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New York City and Sierra Leonean Community Celebrate 64th Independence Day with Flag Raising Ceremony

New York, NY — April 28, 2025 — In a vibrant celebration of unity, culture, and pride, the Sierra Leonean community of New York City came together April 27 to honor Sierra Leone’s 64th Independence Day with an official Flag Raising Ceremony at Bowling Green Park. 

The event featured special remarks from New York City Mayor Eric Adams, the representative of the Mission of Sierra Leone to the United Nations, and key community and business partners including Global Lawson Foundation, and Inside The Diaspora.

“Today, we gather not just to remember that moment in history (Sierra Leone declaring its Independence from colonial rule April 27, 1961, and starting new chapter as a proud sovereign Nation), but to celebrate the strength, the culture, and the enduring spirit of the Sierra Leonean people here in New York City, and throughout the world,” said Edward Mermelstein, New York City’s Commissioner for International Affairs.

The ceremony also brought together dignitaries, cultural leaders, entrepreneurs, and community members from Union of Sierra Leone Organizations (USLO), NYC African Council, and United States Sierra Leonean Association (USLA), Sierra Leone Nurse Association, to highlight Sierra Leone’s rich heritage and its contributions to the global community.

Mayor Adams addressed the crowd, commending the Sierra Leonean community for its resilience, cultural influence, and role in New York’s diversity. 

“I know how much this community has represented this New York City, and the entire Country. Your belief in family, your belief in faith, your belief in public safety, your belief in children, is what we believe are the cornerstones to the success of this City,” he remarked. “And we are proud to be the first Mayor to raise the Sierra Leone flag here at Bowling Green as we continue to uplift the diversity of our City. Happy Independence Day, and we look forward to the continued celebration.”

Deputy Commissioner and Chief of Staff Aissata Camara also weighed in on the celebration.

“As an administration, we are really dedicated to supporting the African community in New York,” she said. “We hope that you will continue to work with us, you will continue to celebrate your heritage, and also continue to celebrate the fact that you are Sierra Leonean and New Yorkers, and that we will be able to do a lot of good stuff for all of our communities.”

H.E. Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative Legal, Ms. Michaela EB Swallow from the Sierra Leone Consulate gave a lengthy speech emphasizing the strong ties between New York City, Sierra Leone, and its diaspora.

“On behalf of His Excellency, President Julius Maada Bio, and on the behalf of the Government and People of the Republic of Sierra Leone, I bring you warm and fraternal greetings; we celebrate not only our sovereignty, but the deep and growing bonds between our Republic and the City of New York; a City that embraces the world, and which so many Sierra leoneans call home,” she said. “We are profoundly grateful to the Mayor’s Office for the steadfast partnership with our diaspora partnership, and for the bridges you continue to build between peoples, cultures, and values.”

Fatima Sesay, Founder of Inside The Diaspora, a leading platform dedicated to bridging Africa and its global descendants through storytelling and strategic marketing, proudly partnered in organizing and promoting the event.

“It’s a pleasure to represent Sierra Leone; a couple of years back, we would not think that we would be here on Bowling Green, raising our Salone flag with the Mayor of New York City,” she said. “I want to encourage all Sierra Leoneans to come together and unite; we must not think about our political differences, we must not think about our different tribes – that has hurt so much, and it’s time for us to come together in unison and think about the greatness that is Sierra Leone, about what it have,a nd what we can offer to the world…This is just the beginning, there’s more to come from Sierra Leone -I can attest to that!”

The celebration was free and open to the public, with attendees proudly displaying traditional attire and waving the green, white, and blue of Sierra Leone’s national flag.

Lastly, Arthur Piccolo, President of Bowling Green Association also shared his sentiments.

“So today here, at Bowling Green, where New York City was founded in 1653, serves not only as a celebration of Sierra Leone’s Independence, but also as a call-for-action,” he said. “A call for the United States to reaffirm its commitment to Africa, to support democratic institutions, and engage in meaningful cooperation that benefits all. For today, congratulations to Sierra Leone on Independence.”

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