The hardworking mayor of Freetown, Her Worship, Mayor Denise Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr delivered a great lecture in Stockholm, Sweden on the subject ”The End of Slavery and the Foundation of Freetown”, as part of the Organization of Sierra Leoneans in Sweden’s 20th anniversary celebration. The event attracted the attention of African scholars, strategic partners, African ambassadors in the Nordic and a cross section of members of the Sierra Leonean community in Sweden. It was organized to provide an African perspective on the dehumanizing era of the slave trade in partucularly Sierra Leone, and the establishment of Freetown as a Province of Freedom.
Her delivery was captivating, as she illuminated the complexities of the trade by the British slave traders and its socio-cultural impact on Sierra Leone’s national identity. The mayor was very articulate, inspirational, knowledegeable, engaging while elucidating on the history of the slave trade which for the most part has been commonly narrated by the enslavers and their pedigree. The audience of the well-attended event was visibly touched by her narrative, which one member of the public described ”as an authentic perspective that uncovers the real truth”. Given her ancestry which is directly linked with the re-settled slaves who are known to be the Krios of Freetown, she navigated through the journey of the freed slaves who were repatriated from the Americas and re-settled in Freetown in the 1700s. She reiterated that the African history is owned by Africans and that it was unavoidably necessary to be told by Africans themselves.
The organization of Siera Leoneans in Sweden was established in 2004 as a non-political and non ethno-religious organization, and it remains one of the most well-organized African organizations in Sweden. Standing on these core values and constantly striving to achieve its goals, ie, creating a platform where all Sierra Leoneans could feel at home, helping its members with their integration into the Swedish society, supporting the same in times of needs, promoting Sierra Leone´s cultural heritage and lending a supporting hand to our home country´s socioeconomic development, this event was in alignment with these goals. The organization have delivered huge support to Sierra Leone over the years. From schools, health centers, support in the fight against the Ebola outbreak, mudslide and medical equipment to Sierra Leone. This organisation was at the forefront of preasuring the Swedish government to increase its support to Sierra Leone during the Ebola outbreak.
The seminar was one of the organization’s 20th anniversary project activities that were funded by Stockholm’s municipal council under the project name ”Paddle Cultural Festival”. It was designed to create a link between the city of Stockholm and Freetown, and to exhibit our cultural heritage. The event provided an opportunity for Her Worship to meet and link up with other leaders, especially African diplomatic representatives in the Nordic, Swedish and Sierra Leoneans and to create an awareness of the tragedy of the slave trade and the resilience of the people of Sierra Leone.
The mayor´s kind gesture to attend the event amidst her busy schedule was a watershed moment for the organization. Her paticipation was befitting and it was the first ever seminar event that was organized by the organization. She has undoubtedly added much value to the organization’s profile. The Sierra Leonean community and other participants have offered effusive thanks for her participation.
