Sir. Leese Mentorship Academy

"Drums of Dawn" –
A Poem for African Liberation Day
With Tribute to Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara and Gambia’s Freedom Heroes

The drums of dawn beat loud and clear,
Echoes of struggle we still hold dear.
From desert sands to ocean tide,
Africa rose with unbroken pride.

Shackled once by foreign hand,
Her roots ran deep across the land.
But chains can’t hold the lion’s breath,
Nor silence songs defying death.

From Lumumba’s fire to Biko’s cry,
Truth lit the dark, refused to die.
With Nkrumah’s dream and Sankara’s voice,
She found the strength to make her choice.

And from the Smiling Coast so small,
Rose mighty dreams that dared stand tall.
Sir Dawda Jawara, calm and wise,
With vision bright as morning skies,
Led Gambia’s sons and daughters true
To break the yoke and start anew.

He did not stand or strive alone—
Edward Francis Small, the seed long sown,
Whose voice first sparked the people's cause,
Demanding justice, shaping laws.

With him came minds both firm and vast:
Reverend J.C. Faye, holding fast.
Pierre Sarr Njie, though paths would part,
Still played a role in freedom’s start.

IM Garba-Jahumpa, voice of flame,
With courage etched beside his name.
And countless others, brave though unsung,
Who spoke of hope with every tongue.

From fields and towns, they stood as one,
Until the victory song was won.
And thus in '65 they claimed,
A nation proud, a flag proclaimed.

Children of the soil, awake!
Your past is gold, your future’s stake.
Though scars remain, they bloom with grace—
Each tells the story of this place.

Dance, O nations, lift your song!
You’ve journeyed blind, but you belong.
In every heartbeat, loud and free,
Lives Africa’s fierce destiny.

Today we rise, not just to say,
But to become Liberation Day—
A promise kept, a vow restored,
A continent no longer ignored.

So light the torch, let justice stay,
And guide us true, come what may.
For Gambia stands, forever free,
A jewel in Africa’s legacy.

Written with love!
Sir. Leese
Impact Foundation
Leese Mentorship Academy

A Short History of Valentine's Day

Valentine’s Day traces its origins back to ancient Rome, where a priest named Saint Valentine secretly performed marriages for soldiers forbidden to wed. He was imprisoned and later executed on February 14th, around 269 AD. Before his death, he was said to have healed the jailer’s daughter and left her a note signed “Your Valentine,” inspiring the tradition of love notes. Over time, the day became a celebration of love, evolving through medieval poetry and modern traditions into what we now cherish worldwide.

Who Should Celebrate and How?

Valentine’s Day is for everyone—lovers, friends, family, and even oneself. Love comes in many forms, and this day reminds us to cherish all meaningful relationships.

Couples can celebrate with romantic dinners, thoughtful gifts, or heartfelt letters.

Friends can express appreciation with messages or small gestures of kindness.

Families can bond over shared meals and quality time.

Self-love is equally important—treat yourself, reflect

Written with love
-Sir. Leese

Happy birthday Pst. Andy! May God bless you abundantly on your special day and always. As you continue to lead, teach, and mentor with humility, may you be strengthened by the words of Philippians 2:3-4: 'Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.' Wishing you a year filled with His grace and favor.
I love you very much Andrew Gomez