Emmanuel and Martha tie the Knot

Emmanuel and Martha tie the knot

By Gus Toomey

It was a red carper day for Martha and Emmanuel in celebration of Love. Yes, it was colorful and vibrant, accompanied with the prompt and pageantry befitting such occasion.

The long awaited day was July 31, 2010 at 3:00 pm, at the Historic little Rock Baptist church on 9000 Woodward Avenue in Detroit, Michigan. The wedding bells sounded loudly and drew the attention of many. Emmanuel Toe and Martha George were summoned to make one of the most important decisions of their life "...to have and to hold, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; from this day forward until death do us part."

Several relatives and friends numbering a record crowd of guests from across the United States assembled in the beautiful city of Detroit, Michigan for what will go down in history as the most beautiful African traditional wedding in the United States. The bride and grown dressed elegantly in vibrant colors, with bright smiles flowing from their faces, they marched to the officiators to make their marital solemnization vows.

The occasion was graced by the presence the current, Dr. Mariah Y. Seton, and all recently former presidents of ULAA including Mr. Sam Mohammed Kromah, Arthur Watson, Emmanuel Wettee and Roberta Rashid. Most of the groom-men were ULAA Board Members with the current chairman, Mr. James Larsah as the Best Man.

The bride was attended by Ms. Mamayou Johnson (sister of the bride) as the Maid of Honor. The "councilmen" or groom-men attending the groom were Walter James Weah, Milen King, Jessey Philips, Patrick Kugmeh, and others. Mrs. Saydah Williamson Taylor was the Chief organization. Mr. Samuel Mohammed and Dr. Margaret Kromah served as the Masters of ceremonies.

Speaking during the reception, Emmanuel said he decided to marry Martha because he loves her very much and that she is the best thing that ever happened to him. He promised to always love, cherish and care for her. He pointed out that she is like a dream come through.

Emmanuel and Martha met during the 2006 ULAA Election in Philadelphia. Emmanuel said although he did not win that election, but he won someone very valuable – Martha. Both Martha and Emmanuel have been members of the ULAA Board of directors representing their respective states California and Michigan. Martha won the crown as ULAA Queen for the 2006-07.

Martha is a health care professional while Emmanuel is a private businessman.

Marriage is a social union or legal contract between individuals that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture.

People marry for many reasons, including one or more of the following: legal, social, emotional, economical, spiritual, and religious. These might include arranged marriages, family obligations, and the legal establishment of a nuclear family unit, the legal protection of children and public declaration of commitment. Emmanuel reason is because he loves Martha and wishes to spend his entire life with her. We can all but wish Emmanuel and Martha all the best in this journey.

CONGRATULATIONS