Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, Police Superintendent Larry Akers, Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer Judi Crowell, Fire Commissioner BJ Calvi, School Committee member Barbara Gresham, Ayanna Crawford, and city officials joined with cofounders of Unity Hearts Foundation Emmanuel K. Owusu, Naefia Padi, and team for a special Springfield African Community Flag Raising on Friday morning at City Hall.
Zul Manzi gave opening remarks and shared meaningful African history. Guest speakers included Uduak Enyiema, Yesir Osman, and LaMar Cook. The Unity Hearts Foundation presented the African Community Festival Excellence Award to Mr. Leroy Amoako to celebrate his unwavering commitment to creating a positive impact.
Tomorrow, the African Community Festival ’25 will be held once again on August 9, 2025 from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Marshall Roy Park.
Mayor Sarno states, “I want to thank the Unity Hearts Foundation for holding these wonderful community events which helps bring people together and keeps important family and cultural traditions alive. Special thanks to Emmanuel Owusu who is such a humble and generous person; I truly appreciate his service and involvement in our community. Congratulations to this year's excellence awardee Mr. Leroy Amoako. We are proud to join in raising the African Community Flag which represents and embraces Africa’s culture and common heritage and celebrating once again with the African Community Festival tomorrow."
