent focus on African countries like The Gambia, especially within the context of tourism and the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).

"The challenge therefore is for African countries to reach out to notable professionals of African extraction like Bankole in their efforts to promote their tourism, trade and investment opportunities, and in building bridges of goodwill, understanding and partnership," Eze said.

Mr. Thompson’s work has earned him admiration and respect and he is often asked to keynote or moderate important events.  In August, he served as the moderator of the heated 13th Congressional District race in Michigan between incumbent Congresswoman Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick [head of the Congressional Black Caucus] and opponents State Senator Martha Scott and former State Representative Mary Waters at Perfecting Church. 

Mr. Thompson and WWJ-CBS (Newsradio 950AM) anchor Marie Osborne co-moderated Southeast Michigan’s Presidential Debate Watch Forum Panel on Oct 15 at the Music Hall in downtown Detroit.

In April of 2007, he conducted an hour long one-on-one public discussion with University of Michigan president Mary Sue Coleman about the future of affirmative action at the Charles Wright Museum of African American History.

His first book Ignoring The Underprivileged, a critique of the news media’s coverage on race and class in America released in 2006 was an instant success when it became required reading at Eastern Michigan University School of Journalism and Wayne State University Department of Africana Studies.

His second book A Matter of Black Transformation, which deals with blacks, China and globalization is also used in colleges. In writing the foreword to the book, University of Rhode Island's Bernard LaFayette who coordinated the 1968 Poor People's Campaign with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said Thompson "ponders the most important issues of our time and explores the theoretical as well as the practical application of concepts that can indeed lead to a matter of Black transformation."

In 2003, Thompson directed lecture series on Third World issues for the Washington-based foreign policy think tank, the Africa Faith and Justice Network at the Brookings Institute, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and the National Press Club.

"Bankole Thompson is a real ambassador for the black Diaspora. Despite his successes he never forgets his roots. He always reaches out when he call upon him," said MacDonald franchise owner and Jamaican-born Errol Service, who heads the African Caribbean Chamber of Commerce in the Midwest.

In the wake of Mr. Obama’s victory, the chamber hosted a forum and reception at the Detroit Renaissance Club in downtown Detroit Nov 8 to reflect on the significance of Tuesday’s election and its meaning for all people.

The forum titled "A Conversation between Obama Surrogate John Conyers Jr. and Journalist Bankole Thompson," was a standing room only event where Thompson had an hour long conversation with Conyers about Mr. Obama riding to victory. Mr. Obama has said Conyers who is chairman of the powerful House Judiciary Committee and the second longest serving member of Congress, was one of the first major politicians to endorse him for president. 

"The forum with Congressman Conyers and Mr. Thompson was the most successful event we ever had for the chamber," Service said. "The Congressman was completely at ease with Mr. Thompson which is why it was not difficult to get him to take part at the event because we informed his staffers that the forum was going to be moderated by Mr. Thompson."

Thompson has testified before august bodies such as the Kerner Commission, the National Advisory Commission on Civil Disorders, whose current chairman former Senator Fred Harris and Eisenhower Foundation President Alan Curtis described him as a "courageous voice on behalf of the dispossessed and disenfranchised, a shining example of journalism for the public good."

His views on the election and other issues are sought by CNN Newsroom, Black Enterprise Magazine, The Tom Joyner Morning Show amongst others.

Below is a poem specially dedicated to president-elect Obama.

 Black people, how did u feel when u heard of OBAMA's victory?
 Anxious, nervous, joyous, curious or zealous?
 Really, it was incomprehensible, indescribable and indefeasible
 As it was a reflection of history, victory, glory and promissory
 Crushing out tribalism, racism, colonialism and imperialism
 Knocking down oppression, marginalization and discrimination

 Oh OBAMA the eloquent, intelligent, decent and benevolent
 Brain child of Martin Luther, Malcolm X, Garvey, Mandela and Nkrumah
 And blood brother of Jesse Jackson, Oprah, Jammeh and Thomas Sankara 
 Man of peace building, economic development and social upliftment
 A source of hope to the weak women, poor men and helpless children
 For the defense of our sweet homeland
 Only in PEACE, LOVE and UNITY can we  firmly stand
 Rising high to match steadily towards the Promised Land

 Ask yourself what you can do for the African nation
 For her children and future generations
 Regaining Africa’s past glorious position
 In an era of serious social degradation
 Calling on all patriotic daughters and sons
 As Africa witnesses the emergence of a bright new horizon

Long Live Obama
Long Live Maama Africa
And Long Live Black people

Barack Obama’s victory sparked scenes of unprecedented merriment and joy in the United Kingdom as big and small cities around the country came out in great numbers to show and demonstrate their support and admiration for the first black President of the United States more than forty years after the late Martin Luther King made his legendary speech called  ‘‘ I have a dream’’.

Similar scenes were reported in other parts of Europe specially France and Germany. However in London, people packed in bars and restaurants while others took to the streets to mark Barack Obama’s triumph.

The extraordinary display of bliss and celebration described in the UK as the ‘‘Obama Fever’’ swept through the capital city of London as thousands of ex-pat Americans and Londoners gathered out to witness history being made as the first African American ready to take charge of the highest  office in the United States.

Flashy and bold-headlines of both broadsheets and tabloids dominated newspapers and magazines while television screens continued broadcasting the results and the endless celebration.   According to The Independent one of the most respected newspapers in the country it was the ‘‘Day of Days as proud African Americans see their dream fulfilled’’. Another reputable broadsheet-The Guardian reported picture of Obama’s mother carrying him as a baby stressing ‘‘the improbable journey undertaken by Obama’’. The Daily Mirror also printed that ‘‘Barack Obama’s victory changes the world’’ and further revealed the name of Roy Cortain who was arrested and reportedly ‘‘ jailed by police in Grenada in the Caribbean for disturbing the peace while celebrating in his car with US flags flying and shouting loudly Obama! Obama!’’.   

Quoting Obama’s wife Michelle, the Daily Mail one of the oldest newspapers in the country many seen as conservative cited that ‘‘Obama is who America needs’’.  Similar reports conquered the headlines in almost all the media house highlighting the popularity of the new President.

Even the American Embassy held an election party where hundreds of people continued their celebration and expressing their support for the new United States President. The invitation to the Embassy was extended to the public prompting many to congratulate embassy officials for their ‘‘neutrality and non-judgmental attitude’’.

Speaking to the press from No 10, Prime Minister Gordon Brown said: ‘‘I have just sent my warmest congratulations to Senator Obama on his election as President of the United of the States. This is a moment that will live in history as long as history books are written’’.

Brown who was earlier teased by some section of the media for ‘‘quietly supporting Obama’’, had publicly refused to single out any candidate for endorsement during the campaign. However he added: ‘‘I know Barack Obama and we share many values. We both have a determination to show that government can act to help people fairly through these difficult times facing the global economy’’.

Politically the United States democrats are seen as ‘‘sister party’’ to the current Labour government and there is no doubt that many in government circles are happy that the democrats won the presidential election. However Prime Minister Gordon Brown gave credit to Obama’s rival Republican John McCain noting that he has shown ‘‘characteristic dignity in defeat, the same dignity which marked a lifetime of service to the public”.  A senior Member of Parliament told The Point: ‘‘Of course we like him so much, you must remember that the two countries have a lot in common and we hope to work with Obama’s new administration smoothly as mentioned by the Prime Minister’’.

The Conservatives leader David Cameron also hailed Obama as soon as he learnt about his victory. The leader of the Tories told the press that: ‘‘Obama is the first of a new generation of world leaders’’.  The opposition leader added: “In electing Barack Obama, America has made history and proved to the world that it is a nation eager for change…this has been an exciting and inspirational contest with two great candidates.  According to David Cameron, ‘‘in these difficult times people everywhere are crying out for change. Barack Obama is the first of a new generation of leaders who will deliver it - he has my whole-hearted congratulations.  He added: “This is an important moment not just for America but for the world. Barack Obama’s victory will give people a new opportunity to look at the United States and see her for what I believe she is - a beacon of opportunity, freedom and democracy.”

Nick Clegg, the Liberal Democrat leader also congratulated Barack Obama and welcomed the result. Clegg said: “British voters may not have been able to vote in this election, but its outcome is vital to our future’’.  He mentioned other  important international issues and noted that: “Climate change, the global economy, and threats to our collective security now demand a radical new approach by Barack Obama, leaving the Bush era firmly behind. The Liberal Democrat leader added: “The world will not succeed in this era of globalisation without the leadership of the new American President and the weight of peoples’ hopes and expectations on Barack Obama is immense.”

President elect Obama had already signalled his desire to continue and reinforce the historical relationship between Britain and the United States and revealed his admiration to Britain. In his memoir called ‘‘Dreams from my father’’ he spoke of his personal ties with the UK. Both his half sister Auma and step mother Kezia are based in the country. Obama had also visited his relatives and attended his brother-in-law’s party in Wokingham, Berkshire and discussed with the Prime Minister the importance of the so-called transatlantic relationship.

Albert Warnock, an activist and businessman in London who had predicted that Barack Obama will win called this correspondent in the early hours shortly after the announcement of the election result screaming  aloud:  ‘‘I told you Obama will make it… he is rewarded with his party for the hard work in the midst of all the criticisms…he deserve it’’.

Meanwhile George W Bush will continue to officially steer the country, while the new President elect Obama quickly assembles his team and will take him few more weeks  before he can get his hand  to hold on to real power. However  fervent or eager anyone is, George W Bush will still continue to lead the United States until  next year when he is expected to hand over to the incumbent.  Therefore Obama’s supporters in the UK are keenly waiting for their great day to come.

Author:  Alhagie Mbye, The Point’s UK correspondent.

The American people have spoken and they have spoken clearly even for the deaf to hear in a day that many described as historic not only for Americans but also Africans in general.

It was amazing listening to the news yesterday morning 5thNovember, the way it kept being repeated. The description of the events in far away America; Barrack Obama elected the next U.S president, the first black American to win the Presidency in America.

In a televised victory speech in Chicago yesterday, Barack Obama outlined the challenges that lie ahead of America but was however quick to express optimism that this would be achieved if all Americans work as a people.

For President-Elect Barack Obama, even as Americans celebrate, they know the challenges that tomorrow will bring are the greatest in his lifetime. “Even as we stand here tonight, we know that there are brave Americans waking up in the deserts of Iraq and the mountains of Afghanistan, who risk their lives for us”, he said.

He added, “The road ahead will be long, a climb would be steep, we may not get there in one year or even in one term but America I have never been more hopeful than tonight that we would get there. I promise you that we as a people would get there”.

According to President Obama, there would be setbacks and the government can’t solve every problem but he will always be honest with Americans about the challenges they face. “I will listen to you especially when we disagree. Above all, I will ask you all to join in the work in remaking this nation”.

As celebrations continues across the globe, the Point yesterday went out and about to get the reactions of Gambians about the news of Barack Obama being elected as the first black president of the United States.

First to talk to the Point is Mr. Femi Peters, Campaign manager of the opposition United Democratic Party and he has this to say, “As I said earlier, this is one of the toughest elections that has ever taken place in the U.S in terms of finance, organisation and administration. It involves for the first time in the history of the U.S an Afro-American.

“This is a tribute to American democracy. In every battle, there is always a winner and a loser, and the loser this morning is very magnanimous because he called the winner to congratulate him. This as far as I am concerned is an open significance of political maturity on the side of John McCain who happens to be the loser.

“I hope this example will be followed by others particularly The Gambia where what we have is democracy at another level, which is rather unfortunate. We hope that the political leaders in this country be it opposition and government, will learn from this shining example”.

For one Hon. Baboucarr Nyang, the ruling APRC National Assembly member for Banjul South, this is history in that for the first time an African-American becomes the President of America. “This will change the whole American political set-up and for the world, Obama will be like President Kennedy who becomes the first catholic president of the U.S. With regards to Africa, America’s agenda or interest towards Africa will be among their top most priorities,” he added.

Another happy supporter who spoke to the Point is Mr. Lamin Gaye, a banker, and he has this to say, “”This will no doubt boost public confidence in the American economy given the victory. This is something that is applauded by the entire world due to the fact that this is a major turning point in the political history of America. It has never occurred to most people that America at this point in time will have a black president. As a result, this is something that has come as a major accomplishment by President Obama and especially black Americans.

Speaking to Charles Sarr Thomas who has studied in America and been following U.S. elections for some time now, he commented as follows: “I am very happy about these elections for various reasons. For the first time an African-American has competed and gone this far in an American election, and actually won! This is wonderful. I am happy that Obama is one who can transform America economically, socially, and in terms of her world image and standing. This victory isan indication to me, and I hope for the whole world, that racialism in America is also now history. These are great blessings for America and the world, and all brought about someone we should call Obama Mubarak.

Whisper it softly to Oprah Winfrey; her candidate for the White House is the Joseph of Egypt.

The earth is alive with his name and the name he bore is Obama.
The world has woken up to a strange reflection, never seen before.
A rarity indeed for Obama, has touched the unreachable star.

But our gratitude goes to Oprah Winfrey for creating that platform, which has helped to tip the scales in his favour, when she uttered those prophetic words

That: “Obama is the One”
It became the decisive factor upon which the race for the white house has been decided.

Obama, Obama, the Valentine of the Electorate’s dream for hope and change, has change the sails of wind and touch the unreachable star

Like armies of locusts on a harvest field, his supporters have eliminated all his opponents, for none but Obama represents their dream of hope and change.

Obama is indeed the Joseph of Egypt, wise with words, astounding in intellect with mind-blowing charisma.

Tell Oprah that she was right, for none but Obama has succeeded in condensing America’s multicultural ethnic groups to a family constellation like the milky galaxies high above.

And as the crowning moment draws near, the world wake up,
To a tomorrow unlike none; to a sunrise never seen before, for Obama’s victory was destined to happen, like Joseph of Egypt wondrous Cherubs would guide his steps and gentle winds of fair sails would follow him through as he walk steadfastly towards his destination the journey of Hope and change.

Tell Oprah that in the year 2060, a new dollar bill
Would be in circulation bearing Obama’s face, scarlet ribbons would festoon all plagues and writings bearing his name.

Whisper it softly to Oprah that in the year 2080, Critics, and historians would Absolve him; Artist and Painters would hunt for his personal effects to adorn Museum walls and in wonderment folks would cluster at fireplaces; making fairy tales of Obama earthshaking legendry.

Researchers would rewrite history books for he has touched the unreachable star.

Hence Obama’s astounding achievement is a rarity indeed for the world has woken up to a strange reflection, never seen before and the earth is alive with his name OBAMA.

Isatou Alwar Graham November 2008 All Rights Reserved

The players of The Gambia national U17 team have expressed optimism that they can beat Ghana U17 and qualify for the 2009 CAF U17 youth championship to be hosted by Algeria next year.

Speaking to Pointsports, the captain of The Gambia national U17 team, Matarr Jobe, said that they are ready for victory in Ghana come on Sunday 9 November 2008.

He revealed that they will do their level best to beat Ghana U17 and qualify for the 2009 CAF U17 youth championship in Algeria.

He further revealed that the team will certainly perform to expectations in Accra on Sunday 9 November 2008 and then he called on Gambians to pray for them so that they can beat Ghana U 17 team and qualify for the 2009 CAF U17 youth championship tournament next year in Algeria.

For his part, Pateh Nyang assured Gambians that they will raise the Gambian flag high in Ghana come on Sunday 9 November 2008 and he urged Gambians to come out and support the team so that they can qualify for the CAF U17 youth championship next year.

Torquay United manager Paul Buckle has heaped praises on Gambian international youngster, Mustapha Carayol, for his great influence in the club’s Sunday victory in the fourth qualifying round of the 2008 FA Cup competition.

Torquay beat their visitors, Chipstead United, 4-1 on Sunday night to progress to the First Round Proper of this season's FA Cup competition and Mustapha Carayol, who was only drafted in to replace injured Wayne Carlisle, made his present felt by setting up all four of Torquay's goals in the emphatic victory.

Manager Buckle was delighted that his hard decision to name the 19-year-old Gambian-born winger in his line up had paid dividends.

"It was a difficult decision whether to play Mustapha Carayol or Danny Stevens once we knew that Wayne Carlisle was not 100 per cent [fit].

"But I have been watching Mustapha in training, where he has done well, and I felt that with his pace, if we could get the ball to him often enough, he could cause them problems.

"When he runs at people, especially when he does his trick, I don't think there is many defenders who can stop him.” Buckel told the club website shortly after final whistle on Sunday.

Up next for Carayol and Torquay is the Round One fixture against Evesham United who emerged 2-1 winners against Rushden on the same day.

Mustapha Carayol, a grandchild of the incumbent chairman of The Gambian Independent Electoral Commission, started his career at Swindon Town before following Paul Ince to Macclesfield in 2006. He followed his manager to MK Dons the following year and made his debut against Sheffield United in the League Cup. A loan spell at Crawley followed and some impressive displays brought him to the attention of a wider audience.

The teenager, who recently rejected Gambia’s offer to star for the National Under 20 team, made a move to Torquay United  in July of this year and has so far made seven appearances for the Conference National side.