𝐀𝐦𝐛. 𝐀𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐚 𝐒𝐨𝐰𝐚 𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐈𝐧 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐫𝐫𝐝

Yonkers, New York Mayor Mike Spano declared June 22 as Ambassador Amara Sauvage Day in a mayoral proclamation.

Her Excellency Ambassador Amara Sowa is the Deputy Permanent Representative of Sierra Leone to the United Nations in New York.

The Sierra Leone diplomat was recognized for his advocacy, diplomatic efforts and unwavering dedication to the diplomatic community, as well as his inspiring leadership and exemplary service to the Yonkers, New York community.

The New York State Legislature routinely publicly recognizes individuals who exemplify exceptional qualities consistent with the values ​​of the State of New York. Ambassador Sowa received a certificate of recognition at the 2024 Juneteenth celebration at Messiah Baptist Church in the Yonkers Community, where the Ambassador and his family were guests of honor. Juneteenth is a national celebration of the abolition of the slave trade and the emancipation of African Americans.

“The City of Yonkers, New York salutes His Excellency Ambassador Amara Sowa for his commitment and dedication to public service and expresses gratitude for his service,” Mayor Mike Spano said in a signed proclamation.

The Mayor called on all residents of the city to express their sincerest gratitude to Ambassador Ansova for his lifelong commitment to public service and creating a better and healthier world for future generations.

Ambassador Amara Sowa also received certificates of recognition from the Yonkers City Council Office and the Westchester County Legislative Council.

In presenting Ambassador Sowa with a certificate of recognition, New York State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart Cousin thanked Ambassador Sowa for his international and community service and leadership.

New York State Assemblyman Nader Sayegh signed a citation titled “In Honor of Amara Sowa – A Dedicated Citizen,” detailing how Amara Sowa embodies New York’s values ​​in her selfless service to humanity.

The citation, signed by Congressman Nader Sayegh, concluded: “On behalf of Congressman Nader Sayegh, I recognize Amara Sowa’s service to all New Yorkers and urge all citizens to take this day to honor and appreciate this outstanding figure in the state of New York and around the world.”

Representative Jamaal Bowman of New York’s 16th Congressional District called Ambassador Sowa an inspiring leader and thanked him for all he has done and continues to do to uplift his community.

In accepting the certificate of recognition, Ambassador Amara Sowa thanked the residents of New York, especially the residents of Yonkers, for recognizing his diplomatic work and human service in New York.

He thanked the honor and said the award would motivate him to continue contributing to building stronger Sierra Leone-US relations.

Ambassador Sowah spoke with great clarity about the central role of the City of Freetown in the abolition of the slave trade.

Ambassador Sowah elaborated on the strong connection between the abolition of the slave trade, Juneteenth celebrations and Sierra Leone.

He encouraged New Yorkers to visit Sierra Leone, saying it was a beautiful country with friendly and resilient people.

He informed the audience that Sierra Leone had emerged from the depths of civil war to become a country that had joined the international community and had a seat on the United Nations Security Council.

He also told the audience that Sierra Leone continues to break down barriers under the leadership of President Julius Maada Bio.