The Legacy
Who is John Joseph Akar
John Joseph Akar was born to Tigie Dankay Mansaray of the Sherbro tribe and Joseph Akar from Lebanon on May 20, 1927 in Rotifunk, Moyamba District in Sierra Leone. John Akar attended E.U.B. primary school in Rotifunk and continued his education at Albert Academy Secondary School in Freetown. He later furthered his education when he traveled to the United States and Britain.
John Akar was very enthusiastic about the love of his country and incorporating his love of art and music to bring awareness to Sierra Leone. We as a family, are very proud of our father/grandfather/great grandfather’s accomplishments; One of the most important accomplishments being that he composed the music for the Sierra Leone National Anthem.
John Akar was the first Sherbro who was appointed as the Director of Sierra Leone Broadcasting Services (SLBS) in 1960. By 1963, he had founded and directed the Sierra Leone National Dance Troupe. The dance troupe encouraged Sierra Leoneans to be proud of their heritage and express it through music, art and dance. The dance troupe was invited to perform and won an award for “best performance” at the New York World’s Fair. They would then continue on to perform at the Art Festival in London and the Negro Arts Festival in Dakar, Senegal. The dance troupe proceeded on performing and went on a four month European tour.
John Akar was also known as a writer, entertainer/actor and diplomat serving as the Sierra Leonean Ambassador to the United States in 1969. He also served as High Commissioner to Canada and Jamaica in 1970. As an actor, John Akar was best known for his roles in BBC Sunday-Night Theatre (1950), A Time to Be Born (1953), and The Queen’s Admiral (1953). He also appeared on the Merv Griffin Show several times as a special guest.
John Akar passed away in Jamaica on June 23, 1975 at the age of 48 years old. He has six daughters, several grandchildren and great grandchildren who continue his legacy in some form or fashion.
educate, Learn, Love, repeat
Fostering a learning environment for young children and women while educating them and providing medical supplies to schools and hospitals. We will aid in providing resources to assist with teaching the youth about basic health care such as feminine hygiene education and medical care. We will also provide access to clean water.
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about the foundation
what we do with your help
The John Joseph Akar Memorial Foundation was established in 2022 by John Joseph Akar’s daughter (Emily Akar) and grand-daughter (Hawanatu Savage) to bring awareness to Rotifunk, Sierra Leone, while expanding to other areas in Sierra-Leone. The organization is a nonprofit aiming to provide resources for partnering schools and hospitals while fostering a learning environment and educating the youth about basic healthcare. Our focus is to provide resources and supplies for children and young women between the ages of 0-18 years old.
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..Since..
2022
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Education
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