Al-Hassan Gbessay Kanu A.K.A Al Kanu
Al-Hassan Gbessay Kanu, affectionately known as Al Kanu, is a father, husband, passionate public servant, bridge builder, and community leader with deep roots in Sierra Leone and New York City. After migrating to the U.S. in the late 1990s, he planted his roots in Queens, New York, where he became a leading voice in government and grassroots mobilization. He worked alongside prominent New York City Council Members Leroy Comrie, I. Daneek Miller, and Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, gaining experience in legislation, constituent advocacy, and public policy. He later ran for New York City Council, earning broad support for his dedication to equity, safety, and economic opportunity.
As part of LIFE Camp, under the leadership of Erica Ford, Al Kanu has helped scale a model of peace, healing, and youth empowerment across New York City. He also chairs the Parks Committee for Community Board 12 and leads SEQ U.P. FRONT, a collective that supports professionals from underserved communities through networking and shared resources. He is also the co-founder of Friends of Sierra Leone, an organization focused on public health, drug abuse awareness, good governance, civic engagement, women and children empowerment, and community development.
Now, he is answering the higher call to return home and lead Sierra Leone into a new era of sovereignty, innovation, and transformation.
He is committed to standing shoulder to shoulder with African leaders who are rejecting the long-standing global systems that have given the Western world an unfair advantage over Africa’s resources and development. Al Kanu believes that Africa’s future must be written by Africans, at home and abroad. He is passionate about reconnecting with the descendants of Africa who were taken away from the continent and involving them in the rebuilding, investment, and prosperity of the motherland. The development of Sierra Leone and Africa at large must be all hands on deck, especially those whose lineage and legacy began in Africa and were disrupted by slavery and colonization.
Al Kanu represents the promise of a united, self-determined Sierra Leone, one that honors its rich history while boldly embracing innovation, youth empowerment, infrastructure development, and Pan-African collaboration. His life’s work has always been about bringing people together and building systems that uplift everyone. As President, he intends to do just that.
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Together, we can build a fairer future where every voice is heard. Alkanu2028 is committed to reform, integrity, and progress. Contact us today and be part of the movement for lasting change.