The Sierra Leone Parade and ensuing festival, which was held on Saturday, April 23rd at Naaman Williams Park in Somerset, N.J drew thousands of enthusiastic supporters. The event was sponsored by the Sierra Leonean Community of New Jersey (SLCNJ) in partnership with Hamilton Street Business & Community Corporation (HSBCC). Jalloh is a native of Union County whose father Ben is a native of Kabala in the Northern region of Sierra Leone. Jalloh served with Assemblyman Upendra J. Chivukula as Grand Marshalls. Jalloh made history by being the first African-American with Sierra Leonean roots to hold the position of Freeholder in Union County.
The festival featured Sierra Leonean artistic exhibits, various ethnic group performances, children’s activities and ethnic foods, showcasing various aspects of African culture to the public. Several thousand attended, including government officials, business executives, community leaders, foreign dignitaries, and cultural groups participating in this event.