His Excellency the President of The Republic of the Gambia Dr. Yahya AJJ Jammeh, has invited Dr. Buba Badjie,  Magic Johnson, Spud Webb, Valerie Larche, Mayor Walter C. Porter Sr., Graham Weatherspoon, Ken Ivy, and Gerry G, to join Him as his Special Guest for The Presidents Birthday Celebration and the Opening of the International Roots Festival.

Dr. Buba Badjie a native of The Gambia introduced the Delegation to President Jammeh. Dr. Badjie informed President Jammeh of the sincere interest that the group of Delegates shares for the Beautiful Country and its resources for growth. Each of the Delegates brings their own special talents.

Dr. Buba Badjie being a native of the Republic of the Gambia, over came numerous hardships as he was an orphan at an early age. Dr. Badjie went from painting his feet black as a child so that it would appear that he had on shoes, to being a renowned Veterinarian, and the personal Veterinarian for the King of Sweden.  

Erwin “Magic” Johnson a NBA great and now Successful Businessman, is also a face of overcoming a once thought to be terminal disease HIV. Magic has defined the terms against all odds, using his life as hope to others suffering with the same illness. In doing so he used his celebrity to show that HIV has no respect of person. Anyone can get it not just one specific group.

His Excellency President Yahya Jammeh's effective herbal treatment has yet again been manifested in the recent discharge of four HIV/AIDS patients of the 3rd and 4th batch. The President has announces that the period for the treatment of HIV 2 patients have now been reduced to 2 weeks instead of two to three months to allow others to have a first chance. President Jammeh was excited by the visit of Mr. Johnson to show the success rate of the HIV treatment plans the Gambia is using.

Anthony ‘Spud” Webb a NBA Slam Dunk Champion was told that he would maybe play College Ball, but never Professional Basketball. Well, against all odds this Little Big Man did just that for 12 years and won the Slam Dunk Contest at that the amazement of his peers. Spud Webb has a heart of a Giant as well as the abilities. He is going to the Gambia as the others to see where his talents as a successful Businessman can be used.

Valerie Larche has her own story to tell. Being a Writer, Producer, and International Business Woman means nothing to her. Raising a group of great sons and one daughter is her joy. Valerie’s favorite phrase is “Success is measured by your Children”. Dr. Badjie recruited Ms. Larche to select a Delegation of her choice to come to the Gambia, after he presented her and she was selected and accepted, the Appointment as an Official Promoter of the 9^th Edition of the International Roots Festival. Due to insufficient time to produce a successful event as she is known for, she has already begun preparing for the next. President Jammeh was delighted that his Brothers and Sister was so willing to come to his Beautiful Haven, he decided to invite her and her Delegation to his special events. Ms. Larche hand picked each for the qualities that each has.

Graham Weatherspoon is a retired NY Detective and Activist and Member of 100 Blackmen in Law Enforcement who cares. Mr. Weatherspoon is nationally known for his expert work on the West African youth killed by a special taskforce group of New York Policemen, in New York.

Ken Ivy Author/Filmmaker was chosen because of his intense study on the Motherland and his love for his roots which was highlighted in his Documentary “From the Ghetto Streets to the Executive Suites”. Ken Ivy was more than happy to be a part of this History Making Trip.

Mayor Walter C. Porter Sr. is the Mayor of Epes Alabama. Under the Leadership of Mayor Porter the small Town of Epes has become the talk of the State. Mayor Porters love for people all people, is what made him more than willing to add whatever he could to the trip. Mayor Porter says that if one of the smallest Towns of Alabama can be upgraded with a little help so can one of the Smallest Countries in Africa. Mayor Porters Town Motto which he authored is “Bringing Home the Pride”.  This Motto has taken on with all involved as they are all “Bringing Home the Pride of the Motherland back to her, to receive her warm embrace”.