The event showcased the cultural celebration of the Gambian people, with authentic Gambian cuisine, a parade of different tribes, and a cultural display of hunting masquerade.
The atmosphere was beautiful and elegant, with attendees, guests and organisers all dressed in traditional African attires.
The ceremony was attended by Jack Gombach who deputiszed for the mayor of Reading Eddie Moran, Senator Judy Schwank, who represented Berks county, Representative Johanny Cepeda Freytiz, who also represented Berks county. The deputy Gambian ambassador in Washington DC, His Excellency Rt. Gen Yankuba Drammeh and the first secretary of consular affairs at the Gambian embassy, Baboucarr Njie were also in house to represent the Gambia.
The cultural ceremony saw the awarding of citations from Senator Judy Schwank on behalf of the Pennsylvania senate, and Rep. Johanny Cepeda Freytiz on behalf of the PA house of representatives. A commendation from the office of the mayor was also awarded to mark such a milestone.
The distinguished VIP guests all praised the Gambian community for their shared cultural values, and the standard in maintaining a peaceful coexistence with the city of Reading and Berks County. For his part, the Gambian deputy ambassador to the USA during his closing remarks, recalled the moment and bravery of the Gambian people in gaining independence from the British, and the difficult challenges they braved to weather the storm. He said the British left us with nothing, but we were determined to create our own path and glory. In closing, he challenged the Gambian community in Reading to always be law abiding, put community and country at its head, and build up the good character that Gambia is known for.
The night gave way to the traditional parade of the different tribes dancing, a monster hunting masquerade performance, a display of various Gambian food and drinks.
It was indeed a colorful celebration for a cultural tradition that saw the Gambian Community in Reading and beyond show off its true creed. The event also saw attendance from a host of other African countries namely, Sierra Leone, Ghana, Nigeria, Togo, Senegal, Liberia, Egypt, Guinea Conakry, all celebrating with the Gambian community on this Diamond anniversary.
