Foday Dumbuya, the founder of LABRUM, excels at the unique intersection of sport and cultural displacement. Born in Sierra Leone, he spent his formative years in Cyprus before moving to London at the age of 12. Foday’s designs breath's new life into classic tailoring, blending contemporary flair with colorful patterns, creating a fresh perspective for a new generation.

Sierra Leone mourns the loss of a truly remarkable soul. Michaela DePrince, a Sierra Leonean-American ballet dancer who performed with the Boston Ballet, captured the world’s heart with her incredible story. Michaela first gained widespread recognition after starring in the 2011 documentary First Position, which followed her and other young dancers preparing for the Youth America Grand Prix. She also had the honor of performing with Beyoncé on Freedom, further showcasing her exceptional talent.
 
From being a war orphan in Sierra Leone to becoming an accomplished ballerina, Michaela’s journey was nothing short of inspiring. She became a beacon of hope, resilience, and strength, serving as a role model to countless individuals in the dance world and beyond.
 
Although we are heartbroken by her untimely passing, Sierra Leone will forever be proud to claim her as one of our own. You may have left us sooner than we hoped, but your legacy will live on in the hearts of all who were touched by your grace and perseverance. Michaela, you will always be an inspiration and a beloved child of Sierra Leone.

Kei Kamara is a prominent Sierra Leonean professional footballer known for his goal-scoring abilities. He plays as a striker for Los Angeles FC in Major League Soccer (MLS). Over his career, Kamara has earned recognition for his consistency and skill, becoming one of the few players in MLS history to score 100 goals. He reached this impressive milestone in 300 appearances, solidifying his place among the league's top goal scorers.
 
Kamara has had a notable career, playing for several MLS teams, including the Columbus Crew, Sporting Kansas City, and New England Revolution. His experience and leadership have made him a valuable asset to his teams. In addition to his success in MLS, Kamara is also an important figure in international football, representing Sierra Leone in various competitions.

Jeneba Tarmoh is an accomplished Olympic sprinter of Sierra Leonean descent, known for her expertise in the 100 meters and 200 meters events. Tarmoh has represented the United States in international competitions, particularly in track and field. She gained attention for her performance in the 2012 London Olympics, where she competed in the 4x100 meters relay and earned a bronze medal as part of the U.S. team.
 
Tarmoh has also had success at the national level, having competed in multiple U.S. Track and Field Championships. Known for her speed and technique, she has been a prominent figure in the sprinting world. Throughout her career, Jeneba Tarmoh has demonstrated the talent and resilience needed to perform at the highest levels of track and field, contributing to her recognition as one of the top sprinters in her discipline.
 
Her Sierra Leonean heritage adds an important cultural aspect to her identity, making her an inspiration to both the Sierra Leonean community and aspiring athletes worldwide.

Idris Elba is a renowned Sierra Leonean-English actor, rapper, singer, and DJ, widely recognized for his versatility and range in both television and film. Born in London, Elba has achieved global fame with his compelling performances across various genres.
 
An alumnus of the National Youth Music Theatre in London, Elba began his career in the entertainment industry with a passion for acting, before expanding into music and DJing. He rose to prominence for his portrayal of Stringer Bell in the critically acclaimed HBO series The Wire, a role that established him as one of the leading talents in television.
 
Elba's career further flourished with his iconic role as DCI John Luther in the BBC One series Luther, where he earned widespread acclaim for his intense performance as a troubled detective. His skill in portraying complex, layered characters led to more high-profile roles, including playing Nelson Mandela in the biographical film Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, a performance that earned him numerous accolades.
 
Beyond acting, Idris Elba is also known for his musical pursuits, having released music as both a rapper and DJ, further showcasing his broad artistic talents. His influence extends beyond the screen, as he remains an advocate for diverse representation in film and media, as well as a prominent figure in global entertainment.
 
Elba's career has solidified him as one of the most respected actors of his generation, and his Sierra Leonean heritage remains an important part of his identity, contributing to the pride his family and fans feel for his success on the world stage.

Jhanelle Thomas is a top hurdler of Sierra Leonean descent who has made a significant impact in track and field. She gained recognition for her impressive performances at Nashua North, where she showcased her exceptional athleticism and hurdling skills. Her outstanding achievements on the track earned her the prestigious Telegraph Girls Track Co-Athlete of the Year award, highlighting her as one of the top athletes in her field.
 
Jhanelle's dedication to the sport, combined with her natural talent, has made her a rising star in the world of hurdling. Her success serves as an inspiration to other athletes, particularly those of Sierra Leonean heritage, as she continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in track and field.

Antonio Rüdiger is a talented professional footballer, born in Berlin, Germany, to an Afro-German father, Matthias, and a Sierra Leonean mother, Lily. Growing up in the Neukölln neighborhood of Berlin, Rüdiger's diverse background shaped both his identity and playing style, giving him a unique perspective on the world and the game.
 
His football career began at VfB Stuttgart, where he started his professional journey, before moving to AS Roma between 2015 and 2017. It was during his time in Italy that Rüdiger truly came into his own, showcasing his defensive abilities. Known for his strength, speed, and exceptional ability to read the game, he quickly became a key figure at Roma.
 
Rüdiger's standout performances at Roma attracted the attention of top European clubs, culminating in a move to Chelsea in 2017. At Chelsea, he continued to develop as one of the top defenders in the Premier League, winning prestigious trophies like the UEFA Champions League and the FIFA Club World Cup.
 
Beyond his success on the pitch, Rüdiger is deeply proud of his Sierra Leonean heritage. He often speaks about his roots and uses his platform to represent and celebrate Sierra Leone. Rüdiger is a regular visitor to Sierra Leone and is passionate about contributing to the development of the country's youth, showing a commitment to his homeland. This dedication has earned him admiration, both as an athlete and as a role model for young people in Sierra Leone.
 
Sierra Leone takes immense pride in having such a distinguished son, and Rüdiger's achievements continue to inspire many, both within the footballing world and beyond.

Musa Noah Kamara, commonly known as Musa Tombo, is a promising Sierra Leonean footballer born on 6 August 2000. He plays as a striker for Bo Rangers in the Sierra Leone Premier League, as well as the Sierra Leone national team.
 
Musa has been making waves in the footballing world, particularly in the 2023/2024 season, where he achieved a remarkable milestone. He won the prestigious Golden Boot after scoring an impressive 15 goals, which included two hat-tricks during his time with Port Authority. This outstanding performance cemented his reputation as one of Sierra Leone's most talented forwards.
 
Known for his speed, clinical finishing, and ability to score under pressure, Musa Tombo's performances have attracted significant attention both domestically and internationally. His contributions to both his club and the national team have made him a key figure in Sierra Leonean football, and his bright future promises even greater accomplishments on the horizon.

Frances Tiafoe is a rising star in the world of tennis, born to Sierra Leonean immigrants in Hyattsville, Maryland. Raised at the Junior Tennis Champions Center (JTCC), a USTA regional training center in College Park, Maryland, Tiafoe's story is one of resilience and determination. His father, Frances Sr., worked as the head of maintenance at the center, and Tiafoe grew up in an environment that nurtured his passion for tennis.
 
Tiafoe's rise to prominence in the tennis world came at an early age. At just 15 years old, he made history by winning the 2013 Orange Bowl, becoming the tournament's youngest-ever boys' singles champion. This victory marked the beginning of his ascent as a promising young talent. At 17, he made a significant breakthrough by becoming the youngest American to compete in the main draw of the French Open since Michael Chang in 1989.
 
As a teenager, Tiafoe continued to impress, winning the US Junior National Championship and enjoying considerable success on the ATP Challenger Tour. He reached nine finals and claimed four titles, further solidifying his status as one of the top young prospects in American tennis.
 
Tiafoe's unique background, combined with his incredible talent and work ethic, has earned him recognition as one of the future stars of American tennis. His journey has made him an inspiration to many, particularly within the African-American and Sierra Leonean communities. With his determination and skill, Frances Tiafoe is poised for continued success on the international tennis stage.

Gabrielle Lisa Thomas is an American track and field athlete of Sierra Leonian decent. She is an 100 and 200 meter sprinter. She won the bronze medal in the 200 m and a silver as part of the women's 4 × 100 m relay at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

James Lebbie is widely regarded as Sierra Leone's most successful professional golfer. A touring and teaching professional, he is also a member of the Sierra Leone PGA. Over the years, Lebbie has made a significant impact on both local and international golf scenes.
 
Lebbie competed in many tournaments on Europe's second-tier Challenge Tour, particularly in events held across Africa. One of his most notable achievements came in 1992, when he won the Nigerian Open, marking his sole victory on the Challenge Tour. This victory remains a key highlight in his career, showcasing his skill and determination on an international level.
 
In addition to his success in international competitions, Lebbie has been a dominant force in Sierra Leonean golf. He has won the Sierra Leone Open multiple times, further solidifying his status as one of the country’s premier golfers.
 
Beyond his playing career, James Lebbie has contributed to the development of golf in Sierra Leone, sharing his expertise as a teacher and mentor. His achievements and ongoing dedication to the sport have earned him a lasting legacy in Sierra Leone and the global golfing community.

Eunice Barber is a former Olympian and World Champion athlete, known for her versatility in multiple track and field events. Born in Sierra Leone, she represented her native country in the Olympics before adopting French nationality on 7 August 2000, which allowed her to compete for France in later years. Barber competed in a wide range of events, including the high hurdles, long jump, heptathlon, and the 4x100 meter relay.
 
Barber achieved remarkable success in her career, particularly in the World Championships, where she became a two-time World Champion. She won the heptathlon title in 1999 and the long jump title in 2003. Additionally, she earned three silver medals at the World Championships—one in the heptathlon in 2003, and two in 2005, with silvers in both the heptathlon and long jump.
 
Although Barber's Olympic performances did not match her success at the World level, she had a strong showing at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, where she finished an impressive fifth in the heptathlon. Despite not winning an Olympic medal, her consistency and dominance in global competitions cemented her as one of the best athletes of her time.
 
Eunice Barber's legacy as a multi-event specialist remains a source of inspiration, especially for athletes from both Sierra Leone and France. Her dedication and accomplishments in the field of athletics have made her one of the most celebrated athletes in the history of track and field.

Matilda Gbena is a professional weightlifter from Sierra Leone who has made significant strides in the sport, earning recognition for her dedication and strength. A native of Sierra Leone, Matilda has committed herself to the rigorous demands of weightlifting, training extensively over the years to become a formidable force in the field.
 
Her passion for the sport, combined with her relentless work ethic, has propelled her to achieve impressive feats in weightlifting, earning respect and admiration from her peers. Matilda's journey is a testament to perseverance and determination, and her success has become an inspiration to others, encouraging individuals to pursue their fitness goals and push their limits in the pursuit of excellence.
 
As one of Sierra Leone's most accomplished weightlifters, Matilda Gbena continues to elevate the profile of the sport in her country and inspire the next generation of athletes. Her story serves as a powerful example of how hard work, dedication, and a love for one's craft can lead to remarkable achievements.

Steven Roy Caulker is a professional footballer who plays as a centre-back. Born in England, Caulker has made a unique mark in international football by representing and captaining the Sierra Leone national team, despite being born and raised in England. His decision to play for Sierra Leone is a testament to his connection to his Sierra Leonean heritage.
 
Caulker began his professional career in 2009 with Tottenham Hotspur, a prominent Premier League club, where he initially struggled to secure a regular spot in the first team. To gain more experience, he spent three seasons on loan at Yeovil Town, Bristol City, and Swansea City, where he gained significant playing time and developed his skills. His performances during his loan spells earned him recognition and a reputation as a reliable centre-back.
 
After returning to Tottenham, Caulker went on to play for several other clubs in the Premier League and beyond, including Cardiff City, QPR, and Fenerbahçe in Turkey. His leadership on the pitch, solid defensive qualities, and aerial strength have made him a standout defender.
 
Caulker's commitment to Sierra Leone, both as a player and captain, has made him an important figure for the national team, where he has contributed significantly to their defense. His journey in football has been marked by persistence and the ability to adapt, earning him respect both in club football and international play.

David Gbenda is a Sierra Leonean-American football player who has earned recognition as a linebacker with his standout performances at the college level. Known for his versatility and athleticism, Gbenda played for the Texas Longhorns, where he demonstrated his ability to contribute in multiple roles depending on the defensive scheme and personnel packages. His playing style is unique in that he combines the size and traits of a 4-3 outside linebacker (OLB) with the playmaking ability typically associated with inside linebackers (ILB) and middle linebackers (MLB).
 
Gbenda's physical attributes are impressive, standing out in combine environments with a 4.74-second 40-yard dash and a 4.36-second shuttle time, showcasing his speed and agility. His motor runs high throughout games, consistently demonstrating relentless effort on the field. This athleticism and tenacity allow him to make plays all over the field, whether in pass coverage, rushing the quarterback, or defending the run.
 
As a dynamic and active defender, David Gbenda has become known for his high-energy playstyle and versatility, earning attention as a promising linebacker with the potential to contribute at the highest levels of football. His performance at Texas has set the stage for his future in professional football, where his skill set could make him a valuable asset to any team.

Abdul Bilal "Bill" Hamid is a Sierra Leonean-American professional soccer player, known for his skills as a goalkeeper. Born in Sierra Leone, he moved to the United States at a young age, where he developed his football career. Over the years, Hamid has built a solid reputation in the soccer community, particularly for his reflexes, shot-stopping ability, and leadership on the field.
 
Currently, Bill Hamid serves as a player-coach for Virginia Dream FC in the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL). His dual role allows him to continue playing professionally while also mentoring and guiding younger players within the club. This leadership role showcases his experience and commitment to developing talent, both on and off the field.
 
Hamid's career has seen him play for a variety of teams, but he is most notably recognized for his time with D.C. United in Major League Soccer (MLS), where he established himself as one of the top goalkeepers in the league. His contributions to both club and country reflect his deep passion for the game and his Sierra Leonean heritage, which he carries with pride.
 
Bill Hamid’s dedication to football, both as a player and coach, continues to make him an influential figure in the soccer community, especially within the Sierra Leonean diaspora.

Felix Sandy is widely regarded as one of Sierra Leone’s greatest track athletes and arguably the nation’s all-time best male runner. Born in Freetown, he is best known for his achievements in the 400 meters, including a national record that has stood for 36 years. His career boasts multiple All-American collegiate honors, two Olympic appearances, and success on both the African and international track and field stages.

Felix's athletic journey began at St. Anthony’s Primary School and St. Edwards Secondary School in Sierra Leone, where his passion for sports flourished. He excelled in the 100, 200, and 400 meters sprints, gaining recognition in 1988 when Track and Field News ranked him among the top-three foreign collegiate 400-meter sprinters in the U.S. and top-15 globally.

He represented Sierra Leone in key competitions, including the 1989 All-African Championships, where he finished fifth, and the British Amateur Athletic Association Championships, where he placed fourth. Felix also competed in the World University Games in Duisburg, Germany, but suffered a hamstring injury during the finals. His international career continued with a semi-final appearance at the 1990 Auckland Commonwealth Games.

Felix holds a Master’s degree in Management Information Systems and now serves as Sierra Leone’s International Envoy for the Development of Sports. He resides in the U.S. with his wife, Valerie, and their children: Sahr Felix Sandy, a Division One soccer player, and Sierra F. Sandy, a Division One tennis player.

Felix's legacy endures through his remarkable achievements and his family’s continued involvement in sports. His journey is a source of pride for Sierra Leone, and his contributions inspire future generations of athletes. As the International Olympic Envoy, Felix plans to collaborate with current and former athletes, along with various stakeholders, to shape the future of Sierra Leone’s sports landscape.