BLACK AND WHITE BALL 2014

FREETOWN, SIERRA LEONE

In honor of Black History Month, each year the staff of the American Embassy puts on a ball.  The attendance has grown from the first year where it took place in the embassy residence parking lot to over 200 in attendance this year.  My friend, Maggie Kadi, invited me to attend with her and her husband, Mahmoud.

Mahmoud, Me & Maggie

The ball was held at the Country Lodge, a very posh hotel up in the hills.  It was at that very same hotel Ambassador Michael Owen spoke to our West Africa study educational tour group in March of 2011.  Genie Wray, Ambassador Owen’s former Executive Assistant, spearheaded the spectacular event.

We were met by embassy staff at the top of the stairs leading down to the poolside event.  I recognized the greeter, Abdul, from 2012 when I assisted him in arranging a dinner for the Ambassador and staff in Kono.  He remembered me too.  As we were escorted down the stairs we could see tables and chairs bedecked in linens and bows awaiting our arrival.  We were led to one of Genie’s tables reserved for her special guests. The weather was perfect with soft velvet air and stars above.

Ours was one of the first tables invited to join the line at the buffet tables.  In keeping with the theme of the night, the selection was a variety of soul food and was delicious.

The theme was Motown Meets Freetown and featured Sierra Leonean music artists who represent the fledgling music recording industry here.  A short history of the civil rights movement in America was presented.  Then the dancing began.  I was one of the first up on the dance floor (anyone surprised at that?) and was met by Abdul who honored me by dancing the first two dances.  I moved on to join Maggie, Genie and others to dance the night away.  Loved every minute!!!

Much Love To You All,

Mom/Grandma Syrup/Sara