Mr. Mory Kouyate has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to community service and leadership, receiving a prestigious Volunteer Service Award during the Caucus Weekend in Albany, New York on Saturday, February 15, 2025.

The award was presented at an event hosted by City Council Member Owusu Anane.

Mr. Kouyate, a distinguished figure in the Guinean-American community, is among the first individuals from the Republic of Guinea Conakry to receive this high honor. His recognition marks a significant milestone, and community members hope he will be the first of many to be celebrated for their service.

In his acceptance speech, Mr. Kouyate emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in fostering community growth and unity.

“Community service is part of our daily lives now. As we attend to our daily jobs, we must always dedicate time to organize and serve our own communities,” he stated.

He further urged community members to take ownership of their well-being, rather than relying on external forces to drive progress.

“We must make the community’s business our own and always be proactive at tending to them. We must not leave the work that benefits our own communities to others to do for us. We must always be ready to unite, ready and able to volunteer for the betterment of the community as a whole,” he added.

Mr. Kouyate also stressed the importance of putting personal interests aside to prioritize the greater good of the community.

“Let’s unite and put personal interests aside and strive for what is right and what is best for our community. In doing so, our community will be better served by our local, city, state, and federal governments,” he said.

He concluded with a vision for equal recognition and respect for his community in the broader American society.

“In addition, we will be as respected as any other community in the United States.”

Mr. Kouyate’s recognition is seen as an inspiration for future generations of leaders within the Guinean and broader African diaspora communities in the U.S. His dedication to service reflects a growing movement of African immigrants actively shaping their communities and advocating for representation at all levels of government.

His award serves as a reminder that grassroots efforts and civic engagement remain key to achieving greater inclusion and influence in American society.

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