By Foday Moriba Conteh
The Sierra Leone community in San Jose, California, made history on July 6th by hosting the largest awards event on the West Coast of the United States. The inaugural Salone Awards of Excellence celebrated individuals from all walks of life who have made significant contributions to the Sierra Leonean community, both at home and abroad.
The night was a resounding success, bringing together diverse personalities from African countries, Americans and Sierra Leonean. The event featured 11 awards categories and six honorary awards, recognizing outstanding achievements in various fields.
Notable winners included: Osman Kaunda Fofanah: Fashion Iconic Designer of the Year, Junior Kabba: Legendary Musician of the Year, Hamidu Bah: Tech Entrepreneur of the Year, Sheila JC Fofanah :Best Social Media Influencer of the Year etc.
These individuals have made significant contributions to the Sierra Leonean community, and their recognition is well-deserved.
James Barack Kamara, CEO of Salone Awards of Excellence, shared the vision behind the event: “We aim to appreciate modern heroes, represent Sierra Leone positively, unify the community, and teach the younger generation about our rich history and culture.”
This event marks a significant milestone in the history of California, showcasing the beauty of African culture and the achievements of Sierra Leoneans. The community looks forward to many more successful events, celebrating heritage and honoring modern heroes.