The Mayor of Yonkers City in New York, Mayor Mike Spano, has in a signed Mayoral Proclamation declared the 22nd of June, a day to be celebrated, as Ambassador Amara Sowaโs Day.
His Excellency Ambassador Amara Sowa is the Deputy Permanent Representative of Sierra Leone to the United Nations in New York.
The Sierra Leonean diplomat was recognized for his advocacy, diplomatic efforts and unwavering dedication in fostering a stronger Sierra Leone in the Diplomatic Community, as well as his inspirational leadership and exemplary service in Yonkers Community, New York.
It is the practice of the New York State Assembly to publicly acknowledge individuals that embody exceptionalism consistent with the values of the New York state. Amb. Sowa received certificates of recognition at the Juneteenth Celebration 2024, held at the Messianic Baptist Church in Yonkers Community, where the Ambassador and his family were Guests of Honor. The Juneteenth is a Day celebrated throughout the United States to mark the abolition of the slave trade and the total emancipation of the African Americans.
Mayor Mike Spano in the signed proclamation asserted that โThe City of Yonkers in New York raises its voice in tribute to His Excellency Ambassador Amara Sowa for his commitment and dedication to public service and expresses gratitude to him for his servicesโ.
The Mayor called upon residents of his city to join in offering their most genuine gratitude to Amb Sowa for a lifetime of public service and for creating a better and a more wholesome world for future generations.
Amb. Amara Sowa equally received Certificates of Recognition from the Office of the City Council – City of Yonkers and from the Westchester County Board of Legislators.
In presenting a Certificate of Recognition to Amb. Sowa, Majority Leader of the New York Senate, Andrea Stewart Cousin, expressed appreciation to Amb. Sowa for his service and leadership both internationally and in their communities.
A citation signed by Hon. Nader Sayegh of the New York State Assembly โ titled Recognizing Amara Sowa – A Dedicated Citizen, detailed that AMB. Sowa exemplifies the New York values in his selfless services to humanity.
โBe it resolved, that I Assemblyman Nader Sayegh recognize Amara Sowa for his service to all New Yorkers, and thus urge all citizens to honor and appreciate this distinguished individual on this day in the state of New York and beyondโ the citation signed by Congressman Nadar Sayegh concluded.
Congressman Jamaal Bowman of the NY 16th Congressional District described Amb. Sowa as an inspirational leader and therefore thanked him for all the work that he has done and will continue to do to uplift their communities.
Receiving the Certificates of Recognition, Amb. Amara Sowa thanked the residents of New York and more especially Yonkers city for acknowledging his diplomacy and services to humanity in New York.
He appreciated the honor accorded to him, describing the occasion as a motivation for him to keep up his contributions in building a stronger Sierra Leone โ US relations.
The Amb. Sowa in a well-articulated exposition explained the centrality of the City of Freetown in the abolition of the slave trade.
Ambassador Sowa illustrated the strong nexus between the abolition of slave trade, the Juneteenth celebration and Sierra Leone.
He encouraged the New Yorkers to visit Sierra Leone, which he said is a beautiful country with friendly and resilient people.
He updated his audience that Sierra Leone has grown from the scourge of civil war for which it was known for, to a country that is currently sitting among the community of nations, with a seat in the United Nations Security Council.
He also informed his audience that Sierra Leone continues to break barriers through the leadership of President Julius Maada Bio
