What Does “Mabohanday” Mean?

Every organization has a name, but few have a name that is also a philosophy. For us, the word “Mabohanday” is both. It is where we come from, what we believe, and the promise we make to one another.

A word that means togetherness

Mabohanday is an indigenous principle that signifies unity, togetherness and collective progress. It carries a simple but powerful idea: that we are stronger together than we ever could be apart. For the Limba people of Sierra Leone, this is not just a saying. It is a way of life passed down through generations, a belief that a community rises or falls together.

When our founders chose this name, they chose it because it captured exactly what they hoped to build: a family that would stay united across distance, generations and circumstance.

From a principle to a movement

What began as a shared value grew into something lasting. The wider Mabohanday movement was formed to bring people of Limba descent together, to preserve their heritage and to work for the development of their communities. In 1999, the Mabohanday Maryland Chapter was established under that broader movement, turning the principle of togetherness into organized action here in Maryland and back home in Sierra Leone.

Today, that single word still shapes everything we do, from scholarships for our youth to support for families in times of need.

Togetherness in action

Togetherness is only real when it shows up in people’s lives. For us, that means funding a student’s education, standing with a grieving family, celebrating our culture, and supporting communities in Sierra Leone. Each of these is Mabohanday in practice, the word made real.

Be part of it

The beauty of togetherness is that there is always room for one more. Whether you share Limba heritage, married into our community, or simply believe in what we stand for, there is a place for you here.

Learn more about our story or become a member today.