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About Us & Our History
The Bari are a Nilotic ethnic group in South Sudan. Since 2008, we have been working hard to build a better community by enhancing our performance and our goals.
Empowering the Bari Diaspora in America
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Who Are the Bari People?
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Challenges We Address
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- PROGRAMS & INITIATIVES
What We Do
Our work spans community development, education, and international support - all focused on uplifting the Bari people wherever they are.
Community Development
We help Bari people and other legal immigrants integrate into American society with dignity - connecting families to resources and strengthening community bonds.
- Interpretation and translation services
- Immigration and citizenship class assistance
- Family and interfamily support programs
- Access to local, county, state, and federal resources
- Emergency assistance fund for members in crisis
Education & Youth
We invest in the next generation of Bari leaders through scholarships and cultural programming that connects youth to their roots.
- Annual scholarships for two qualified Bari youth
- Sociocultural education and values integration
- Youth-focused language and heritage programs
- Dialogue and educational workshops
- Connectivity with Bari youth in South Sudan
Rural Development - South Sudan
We support programs that improve quality of life for people in South Sudan's rural communities, building a stronger future for those who remain in the homeland.
- Rural development program support
- Community livelihood improvement initiatives
- Cross-diaspora partnerships for local impact
Radio & Mobile Clinic - South Sudan
We are developing a radio network for rural South Sudanese communities, and sponsoring local doctors to deliver mobile healthcare where access is most limited.
- Radio network in rural areas outside major cities
- Economic and agricultural information broadcast
- Mobile health networks for rural communities
- Preventive care and health maintenance outreach
— WHERE WE WORK
A Community Without Borders
PARARA USA services focus primarily on local Bari communities across the lower 48 states. We also collaborate with communities in Juba, South Sudan, Canada, and other parts of the world.
12
US Cities with Bari Communities
7
Global Locations
50
States We Serve
4
Continents Represented
USA Locations
Known Bari communities across America
Global Locations
Bari communities around the world
OUR FOUNDING HISTORY
Born From a Need for Unity
Parara USA (PUSA) and its chapters was founded in 2006 by a group of Bari natives from across the US who recognized the need for a community-based organization to unite and support our members during our transition.
Since our founding, we have held Bi-annual conferences across the US — a tradition initiated to bring Bari people in the diaspora together to network, share ideas, support each other, and celebrate our culture.
Today, we have grown to a robust network comprising over 6 chapters and multiple community affiliations continually advocating for programs focused on youth education and community development to empower the Bari community in the US and back home.
In 2011, PARARA USA obtained its 501(c)(3) tax-exempt (EIN) status — formalizing our status as a recognized non-profit community development organization. Tax Id#: 04-3430512
Parara
PUSA (Parara USA) — meaning “together”
Parara stands for unity, teamwork, and moving forward as a community. The word derives from the Bari language, translating simply to “togetherness”.
2006
Founded
16
Conferences
MN
Headquarters
PARARA USA Timeline
From our founding conference in Minnesota to our 16th Momoret in Nashville, here are the moments that shaped who we are.
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2006Founding Year
PARARA USA is Founded
Established in Minnesota by Bari community members, with the first Momoret conference — "Ya a Morja Pele Geleng' yi a Bari" — held in Minneapolis.
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20106th Annual Conference
Gwelingsiri A Laba — Manchester, NH
The 6th Momoret was held in Manchester, New Hampshire — marking PARARA's growth beyond the Midwest.
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2013Humanitarian Impact
Medical Container Delivered to South Sudan
PARARA USA coordinated delivery of a medical container and radio equipment to Juba, South Sudan.
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2014Legal Milestone
Federal 501(c)(3) Tax-Exempt Status Granted
PARARA USA officially obtained its federal tax-exempt 501(c)(3) status, EIN 83-0463872.
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2020-22Pandemic Years
No Momoret Due to COVID-19
Gatherings paused for three years. PARARA continued to serve the community through virtual outreach.
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202416th Conference (Most Recent)
Momoret 16 — Bari Ti Koru — Nashville, TN
A powerful return to in-person celebration, bringing together Bari families from across the country.
— ANNUAL CONFERENCES
Successful Momoret Conferences
The complete record of all 16 Momoret gatherings — held each year in a different city across the country.
| # | YEAR | LOCATION | MOMORET THEME |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 | 2024 Latest | Nashville, TN (2) | Bari Ti Koru |
| 15 | 2023 | Des Moines, IA (2) | Topping Nikang a Ringit Na Bari |
| 2022 | n/a | No Momoret — Covid-19 | |
| 2021 | n/a | No Momoret — Covid-19 | |
| 2020 | n/a | No Momoret — Covid-19 | |
| 14 | 2019 | Omaha, NE (2) | Wori Jubek Ti Wusaa |
| 13 | 2018 | San Diego, CA | Bari Ti Likin |
| 12 | 2017 | Milwaukee, WI | Bari Ti Toleyuono |
| 11 | 2016 | Richmond, VA | Bari Ti Wudya |
| 10 | 2015 | Kansas City, MO | Jubek, Bari Kalaya? |
| 9 | 2014 | Erie, PA | Bari Jukita Liki Ko Belyi |
| 8 | 2013 | Des Moines, IA | Bari Deli Nya |
| 7 | 2012 | Rochester, MN (2) | Minya |
| 6 | 2011 | Nashville, TN | Bari Moke ta Jur ko DÖyÖ |
| 5 | 2010 | Manchester, NH | Gwelingok A Laba |
| 4 | 2009 | Omaha, NE | Bari Ti Koru |
| 3 | 2008 | Houston, TX | Myujo Kang, Ti Bari Kangu Ko Lukata na Jur |
| 2 | 2007 | Sioux Falls, SD | Bari ta Kulaya |
| 1 | 2006 | Minneapolis, MN | Ya a Morja Pele Geleng yi a Bari |
Bari History & Culture
We are working on a dedicated section to celebrate and document the rich history, traditions, language, and culture of the Bari people.
Coming soon: If you have stories, photos, or cultural knowledge to contribute, we'd love to hear from you.
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BARI COMMUNITY USA
YI A MORJA & PELE GELENG YI A BARI
Empowering the Bari community in the United States through culture, education, and unity since our founding.
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