Ethiopian, Kenyan win Twin Cities Marathon

The Associated Press

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — An Ethiopian woman and a Kenyan man won $15,000 apiece on Sunday after their victories in the Twin Cities Marathon.

Sammy Malakwen, a 33-year-old Kenya native who lives and trains for part of the year in Two Harbors, finished in 2 hours, 13 minutes and 11 seconds in his first Twin Cities Marathon, just ahead of fellow Kenyans Joseph Mutinda, 37, in 2:13:24, and Weldon Kirui, 22, in 2:13:31.

Yeshimebet Tadesse-Bifa, 23, of Ethiopia, won the women’s race in 2:28:24.

Read more.

Ethiopian Families Gather in Oakland to Celebrate Meskel

Oakland North | By: Mariel Waloff and Alex Park

September 30, 2011

Hundreds of Ethiopian immigrants and their families from around the Bay Area gathered at the Ethiopian Orthodox Cathedral on Mountain Boulevard Sunday for Meskel, or the finding of the True Cross, one of the most important holidays in the Coptic Christian calendar and a national holiday in Ethiopia.

“In Ethiopia, no one misses Meskel,” said Rebecca Bekele, an Ethiopian immigrant who came for the day from Fremont. “We’re used to gathering and celebrating in this manner, so it really reconnects us to our country and our church.”

Read more at Oakland North.

Watch:

Couple Accused of Starving Daughter Plead Not Guilty

Reuters

By Nicole Neroulias

SEATTLE | Fri Oct 7, 2011

A couple accused of starving their adopted 13-year-old Ethiopian-born daughter and locking her outside in the cold, where she died from exposure, pleaded not guilty on Thursday to homicide and child abuse charges.

Although investigators found the Washington state couple adhered to a harsh child-rearing regimen prescribed by a controversial Christian parenting book, the prosecutor said Thursday that religion was not relevant to the criminal case.

Larry and Carri Williams, of Sedro-Woolley — a town about halfway between Seattle and Vancouver, British Columbia — were arrested September 29, more than four months after their daughter, Hana, died of hypothermia in their backyard.

A Skagit County Superior Court judge reduced their bail from $500,000 to $150,000 each on Thursday, and barred them from contact with their eight remaining children, who were placed into foster care in July, or with each other.

Each is charged with homicide by abuse in connection with their daughter’s death, and first-degree assault of a child stemming from mistreatment of her adopted 10-year-old brother from Ethiopia.

If convicted each faces a prison term of between 20 and 29 years, according to state sentencing guidelines.

Read more at Reuters.

Related:
Parents Charged With Hana Williams’ Death

Tadias Magazine
News Update

Updated: Saturday, October 1, 2011

A Washington state couple has been arrested on homicide charges in the death of Hana Williams, their 13-year-old daughter who was adopted from Ethiopia.

“Larry and Carri Williams were arrested Thursday and jailed on $500,000 bond,” The Skagit Valley Herald reported. “Prosecutors say the girl, Hana Williams, lived in a closet and was denied meals for days at a time.”

According to the paper: “The parents were charged Thursday with homicide by abuse for the treatment of Hana Williams. They were also charged with first-degree child assault of Hana’s 10-year-old brother, who was adopted with her.”

Hana was found unconscious on May 12, 2011 in the backyard of the Williams’ home in Sedro-Woolley, a city about 70 miles north of Seattle. She was pronounced dead at Skagit Valley Hospital an hour later. The autopsy report indicates that she died of hypothermia, but malnutrition contributed to her death.

Court documents show that Carri Williams called police in the early morning hours of May 12 saying her daughter was not breathing. She told the 911 dispatcher that she found the girl face down in their backyard with mud in her mouth. She said that Hana was being “rebellious” and would not cooperate in coming back into the house.

Click here to read the probable cause affidavit in Hanna Williams case (PDF)

Wacth: Case file – Parents starved and beat girl, locked her out in the cold


Related news:
Washington State: Trial Begins In Starvation Death Of Hana Alemu (Hana Williams)
Police say adopted child was starved, left outside to die (MSNBC)
Vigil Remembers Adopted Girl Who Died in the Rain, Cold

Join the conversation on Twitter and Facebook

Driven Ethiopian Refugee Wins SF State Scholarship

San Francisco Examiner

By: Amy Crawford | Examiner Staff Writer

Betsaida Abraham moved to California from her native Ethiopia at age 12. She didn’t know any English and had never attended school. Back then, her dream of being a doctor seemed unattainable.

Ten years later, the young woman who now goes by Betty is a senior at San Francisco State University, taking classes for her microbiology major and studying for the medical school admissions test.

For her triumph against the odds, Abraham learned this month that she had won the William Randolph Hearst Award, a $3,000 scholarship bestowed by the California State University trustees. She was one of 23 winners across the 400,000-student system.

“I’ve gone through so much,” Abraham said. “I feel like I’m finally hitting my stride and going where I want to go, whereas before I was just keeping my head above water.”

Abraham’s father fled political persecution in Ethiopia when Betty was a baby, leaving his wife and two daughters behind. They planned to follow him, but applying for asylum took longer than they expected.

Read more at the San Francisco Examiner.

Nine Ethiopian band members killed, 17 injured

Source: Africa Report

Ethiopia has been plunged into mourning after nine artists were killed and 17 seriously injured in a car accident.

Police said the accident happened on Monday in the Amhara region while the artists were travelling to South Sudan for a concert that was scheduled for this weekend.

The well known artists are members of the Tigray Cultural Squad who played “significant roles” in the struggle against the military regime in Ethiopia.

The injured and bodies of their colleagues were evacuated from the area by helicopter

According to the Tigray Culture and Tourism Bureau, all of them are members of the Tigray Cultural Squad who “played significant roles in the bitter struggle to ensure equality, freedom and democracy in Ethiopia.”

They are Berhane Gebremeskel (Gano), Berhane Gebrehiwot (handebet), Berhane Andey (Kunama), Letemeskel Gbrehiwot (Agew), Tekie Tesfamariam, Haile Gerlasie, Berhane Gebremichael, Ashenafi Mengistu and Habtome.

Ethiopia has one of the highest number of traffic accidents on the continent with around 2,000 people being killed on the roads annually.


In other news:
US Building Secret Drone Bases in Africa (The Washington Post)
PepsiCo to Foster Chick Peas in Ethiopia (The New York Times)
ShelterBox gives £2.2m of aid to Horn of Africa crisis (BBC)
Thousands of Ethiopian Migrants Stranded in Yemen Desperate to Go Home (IOM)

Brooklyn to Ethiopia: Doncker, Gigi, Selam, Laswell, and more

Tadias Magazine
By Tadias Staff

Updated: Sunday, October 9, 2011

New York (TADIAS) – Brooklyn based musician Tomas Doncker’s new album entitled Power of the Trinity, which features well-known artists hailing from Ethiopia including Gigi and legendary guitarist Selam Seyoum Woldemariam, is as much a tribute to Ethiopia and its history as it is a soulful blend of R&B, spoken word and global urban sounds, reflecting the culturally eclectic neighborhood where he grew up. The CD also features Grammy award winning producer and bassist Bill Laswell, Pulitzer Prize winning poet Yusef Komunyakaa, and Electro-dub specialist Dr. Israel as well as reggae artist Tsegaye Selassie.

“Musically speaking, being able to work with Bill Laswell and Selam Woldermariam was like taking a journey into the heart and soul of Ethiopian groove, ” Tomas Doncker said in a recent interview with Tadias Magazine. Bill Laswell was the producer of Gigi’s 2001 album, which propelled the vocalist to worldwide acclaim. Selam Woldermariam, also known as Selamino, was a member of the storied Ibex and Roha bands.

According to Tomas, a theater production about Emperor Haile Selassie and his role during World War II, following the Italian invasion of Ethiopia, gave impetus to his new album. The drama was never staged but he said it inspired him to learn more about the Emperor. “I was asked to score a play called Power of the Trinity by New York Playwright Roland Wolf and in my research I realized that collaborations with this particular group of artists would really capture and enhance the feeling that I was looking for,” Tomas said. “It was the most rewarding artistic experience of my life.”

Tomas said he fell in love with Selam Woldermariam’s work long before he met the guitarist, whom he said he discovered through one of the earliest editions of the Ethiopiques series – number seven – which spotlighted the award-winning singer Mahmoud Ahmed and the historical band Ibex.

“Tomas Doncker had this CD and was searching for musicians that played with Ibex in those days,” Selam told Tadias. “A common friend knew where I resided and told Tomas about it, that’s how we connected.”

The name of the album, Power of the Trinity, is the English translation of Emperor Haile Selassie’s name. The CD cover shows a globe embedded with a giant map of Africa filled with a photo collage of the late emperor. Tomas Doncker’s own name is written using a combination of English and Geez alphabets. “Graphic Designer Michael Luciano and I worked very closely on this,” Tomas said. “We wanted to highlight Ethiopia as being one of the most important places in world history, perhaps even the cradle of civilization. You can’t do that without making H.I.M. a focal point.”

Selam, who majored in History at Addis Ababa University and is currently researching “the music history of the Horn of Africa,” says the collaborative project is more than a nod to the former king. “As we all know Ethiopian music is now a fashion throughout the world,” he said. “It is not surprising to see bands whose members are mainly western musicians playing Ethiopian music repertory of the 60s and 70s.” He adds: “This phenomenon was partly the result of the distribution of Ethiopiques CD series, produced by a good friend, Francis Falceto. And, fortunately, I was part of the group known as ‘Ibex’ that performed during the early 70s at Ras Hotel. It included the renowned performer Mahmoud Ahmed and we recorded his Ere Mela Mela on LP which later became Ethiopiques number 7 in 1989.”

For Tomas, it is also about crossing cultural boundaries. “I grew up in Brooklyn NY, in Crown Heights” he said. “I attended St. Ann’s school from 1st grade until the 12th grade. Crown Heights at that time was a very dangerous neighborhood. Lots of gangs and violence, but we still managed to maintain a sense of community, at least among the families on my block. Receiving a scholarship to attend St. Ann’s made it possible for me to meet people and learn about other cultures. It changed my life and helped to mold me into the artist that I am today.”


Tomas Doncker and Selam Woldemariam at the Blue Note in NYC on April 12, 2010. (Photo courtesy of Selam Woldemariam)

Regarding his new album Tomas said: “It is what I like to call a global soul meditation about Ethiopia and how I feel that we are all connected.”

Selam, who also served as a Production Consultant, worked on the Amharic translations for most of the compositions on the album. He described the genre of the new CD saying: “It is mainly a fusion work of Tomas’ compositions with Ethiopian rhythm and sounds. He uses the slow and fast Chik-chika rhythms on most of his compositions. This rhythm is extensively used in most Ethiopian music. Moreover, most horn sections on some of the tunes resemble the unique sound of Ibex Band from the Ethiopiques number seven volume. Therefore, I think we can safely label the new album as ‘global soul,’ a fusion of western R&B and African and Ethiopian music.”

Selam adds: “I would like to thank Tomas for dedicating his song, Seven Sons, in memory of Ibex.”

Thomas Doncker’s “Power of the Trinity” is now available for purchase on I tunes. You can learn more about the artist at www.tomasdoncker.net.

Watch: Tomas Doncker introduces guitar hero Selam Woldemariam at the Blue Note in NYC

Watch: Inside Tomas Doncker’s “Power of The Trinity Project”

Maryland Spotlights Blessed Coffee – The State’s Newest Benefit Corporation

Tadias Magazine
By Tadias Staff

Updated: Monday, September 26, 2011

New York (TADIAS) – Governor Martin O’Malley of Maryland seemed in a jovial mood at the inauguration of Blessed Coffee in Takoma Park last week, sipping a cup of Ethiopian coffee, schmoozing with attendees, and surprising organizers by hanging out 45 minutes longer than expected. The Governor was spotlighting a local business established under the state’s Benefit Corporations law. The event was held at the Takoma Park Old Town Gazebo on Friday September 16th, 2011 and included traditional Ethiopian music and coffee ceremony, during which Mr. O’Malley was served a cup of joe brewed from Yergacheffe beans grown in Ethiopia.

“The Governer was supposed to stay for only 30 minutes, but he was having so much fun they had to drag him out after one hour and 15 minutes.” said Tebabu Assefa, the co-founder of Blessed Coffee.

“How did it go?”, a man was heard asking on the background during our phone interview with Mr. Assefa. “Wonderful, wonderful, oh man, it was a hit,” the affable Mr. Assefa replied, after aplogizing to us for the interuption. “Did you see the Washington Post article? I am elated.”

“It’s like hitting the jackpot,” Mr. Assefa said turning his attention back to our interview. “It’s like winning it all when elected officials, the community and the press show up to celebrate what I have been urging for a long time.”

Blessed Coffee, which promises to split its profits between community projects in Maryland and supporting the coffee growing region in Ethiopia, is the second organization created under Maryland’s new law. It was founded earlier this year by Mr. Assefa and his wife Sara Mussie. “I have worked very hard for the last 7 seven years to see this day,” Mr. Assefa said. “I have walked from the halls of Congress to the hills of Yirgatchefe to make this happen.” He added: There was a time when people thought I was a fool, but I stuck with it because as an activist, I believed in development and cultural promotion. And in the grander scheme of things, it contributes to the international business discourse of how to connect the farmer directly to the global market.”

Speaking of the international business discourse, we asked Mr. Assefa about recent news reports on how Ethiopian coffee beans are being pass up by boutique U.S. roasters and retailers because the rules of the Ethiopian Commodities Exchange make it impossible to know where most of the country’s beans are grown. Mr. Assefa noted that he is aware of the report, saying there is a loophole called a “relationship market” that allows outside buyers to develop direct link with the farmers. “Right now, we are buying it from the wholesaler Royal coffee, which has contact with the farmers in Ethiopia,” he said. ” They know where the beans are coming from and as demand increases, we also plan to do the same.”

The Washington Post reported that Governor O’Malley and state Senator Jamie B. Raskin (D-Montgomery), “who sponsored the legislation last year, offered words of encouragement during the ceremony. A ‘benefit corporation’ isn’t all about social responsibility, officials said. Companies that use the law need to make money, to thrive. The new law is as much about social responsibility as it is about job creation, O’Malley said. ‘It all comes back to jobs,’ he said.”

“The law allows community-minded companies to take the high road rather than the high bid,” Raskin said.

Among those who spoke at the event included Tadesse Meskela, Founder and Manager of the 200,000-member Oromia Coffee Farmers Cooperative, which produced the coffee served at the event. “Tadesse is my hero,” said Mr. Assefa. “He has been the voice of the Ethiopian coffee farmer on the international stage for many years.”

Mr. Assefa said: “The governer was so fascinated by his speech, he asked for a copy and posted it on his blog.”

Take a look at photos from the celebration below:


Popcorn being served at the opening ceremony of Blessed Coffee – one of Maryland’s first ventures to be formed under the state’s “benefit corporation” law. (Photo by Matt Andrea)


State Sen. Jamie B. Raskin (D-Montgomery) and Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley (D) at the inauguration of Blessed Coffee on Friday September 16th, 2011. (Photo by Matt Andrea)


Governor O’Malley speaking at the event. (Photo by Tamirat Mekonen)


Children at the inauguration. (Photo by Matt Andrea)


Tebabu Assefa, the co-founder of Blessed Coffee, at the opening ceremony of his company at the Takoma Park Old Town Gazebo on Friday September 16th, 2011. (Photo by Matt Andrea)


State Senator Jamie B. Raskin (D-Montgomery), who sponsored the “benefit corporation legislation last year, speaking at a ceremony in downtown Takoma Park marking the launch of Blessed Coffee on Friday September 16th, 2011. (Photo by Matt Andrea)

Related:
Takoma Park coffee company is among first ‘benefit corporations’ in state (Washington Post)

Learning to live with autism in Ethiopia

By Hewete Haileselassie
BBC Focus on Africa magazine

The year was 1995 and Ethiopian Zemi Yunus had no idea what autism was. What she did know was that her four-year-old son, Jojo, was clearly “different from other children of his age.”

Then her husband watched a television programme in the United States where they were living at the time.

It suddenly dawned on them that perhaps Jojo was autistic – certainly the symptoms described all seemed to point to this.

On the brink of returning to Ethiopia, Mrs Zemi began in earnest to research the issue.

Like many parents of autistic children, Mrs Zemi says that she had long had concerns about her son’s speech, but many doctors had reassured her that boys are often “late talkers” and assuaged her fears.

But the more she found out independently, the more she recognised that her son’s delayed speech, as well as his repetitive actions and his behavioural difficulties, were clearly autistic.

Unfortunately, diagnosis of the condition, particularly in the developing world, is rare. On returning to the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, Mrs Zemi – who was soon running a successful business – consulted psychologists, doctors and other professionals for several years, but failed to find any answers.

Finding a school also proved difficult; many teachers dismissed Jojo as “spoilt” and he was expelled from five schools in a row. One institution even asked to be paid triple the usual fee to keep him.

Read more at BBC.

Tadias Honored With Service Award from Nation to Nation Networking

Tadias Magazine
Events News

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

New York – Tadias Magazine will receive the Exceptional Service Award for ‘Bridge-Building Across Cultures’ from Nation to Nation Networking (NNN) at its 4th Annual International Diaspora Award Dinner on Thursday, October 13, 2011.

NNN is a U.S. based non-profit organization that works to foster understanding among different communities in the United States and beyond. Its founder is Ethiopian-American Abaynesh Asrat. Past recipients of the award include Elinor Ruth Tatum, the Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of the New York Amsterdam News, the oldest and largest African-American newspaper in New York, and one of the oldest ethnic papers in the country.

Tadias is a New York based online magazine tailored towards the Ethiopian-American community.

We are honored and humbled by the recognition.

If You Go
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Three West 51st Street, New York City, NY 10019
Dinner at 6:45, ceremony – 7:45 PM

RSVP by October 6, 2011. To sponsor the event, buy ads in the tribute book or purchase tickets please call 917-375-3636. Suggested Contribution of $150. All contributions are tax-deductible. NNN, Ltd. is a 501(c)(3) federally tax-exempt organization. PayPal payment option will be posted shortly. You can also make checks payable to: Nation to Nation Networking, Ltd. (or ‘NNN, Ltd.’) and mail to: NNN, Ltd. – P.O. Box 286702 – New York, NY 10128.

In Harlem, a Feast for Ethiopia Famine

Tadias Magazine
Events News

Updated: Wednesday, September 21, 2011

New York – The Wall Street Journal highlights “Brunch for the Horn of Africa,” the fundraiser benefiting famine relief held on Sunday, September 18 at Marcus Samuelsson and Maya Haile’s home in New York.

The sold-out fundraiser for famine relief, held at the couple’s Harlem apartment, was attended by a diverse crowd of friends, supporters, families with children, local residents and even some individuals who drove in from nearby states.

According to The Wall Street Journal, people who attended “had trekked to Harlem from the neighborhood and as far as Charleston, N.C.”

“I firmly believe there’s a call for events and charities to be much more democratic,” Marcus told the paper. “What you get for 50 bucks today is access: You get to meet amazing people, it’s personable, it’s not in a hall somewhere, you can dress however you want to dress.”

“The house was packed with friends and friends of friends, many with connections to Ethiopia, including novelist Maaza Mengiste and Staffan Tillander, the former Swedish ambassador to Ethiopia. Others registered via the Web.”

Read more at WSJ.com.

Related from Tadias:
Photos From Brunch for the Horn of Africa


The event was attended by a diverse crowd of friends, supporters, families with children, local residents and even some individuals who drove in from nearby states. (Photo by Tadias Magazine)


Brookti Berne and Maya Haile at the Brunch for the Horn of Africa. (Photo by Tadias Magazine)


Chef Marcus Samulesson and his wife Model Gate Maya Haile hosted the event at their home in Harlem on Sunday, September 18, 2011. (Photo by Tadias Magazine)

Click here to read more and view photos from this event.

Tadias is a media sponsor of Brunch for the Horn of Africa.

Miss Africa USA Making Progress in Its Search for Miss Ethiopia

Tadias Magazine
By Tadias Staff

Updated: Tuesday, September 20, 2011

New York (TADIAS) – In a recent interview with Tadias Magazine Lady Kate Njeuma, CEO and Founder of Miss Africa USA, said her organization is making progress in its search for Miss Ethiopia to particpate in the upcoming annual competition.

The Miss Africa USA Pageant had reached out to Tadias last month saying that Ethiopian-Americans remained unrepresented as the group prepares to crown the 2011 Queen in November.

Ms. Njeuma said that has now changed: “We have been overwhelmed with responses from the community,” she said. “We are now at the point of finalizing our search to endorse one candidate to represent Ethiopia this year. We hope that after the interviews and selection process, our choice will be a good representative for Ethiopia.”

Regarding her reflections on the 25-year-old Leila Lopes of Angola, winner of the coveted Miss Universe prize, Ms. Njeuma said: It is very encouraging indeed for an African woman to win the Miss Universe Pageant. The first African woman to win was Miss Botswana in 1999, so Leila is the second in the pageant’s 60 year history. I think Africa has got to the point where people are not only seeing the negative things but they are realizing that Africa is very gifted.”

Leila Lopes, was among contestants hailing from 89 nations at the 60th anniversary of the beauty contest held in São Paulo, Brazil on September 12, 2011. Lopes dazzled the judges with her sharp replies to their questions. Asked what she would change to improve her appearance, Leila replied, “Nothing, I’m satisfied with what God has given me,” adding that “I consider myself a woman endowed with inner beauty. I have acquired many wonderful principles from my family, and I intend to follow these for the rest of my life.”

“Leila is such a beauty and she has the heart of an angel,” Ms. Njeuma said. “she has been involved in humanitarian work even before she won Miss Universe and has promised that with her crown she will do even more. She has made Africa proud and we are very proud of her too.”

Below is Lady Kate Njeuma’s recent interview with Voice of America on the same subject:

Watch: Voice of America’s Ndimyake Mwakalyelye spoke with Lady Kate Njeuma

Watch: Leila Lopes is crowned Miss Universe 2011 in Sao Paulo, Brazil – September 12th

Photos From Brunch for the Horn of Africa

Tadias Magazine
Events News

Monday, September 19, 2011

New York (TADIAS) – Chef Marcus Samulesson and his wife Model Gate Maya Haile hosted “Brunch for the Horn of Africa” this weekend. The sold-out fundraiser for famine relief, held at the couple’s Harlem home on Sunday, was attended by a diverse crowd of friends, supporters, families with children, local residents and even some individuals who drove in from nearby states. It was a heartwarming and successful event.

Maya, who prepared Ethiopian food for the event, said she will travel to the Ethiopia/Somalia border in the next few weeks to deliver donations. “It will not be cash,” she said. “I will take needed-materials that will be purchased.” She said she will document her interaction with the victims and tweet her progress. You will be able to follow her through the hash tag #MayaHaile on the Twitter feed (@MarcusCooks) or through the MarcusSamuelsson.com website.

A young Ethiopian-American couple who attended the event said that they came from D.C., driving for three hours to be part of the gathering. Samulesson said he hopes his event serves as a launching pad for Ethiopians to convene similar kinds of get-togethers across the country to assist the famine victims at home. “This is just a kick-off event and we hope people everywhere can come together in a similar way,” he said. “People at this event gave $50, $100, $200. It is not much and it does not take a lot, but it makes a big difference to those who are starving in Ethiopia, Somalia and other places.” Marcus added Western countries are currently preoccupied with major problems of their own and are not responding urgently to the unfolding crisis in East Africa. “12 million are going hungry,” he said. “As humanitarians, as Ethiopians, it is left up to us to help our people. It is our responsibility”

Entertainment was provided by DJ Mengie NYC who treated guests with his signature selections of contemporary Ethiopian grooves. Attendees who dropped by included the Ethiopia-based Reggae Singer Eyob Mekonnen (who had performed at SOB’s in Lower Manhattan the night before), Ethiopian American Maaza Mengiste (Author of the novel Beneath the Lion’s Gaze) among others.

The video of interviews from the fundraiser will be posted shortly. In the mean time, you may browse photos from the event posted on our Facebook page.

Tadias is a media sponsor of Brunch for the Horn of Africa.

Photos Show Shweyga Mullah Arriving in Malta for Medical Treatment

Reuters
By Darrin Zammit Lupi

SEP 16, 2011

Ever since the Libyan uprising began last February, the small Mediterranean island of Malta which I call home has been a vital cog in the vast humanitarian machine in operation. It started as an evacuation hub for thousands of people and then became a critical transit point for humanitarian aid. Several months later, Malta continues to play its part. I got the call to head to Malta’s international airport VIP lounge around lunchtime, to photograph Shwejga Mullah arriving on the island for medical treatment. Shwejga Mullah is the Ethiopian nanny who was recently discovered weak and alone in the home abandoned by deposed Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi’s son Hannibal. It’s been reported that Hannibal’s wife Aline threw boiling water over her, causing horrific scald burns and scars, when she did not stop his daughter from crying and refused to beat the child.

View the photos at Reuters.com.


Related Stories:
The Plight of Ethiopian Women in the Middle East: Q & A With Rahel Zegeye
How Gadhafi’s Daughter-in-Law Burnt Ethiopian Nanny With Scalding Water
Click Here to Donate to Shweyga Mullah’s Fund

Watch: Luxury, horror lurk in Gadhafi family compound

Tadias Q & A With Photographer Michael Tsegaye: Addis Ababa’s Red Light District

Tadias Magazine
By Tadias Staff

Updated: Friday, September 16, 2011

New York (TADIAS) – Addis Ababa does not have a Red Light District per se, but the Sebategna area in Merkato comes close to it. Photographer Michael Tsegaye’s intimate portraits of prostitues from this neighborhood, entitled Working girls II, is currently showing at a highly-regarded international exhibition in Paris dedicated to non-Western photography. He is one of 46 contemporary photographers from 29 countries whose work is on display through November 11th, 2011 at the 3rd edition of the Photoquai Biennale exhibition of world images organized by the musée du Quai Branly.

“I wanted to share what I saw, but ultimately everyone will have their own response to it,” Michael Tsegaye, who was born and raised in Addis Ababa, said in a recent interview with Tadias Magazine. “A lot of the women, as well as the customers, come from many different parts of the country, since it’s close to the central bus stop. This creates an interesting social dynamic.”

And how did he gain the women’s confidence for such a close-up look at their lives? “I spent about two weeks with them, spending the day in the room where they live,” he said. “The first three days were very quiet, until they got used to me. We spent a lot of time talking, eating meals together, drinking tea and coffee.”

Below is our Q & A with photographer Michael Tsegaye:


TADIAS: What prompted you to focus on this issue?


Michael Tsegaye

Michael Tsegaye: I had taken photographs of prostitutes in Sodo a long time ago, but then wanted to continue the project. I decided to try it in Addis Ababa since it is a very sensitive issue.

TADIAS: What do you want people to take away from these images?

MT: Whatever they’d like. I wanted to share what I saw, but ultimately, everyone will have their own response to it.

TADIAS: You say on your website that as a photographer you don’t want to be “pigeonholed.” What do you mean by that?

MT: It’s common for people in the art world to first define you as an Ethiopian or an African artist, as opposed to just an artist. Once you are labeled in that way, you are then easily exotified. You are not given equal stature with other international artists – -the Europeans, Americans etc. Your work is not judged on its artistic merit, or the idea it represents, but rather which continent it comes from.

TADIAS: How did you get into photography?

MT: It was by accident. I used go to the Geothe Cultural Center to use the library, and one day I came across a photography workshop that was being led by a German photographer called Ralf Becker. I sat in on the class, and he thought I was a student. Later, I walked up to him to ask questions and we started a conversation. He asked me to join the class, and I did. We are still good friends to this day. He bought me my first camera, a Minolta analog.

TADIAS: What is good photography?

MT: There is a quote by a Frenchman called Jacques Leenhardt. It says: “Photography is best when it emulates poetry”, portraying “… not only the complex and problematic reality of the outside world, but also the way a person’s eye has seen it. It shows a person’s self-expression, a person becoming the poet we all have within us…” I think this is a very true statement.

TADIAS: Do you have a favorite photographer?

MT: I dont have a favorite photographer, but I have favorite painters, like Vermeer, Rembrandt, and Repin. I like Vermeer and Rembrandt because they make good use of light, while Repin’s composition is a great example of Russian painting.

TADIAS: We understand that you too started out studying painting but later developed an allergy to oil paint? Can you tell us more about that and how it has impacted your artistic expression?

MT: Over time, the hours I had spent in the studio breathing in fumes from the oil paints made me very sick, which forced me to give up painting. I then switched to photography as my main medium of expression. In terms of its effect on my overall artistic expression, as a whole, painting and photography are very different disciplines. With painting, I spent a lot of time in the studio. But photography forces you to interact with people, to explore the country and what is around you. From painting, I learned how to use light and composition in my photographs, so it has made learning photography much easier for me. I try to photograph with a painter’s eye.

TADIAS: Regarding the photos in your latest exhibition, is there a reason why you selected the Sebategna area in Merkato?

MT: Yes. Sebategna is an area heavily populated with commercial sex workers. Since there are so many, over time the area has formed its own subculture. In Sebategna, you will find a diverse range of prostitutes: from the very inexpensive, to the more costly. They are also diverse in age as well. A lot of the women, as well as the customers, come from many different parts of the country, since it’s close to the central bus stop. This creates an interesting social dynamic.

TADIAS: How did you gain the girls’ confidence?

MT: I spent about two weeks with them, spending the day in the room where they live. The first three days were very quiet, until they got used to me. We spent a lot of time talking, eating meals together, drinking tea and coffee.

TADIAS: Any parting words?

MT: I’d just like to thank Tadias Magazine and urge the Tadias audience to continue supporting Ethiopian arts.

TADIAS: Thank you and wishing you continued success.

MT: Thank you very much.

Learn more about Michael Tsegaye at: www.michaeltsegaye.com.

Join the conversation on Twitter and Facebook.

Two Ethiopian Journalists, Actor Detained on Terrorism Charges

Source: Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ)

New York, September 16, 2011 — Authorities in Ethiopia arrested two independent journalists this week on accusations of involvement in a terrorism plot, bringing the total number of journalists imprisoned since June under the country’s far-reaching antiterrorism legislation to six, CPJ research shows.

On September 9, Ethiopian security forces picked up journalist Sileshi Hagos at his home, local journalists told CPJ. A contributor to the Addis Ababa-based radio station 96.3 FM, Hagos was the former managing director of the now-defunct political monthly magazine Change, which used to cover the banned political group Ginbot 7 before it was designated a terrorist organization. He is also the fiancé of journalist Reeyot Alemu, who has been imprisoned under terrorism charges since July, according to CPJ research. Authorities interrogated Hagos and confiscated his laptop shortly after they arrested Alemu, local journalists said.

On Wednesday afternoon, security forces also picked up journalist and dissident blogger Eskinder Nega, local journalists told CPJ, adding that they suspected some of Nega’s latest writings, including a column criticizing the government’s arrest of the famed Ethiopian actor Debebe Eshetu on terrorism charges, triggered his arrest.

“In the past four months, authorities have used sweeping terrorism laws to detain six independent journalists in an attempt to wipe out the few critical voices left in the country,” said CPJ East Africa Consultant Tom Rhodes. “If the authorities have credible evidence against any of these journalists, let them present it publicly. Otherwise, they must release them.”

Read more at CPJ.

Related:
Ethiopia Police Deny Using Anti-Terror Law to Stifle Dissent (VOA)
Watch: Ethiopian TV on the arrests under the country’s antiterrorism legislation


Related stories:
Ethiopian Journalist Named in Wikileaks Cable Flees Country (VOA News)
15 Ethiopians Missing From All Africa Games (VOA News)
Journalist Eskinder Nega Detained In Ethiopian Anti-Terror Sweep (VOA News)
How ‘war on terror’ unleashed a war on journalists (CNN)
Famed Ethiopian Actor Debebe Eshetu Charged Under New Anti-Terrorism Law
4 Journalists Face Terrorism Charges in Ethiopia (VOA News)
Ethiopia Detains 29, Including Opposition Members (VOA)
Amnesty Int’l Says Delegation Expelled From Ethiopia (VOA)

Governor Martin O’Malley to Attend the Inauguration of Blessed Coffee

Tadias Magazine
Events News

Thursday, September 15, 2011

New York (TADIAS) – Governor Martin O’Malley of Maryland will attend the inauguration of Blessed Coffee, a community-based organization in Silver Spring, established under the state’s Benefit Corporations law that creates a new class of businesses that are required to deliver a measurable positive impact on society while meeting higher standards of accountability and transparency. The event will take place on Friday September 16th, 2011, 11:30am to 1:30pm at the Gazebo (Carroll and Westmoreland Avenues) in Old Town Takoma Park.

Blessed Coffee, founded by Tebabu Assefa and Sara Mussie, is the second Benefit Corporation in the state and it pledges to allocate 50% of its net profits from wholesale revenue to social programs in the coffee-growing region and 50% of net profits from retail and coffee shop revenue to support more than a dozen associations in the greater Silver Spring-Takoma Park area. Maryland became the first state to pass Benefit Corp legislation in April 2010. Several states have followed suit since then.

Organizers say the event will feature traditional Ethiopian music and coffee ceremony. Guest speakers include State Senator Jamie Raskin (D-20, Silver Spring and Takoma Park), Jay Coen Gilbert, Co-Founder of B Lab, as well as Tadesse Meskela, Founder and Manager of the Oromia Coffee Farmers Cooperative — a 200,000-member farmers union in Ethiopia, which was the subject of the documentary Black Gold.

If You Go:
Friday, September 16, 2011
11:30 to 1:30pm
Gazebo (Carroll and Westmoreland Avenues)
Old Town Takoma Park.
Silver Spring, Maryland

UPDATE: SOLD OUT: Marcus & Maya to Host Brunch for the Horn in Harlem

UPDATE:
THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT! Check marcussamuelsson.com for the latest.

Tadias Magazine
Events News

Published: Thursday, September 15, 2011

New York (TADIAS) – Marcus Samuelsson and his wife Gate Maya Haile will be opening their home to the public this coming Sunday, September 18th, 2011 for “Brunch for the Horn of Africa.” The fundraiser focuses on the food crisis in the region.

“The famine in East Africa is worsening, yet it receives little mainstream news coverage,” Samuelsson said in a statement. “In just one short month, the number of famine regions in Somalia declared by the United Nations has risen from four to six.”

Samuelsson adds: “Also, with news of aid for famine victims not reaching affected areas because of insurgents, many of us in the West and other areas are wary of donating money to nonprofit organizations. I am a huge supporter of the relief efforts currently in place by the UN World Food Programme and UNICEF, and they do a phenomenal job, but I also want to make a more personal impact in relief efforts for famine victims in East Africa, especially in my homeland of Ethiopia.”

The United Nations has warned that a humanitarian crisis of historic proportions is unfolding in drought-hit areas of East Africa, including Ethiopia, Somalia, Djibouti and Kenya. According to the U.N. it is the largest famine in 60 years. 12 million people are thought to be at risk of food insecurity this year, a much larger number in contrast to the widely publicized 1984 famine that killed approximately one million people. Ethiopians constitute 4.56 million of the current total food-insecure populations in the region.

“That is why I would like to invite you and your loved ones for a special brunch taking place at my home in Harlem to raise money for the famine,” Samuelsson said. “Please join me and my wife Maya on Sunday, September 18th, as we host you and fellow supporters in our home between 1pm and 4pm to raise money for famine victims.”

Samuelsson said Maya will travel to the regions on the Ethiopia/Somali border to deliver donations. “She will document her interaction with victims suffering from the famine and drought so you can see how your contribution will save lives and directly impact those who she helps,” he said. “You will be able to follow her progress on my website (MarcusSamuelsson.com) and through the hash tag #MayaHaile on my Twitter feed (@MarcusCooks).”

Tadias Magazine is a sponsor of this event and we encourage our audience to give with open hearts.
——–
If You Go:
This event is SOLD OUT! You can follow @MarcusCooks on Twitter for the latest.

The Plight of Ethiopian Women in the Middle East: Q & A With Rahel Zegeye

Tadias Magazine
By Tadias Staff

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

New York (TADIAS) – Widespread news coverage of an Ethiopian migrant worker in Libya, Shweyga Mullah, who had cared for two of Moammar Gadhafi’s grandchildren and suffered abuse and severe burns, has elicited heated reactions from Ethiopians worldwide. Her story brings to the forefront the plight of thousands of female Ethiopian migrant workers who continue to work under dangerous conditions in various countries in the Middle East.

“My heart is burning,” said Rahel Zegeye, who left Ethiopia when she was 20 years old to work as a maid in Lebanon. She still works and resides there. “The Ethiopian government should press charges against the madam (Aline Skaf-Hannibal). I would like to see equal treatment of the case no matter who committed the crime.”

Rahel is also the Director of a new film called Beirut, which documents Ethiopian domestic workers in Lebanon.

We recently interviewed Rahel Zegeye about her movie and the living conditions of Ethiopian women in the Arab world.

TADIAS: Thank you Rahel for your time. Please tell us a bit about yourself. Where you were born, grew up, and when did you move to Lebanon and why?

Rahel Zegeye: I was born in Addis Ababa as the middle child of nine siblings. At school I took acting and film classes. When I was 20 years old I left Addis for Lebanon in order to work as a maid to earn money and help support my family back home. My father was a soldier and retired early. Since I was very young my dad has always been unemployed which was the main reason why I left to work.

TADIAS: Please tell us a bit about the film Beirut. What is it about?

RZ: Beirut is a drama about a group of Ethiopian girls in Lebanon working as domestic workers.

TADIAS: What inspired you to make the movie?

RZ: I want to shed light on the inner lives and thoughts of a domestic worker, an aspect which is usually hidden from the Lebanese and foreign public.

TADIAS: Are the characters fictional or are they based on people you know?

RZ: The characters are fictional but they are all based on the Ethiopian girls that I have encountered during my ten years working in the country.

TADIAS: Can you give us a brief description of the plot?

RZ: The story centers on Hiwot, Z, Zufan, Misir, Saba and Hana who are friends but lead very different lives. Hiwot, left her employer’s house a long time ago and started a life earning a living as a prostitute. She parties, smokes and drinks and seems very happy and free. The story starts when she wants to find a co-worker, another girl who could satisfy her clients (mainly Sudanese workers). Saba, still a housemaid, complains about her ‘madam’ and wishes to run away. One day she takes the courage and joins Hiwot in her free life, much against the objections of her two good friends Misir and Hana. Misir and Hana, both working as maids, represent the ‘good girls’ in the story. Although Hana is being mistreated by her madam she does not want to run away and join the ‘naughty girls’ but just wishes to return home to her country. The lives of the girls get intertwined once Saba, encouraged by Hiwot, goes and lives with an Ethiopian man named Yared. Yared is in fact married to Zufan, but is not a man to be trusted.

TADIAS: Your film also highlights prostitution prevalence among Ethiopian women in Lebanon.

RZ: Yes it does. Many girls who run away from their employers house resort to prostitution as a way to earn a living, especially if they cannot find work elsewhere.

TADIAS: What are the biggest problems that Ethiopian domestic-workers face with their employers?

RZ: There are many. Most common issues include bad treatment, abuse from employers, no rest and no day off. It is also very common that the maids are not paid on time or at all, and that the employers limit their food or let them stay without food. Many employers are very racist and do not treat their workers with respect, dignity or humanity. Sexual harassment and abuse by employers also occurs. For example I know three girls who were made pregnant by their mister and were threatened not to tell their madam, and had to leave the house to go to the hospital to make an abortion.

TADIAS: How true are some of the horror stories we hear and read about in the media? And what can women do to protect themselves from such violence?

RZ: The horror stories are real and they occur, there are many more horror stories that are not reported and written about. There is very little protection for the women coming to work in Lebanon. She can try to communicate with her employer but many times there will be language problems and if the employer is abusive then there is little chance they will listen to her. She can ask them to let her go to the embassy and to return home. If she returns to the agency that brought her here they will not help her, just change employers, which may be for the better or for the worse. If she runs away from her employers she will not have her passport and papers and cannot go back to Ethiopia.

TADIAS: What are their rights as domestic laborers? Can they report abuse without fear of retaliation by wealthy and powerful employers?

RZ: Migrant domestic workers have no rights and protection within the Lebanese labor law. They can report abuse to police but police tend not to look into these cases. Today when I took the taxi, the taxi driver physically harassed me and I refused to pay him. Although there was a police nearby that witness the incident he saw that the driver was Lebanese and I’m Ethiopian so he also said I had to pay the taxi driver. Racism like this occurs all the time. Another example is when my previous madam took 4,000 USD from my bag (money belonging to the Ethiopian girls at church which I was keeping safe for them). My madam claimed this was her money and I was devastated for one week not knowing what to do. I even thought about suicide. If I go to police he will beat me, keep me there and then when my employer comes the police will believe her and not me. In the end it was my madam’s son who came and told his mother to give back the money that didn’t belong to her. It’s these injustices that we endure and are powerless to do anything about that drives many domestic workers to choose suicide as the only way out.

TADIAS: What are your feelings about the case of Shweyga Mullah, the Ethiopian Nanny in Libya?

RZ: My heart is burning. The Ethiopian government should press charges against the madam. I would like to see equal treatment of the case no matter who committed the crime. The madam should not get a lighter sentence because she is a madam and not a maid.

TADIAS: We understand that you are having problems distributing your film. Can you tell us more about that?

RZ: As I worked on the project independently I didn’t have any support with the distribution when I finished the film in 2006. On top of that there was the July 2006 war in Lebanon and I had many problems with my employer which led to me leaving her. For four years I did not have any papers and could not return to Ethiopia. Now with the support of my employer and friends in Lebanon we have managed to get more interest in my project and I hope we can show the film to a broader audience.

TADIAS: How can interested distributors get in touch with you?

RZ: Send any email to me at barchzegeye@yahoo.com.

TADIAS: What is your advise to young girls in Ethiopia who may be thinking about taking a job as maids in the Middle-East?

RZ: First of all I would advise them not to come and work at all, it’s a very difficult life. Many regret the choice of coming to work and are crying every day. The stories that tempt them to come here are mainly untrue, it’s not a fast track to become rich. You don’t learn anything good from only overseeing the house and cleaning and you will not develop as a person. Also you must cope with isolation and face discrimination. For those that quit school in order to work, it’s better to finish your education back in Ethiopia and find a job, things are improving also in Ethiopia. If they still want to come then I would advise them to get all the information they possibly can from the embassy and agency and contacting their friends and family who are working abroad.

TADIAS: Is there anything else you would like to share with our audience?

RZ: I am now focusing my energy on my new ideas for a short film and welcome any advice, suggestions and support from the readers.

TADIAS: Thank you again, Rahel, and good luck!

Tadias thanks Janie Shen for assisting with the interview.

Related Stories:
Changing Ethiopia’s Media Image: The Case of People-Trafficking (TADIAS)
Photos: Shweyga Mullah Arriving in Malta for Medical Treatment
How Gadhafi’s Daughter-in-Law Burnt Ethiopian Nanny With Scalding Water
Click Here to Donate to Shweyga Mullah’s Fund

Watch: Luxury, horror lurk in Gadhafi family compound

NYC: Reggae Star Eyob Mekonen & Fashion Show at SOB’s – Sept 17th

Tadias Magazine
Events News

Monday, September 12, 2011

New York (TADIAS) – With Enqutatsh festivities behind us, New Yorkers will be treated to a Meskel celebration – ten days before the official date – featuring a concert by Ethiopian reggae artist Eyob Mekonen at SOBs on Saturday, September 17th, 2011. Coinciding with New York Fashion week, the event will also include a beach-wear fashion show by Designer Biniam Zewedie.

S.O.B.’s, also known as Sounds of Brazil, is a live music venue in the lower Manhattan neighborhood of SoHo.

Meskel is celebrated on Meskerem 17th in the Ethiopian calendar (September 27 in the Gregorian calendar).

If You Go:
Saturday, September 17
Door 11pm, show at midnight
Admission: $30.00 in advance
Click here to buy advance tickets
204 Varick Street @ W. Houston
New York, NY 10014
Info: 212-243-4940
Click here to get directions

Watch: Eyob Mekonnen – Yewnetwan (2011 video)

America Marks 10 Years Since Sept. 11 Terrorist Attacks

VOA News

Michael Bowman | Washington

Published: September 11, 2011

Today marks 10 years since the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States that killed nearly 3,000 people and transformed a nation that had previously believed it was largely safe from a major attack on its mainland.

From New York to Washington, the skies were clear and blue on that morning when two hijacked jetliners crashed into the towers of the World Trade Center and another rammed into the Pentagon.

A fourth hijacked plane crashed in Pennsylvania after passengers tried to gain control of the aircraft.

By the end of 2001, the United States was at war in Afghanistan. Two years later, the United States would invade Iraq. In the meantime, the nation overhauled its domestic security apparatus, creating the Department of Homeland Security, and rewriting laws to facilitate the detection and tracking of potential terrorist threats at home and abroad.

While Americans reflect and remember, President Barack Obama marks the anniversary with trips to all three attack sites. In his weekly Internet address, he paid tribute to those who responded on 9-11 in the face of great danger.

“Ten years ago, ordinary Americans showed us the true meaning of courage when they rushed up those stairwells [at the World Trade Center], into those flames, into that cockpit [in Pennsylvania]. In the decade since, a new generation has stepped forward to serve and keep us safe. In their memory, in their name, we will never waiver.”

Earlier this year, U.S. Special Forces killed al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden in Pakistan, fulfilling a pledge made by President Obama and his predecessor, George W. Bush.

In recent days, U.S. officials have warned of what they term credible, but unconfirmed, terrorist threats to coincide with the 10-year anniversary.

Watch: Last woman rescued – “I can’t believe I am here”

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Gemini Health Care Group to Hold Annual Fundraiser Gala – September 24

Tadias Magazine
Events News

Updated: Monday, September 12, 2011

New York (TADIAS) – The Annual Fundraising Gala benefitting the Gemini Health Care Group, a U.S.-based non-profit organization that focuses on providing medical services to children and pediatrics assistance to medical professionals in Ethiopia, is scheduled to take place in Arlington, Virginia, on Saturday, September 24, 2011.

The theme for this year’s event is “Bridging the Health Care Gap through Partnerships,” and the keynote speaker is Dr. Aziza Shad, the Amey Distinguished Professor of Neuro-Oncology and Childhood Cancer as well as Director of the Division of Pediatric Hematology/ Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplantation at Georgetown University School of Medicine. The entertainnemnt segment of the evening features singer Hiruth Girma, accompanied by Alemayhu Makonnen and his band.

“We are also delighted to honor outstanding individuals who have made tremendous contributions in the areas of education, research, public health and community service nationally and internationally,” the statment said.

The honorees include Dr. Aklilu Lemma (posthumously), who was the former Dean of the Faculty of Science and Director of the Institute of Pathobiology at Addis Ababa University. His pioneering research produced a cheap and locally available intervention that helped combat a parasitic disease called Schistosomiasis or Bilharzia. Other awardees include Dr. Ahmed Moen, Dr. Tsehaye Teferra and Ms. Mary Cohen.

The press release notes: “In March 2011, we took a medical mission trip to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia consisting of medical and surgical teams. Sub-specialists in pediatric ENT, urology, ophthalmology, audiology, neurology, pulmonology, endocrinology, dermatology and emergency medicine performed services at three local hospitals as well as at Mekanisa School for the Deaf. The medical team also conducted a two day Continuing Medical Education (CME) attended by nearly 120 pediatricians and pediatric residents and medical staff. While we take a moment to reflect on the past year’s accomplishments, as well as thank our supporters, our medical mission to Ethiopia continues.”
—-
If You Go:
4th Annual Fundraising Gala
Gemini Health Care Group
Saturday, September 24, 2011
7pm – Midnight
The Sheraton National Hotel
900 S. Orme Street,
Arlington, VA 22204
To RSVP call 914-826-6421
More info at www.ghcg.org

Enkutatsh Celebration at Cultural Arts Center Silver Spring

Tadias Magazine
Events News

Saturday, September 10, 2011

New York (TADIAS) – Enkutatsh, a day where Ethiopian families gather to usher in the New Year, will be observed at the Cultural Arts Center in Silver Spring, Maryland on Sunday. The day also marks the 10th anniversary of the September 11 attacks and is designated as a National Day of Service and Remembrance.

According to the organizers, the Ethiopian New Year event in Silver Spring features a variety of cultural programs including live music, talent and fashion shows, arts and crafts exhibitions, as well as traditional dance performances.

In addition to the festivities, we hope Ethiopian Americans will also take the time to serve and do charity work with local organizations.

If You Go:
Ethiopian New Year Celebration
Cultural Dance, Fashion & Talent Show
Sunday September 11, 2011
Montgomery College’s Cultural Arts Center
7995 Georgia Avenue Silver Spring, Maryland. 20910
Parking is free
Tickets:$25.00 per person
Doors Open at 6:00pm
Call: 703 914 5555 or 1 888 494 6682

Related Read:
For Ethiopian New Year, give the gift of your voice

Q & A: Bethlehem T. Alemu to Address the 2011 World Bank-IMF Annual Meetings

Tadias Magazine
By Tadias Staff

Saturday, September 10, 2011

New York (TADIAS) – World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) will kick off their Annual Meetings in Washington D.C. later this month. According to the announcement, tentative schedule of events slated for September 23-25 include seminars, luncheons, and briefings exploring the world economic outlook, poverty eradication, economic development, and aid effectiveness.

On Saturday, September 24th, from 11:00am to 12:00pm, a panel discussion entitled “Africa Needs Growth That Delivers Jobs” will take place at the Wold Bank. Among the guests listed to address the panel include Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu, Founder of SoleRebels and one of the 2011 World Economic Forum Young Global Leaders. She was also recently named by Forbes magazine as one of ‘The 20 Youngest Power Women In Africa.’

“This is one of the key panels at this annual meeting and we wanted a very dynamic young African entrepreneur who has created jobs herself to give a real time business perspective,” said Obiageli Ezekwesili, World Bank Vice-President for Africa Region. “Bethlehem was top of our list. Her participation will inform the critical debate on inclusive growth in Africa and provide key insights for policy makers, development partners and other participants.”

“We are very excited to have her participating,” Ms. Ezekwesili said in a statement

We asked Bethlehem a few questions regarding her upcoming presentation:

TADIAS: What is your speech going to focus on?

Bethlehem: I have been asked to give a real time business perspective as an African entrepreneur who has created jobs, and I would like to focus on what the challenges have been and where I see opportunities lie. I will be drawing on my background to look at sustainable ways to create jobs, especially for Africa’s growing youth population.

TADIAS: Do you have a blueprint for change?

Bethlehem: Not sure about blueprint, but my hope is that I can be a catalyst for policy makers and development folks to add a key dimension to their thinking on job creation so that they understand that entrepreneurs, specifically grassroots entrepreneurs are the engine of job creation.

TADIAS: What’s your perspective on how Africa can achieve economic growth?

Bethlehem: I do strongly feel that finished goods, in particular branded finished goods, hold the seeds to economic development. Across the continent there is too much extraction and not enough finished products, which has historical roots. This can be addressed by looking at what grassroots entrepreneurs are doing. For example, there are huge opportunities for the continent in the area of digital commerce. As a continent we have been late out of the gate. Strong efforts need to be applied as there are immense opportunities in various fields. The bottom line is that African entrepreneurs can create world class brands. But they are drowned out by too many issues. My goal is to start unlocking that potential.

TADIAS: How can the Diaspora participate?

Bethlehem: The Diaspora is key. They are investors, entrepreneurs, and the market for made-in-Africa products. They are also ambassadors of these brands in their respective countries. The way I look at it is that the Diaspora and the motherland are one. And if we function as one, we will then increase both our prosperity and visibility on the global stage.

TADIAS: Thank you, Bethlehem, and wishing you continued success!

Bethlehem: As always thanks to Tadias. Your wonderful readers have shown us so much love over the years. Its been inspiring to receive that.

You can learn more about the The 2011 World Bank-IMF Annual Meetings at www.IMF.org.

Related stories:
Bethlehem Alemu Among The 20 Youngest Power Women In Africa
Ethiopia’s Global Shoe Brand SoleRebels Goes Online

Watch: Turning old tires into shoes (7:10)

Video: Young SoleRebel (8:07)

Video: Creating window to world market (7:24)

Miss Africa USA Searching for Miss Ethiopia

Tadias Magazine
By Tadias Staff

Thursday, September 8, 2011

New York (TADIAS) – Organizers of the Miss Africa USA pageant say that Ethiopia remains unrepresented as they prepare to crown the 2011 Queen at their annual event in Silver Spring, Maryland in November.

“Right now we are still searching for a candidate to represent Ethiopia,” Constance Nkwantah, Communications Director of the pageant, told Tadias Magazine.

According to Ms. Nkwantah the scholarship pageant is open to delegates from all 54 countries. Past winners have gone on to join forces with Habitat for Humanity, Concern USA, as well as Russell Simmons’s Diamond Empowerment Fund, to help raise money for various causes benefiting communities in Africa and the United States.

Below is our recent interview with Constance Nkwantah:

Tadias: Please tell us a bit about the Miss Africa USA Pageant. When was it launched and what is the objective?

Constance Nkwantah: Miss Africa USA Pageant is a Scholarship and Beauty Pageant and our mission is to empower young girls as Goodwill Ambassadors promoting positive causes in their home countries and the world. It showcases African cultures and diversity, bringing together all African nations in a grand celebration.

Tadias: How many African countries are represented at the upcoming contest?

CN: Our closing date is Sept 30th and the competition is open to all 54 countries. We are looking at up to 25 countries for the 2011 Pageant.

Tadias: Is Ethiopia one of them?

CN: Right now we are still searching for a candidate to represent Ethiopia. Ethiopia has very beautiful and intelligent women and it will be great to have a representation. Last year Ethiopia was well represented and we hope this year will not be different. We encourage all ambitious and dynamic young women aged between 18 and 30 to participate. We are still accepting applicants up until Sept 30th.

Tadias: How do you select the girls? What is the criteria to participate?

CN: Our selection is done via an application process, then we audition the girls and carry out interviews for each country in order to make a final selection.

Tadias: How do you answer critics who say that beauty pageants are demeaning to women?

CN: Miss Africa USA Pageant has never received such a criticism because we focus on the substance of a woman rather than the physical appearance of a woman or her sexuality. The Miss Africa USA Pageant preserves the African culture and therefore we do not have bathing suits as a segment of the competition which is what draws criticism. Rather, we focus on leadership skills and talent. Our Queen has huge responsibilities.


Finalists at the 2010 Miss Africa USA Pageant. (Photo credit: H Greaves Photography)


Some of the contestants at the 2010 Miss Africa USA Pageant. (By H Greaves Photography)


Sofia Bushen (L) was a finalist representing Ethiopia at the 2010 Miss Africa USA contest, held July 24, 2010 in Silver Spring, MD. (Photo: H Greaves Photography)

Tadias: What are the challenges you face as a pageant organization?

CN: Over the last couple of years, it has been difficult to get new sponsorships so a lot of the financial commitments are met by personal sacrifice. We appeal each year for sponsors to keep the pageant going and will continue to do so. We are grateful to Western Union and our presenting sponsors who have been there over the years. We hope to win back MoneyGram this year and other corporate sponsors. The pageant is very costly to produce and we need the support of the community.

Tadias: Could you share with us some success stories of pass winners of Miss Africa USA Pageant or other participants?

CN: Our focus is on promoting goodwill. The current Queen Fifi Soumah from the Republic of Guinea is right now in Guinea to launch her Foundation called TEARS AWAY. She is focused on promoting education of young girls. The United Nations statistics show that 81% of girls in Guinea cannot read and write. Miss Africa USA Fifi Soumah has established a scholarship program to help these young girls go back to school and get an education. She herself is a student at Montgomery College in Maryland. And In 2008 Miss Mfonobong Essiet of Nigeria completed her medical project where she donated a 40ft container of medical equipment and supplies to five different hospitals in her country. It was a very successful project. She is currently a medical student studying to be a Cardiac Surgeon.

Tadias: What should people expect at 2011 MISS Africa USA Pageant?

CN: The 2011 pageant is full of excitement. On the 12th of November we are having the African Banquet at the Hilton Hotel in Silver Spring Maryland. We have invited members of the African Diplomatic Core, community leaders and our sponsors and VIPs to be our guests at the official opening of the pageant. Finalists will be presenting their platform projects. The following day at the same loaction, we will host the final competition and a coronation ceremony. It’s a red carpet affair showcasing the culture, beauty and diversity of Africa. The entire family can attend.

Tadias: Is there anything else you would like to share with our audience?

CN: We are asking the community to come out and support the 2011 finalists who are representing Africa. We thank Tadias for the opportunity to reach out to the Ethiopian American community.

Tadias: One more thing, we understand that you’ve partnered with Nollywood Critics to present The 2011 NAFCA: “The African Oscar.” Can you tell us more about it?

CN: The awards is open to African Film Makers and the executive producer Dr. Victor Adeyemi is very open to collaborate with film makers from all over the continent. I would encouarage all film makers and actors who are interested in participating to contact us for more information.

Tadias: Thank you.

If You Go:
The 2011 Pageant is slated for Sunday November 13th from 5pm – 11pm. Tickets are $45 in advance and $50 at the door. Tickets start selling on Friday, September 9th via the website www.missafricaunitedstates.com. The African Banquet takes place on Sat Nov 12 and tickets are $100 each. Both events will take place at the Hilton Hotel 8272 Colesville Rd, Silver Spring, MD. Free parking is available.

Watch: Miss Africa USA 2010 Introduction Dance (Video courtesy of Miss Africa USA)

Ethiopian Girl, 4, Is Brought to U.S. for Life-Changing Surgery

FoxNews.com
By Karlie Pouliot

Published September 07, 2011

When you first glance at Samirawit Hallemariam – it’s almost impossible not to notice the growth protruding from the left side of her face.

But, after spending just a few moments with this spunky 4-year-old, all of that disappears, and instead you see the twinkle in her big brown eyes. What’s more, you see all of the strength she has mustered up in her short life.

Read more at FoxNews.com

Watch:

San Jose Marks Ethiopian New Year With Flag Raising Ceremony – Thursday at noon

Tadias Magazine
Events News

Updated: Wednesday, September 7, 2011

New York (TADIAS) – As Ethiopians worldwide prepare to usher in a New Year, early celebartions have begun in California. L.A.’s Little Ethiopia held its 10th street festival this past weekend, while San Jose is gearing up for the 7th Annual City Hall flag raising ceremony.

According to the San Jose event organizers, the flag raising scheduled for Thursday, September 8th at noon is the first in a series of programs designed to celebrate Enqutatash. It will be held a few days before the official date on September 11, which this year also marks the 10th anniversary of the attacks on the Twin Towers and the Pentagon. “The San Jose City Mayor, Vice-Mayor, and City Council Members will be in attendance,” announced the Ethiopian Americans Council — a grassroots policy advocacy organization that is the main host of the ceremony. “The EAC especially wants to thank the citizens of San Jose for their recognition of the diversity that has made this country so great and offering the Ethiopian-American community a time and a place to come together and take pride in their heritage.”

The press release adds: “The flag raising will mark the beginning of a week-long celebration of the Ethiopian New Year. As with any immigrant population in this nation of immigrants, Ethiopian-Americans cherish living in the United States of America. Though they are thankful for the peace and prosperity that comes with citizenship in America, they also cherish the remembrance of their lives in Ethiopia, of their families and friends, and of the way of life, that are all so far away.”
——–
If You Go:
New City Hall
Thursday, September 8,
at 12:00 noon.
San Jose, California

Photos: LA’s Little Ethiopia Street Festival

Tadias Magazine
Events News

Published: Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Los Angeles (TADIAS) – The Little Ethiopia Business Association in Los Angeles hosted its 10th outdoor festival this past Sunday. The diverse crowd celebrated the upcoming Ethiopian New Year with live music, cultural dances and a fashion show, interspersed with speeches and ceremonies.

Among the dignitaries present at the celebration were Congresswoman Karen Bass, Los Angeles City Controller Wendy Greuel, former City Councilman Nate Holden, as well as LAPD Captain Eric T. Davis. “The city council and the state of California also presented certificates of recognition to the The Little Ethiopia Business Association and the Little Ethiopia Cultural Resource Center,” Mr. Berhanu Asfaw, President of the Business Association, told us.

Mr. Asfaw accepted the certificate on behalf of the association. “We were honored by the acknowledgment and especially grateful by the presence of Mr. Holden who was one of the earliest supporters of Little Ethiopia,” he said in an interview on Monday. “Overall we are happy. The day after, looking back, given the current economic situation, we are satisfied.” He added: “It was encouraging to hear the speech by Captain Davis. He applauded the community for revitalizing the neighborhood into a vibrant business district, and stating ‘you’re the new face of Los Angeles.’ His words were inspiring.”

Photographer Jennifer Gutierrez Morgan, who covered the event for Tadias Magazine, described the participants as “young people, older people, children, families, all ages.”

Here are few photos:


Attendees watch live stage performances at the 10th Annual Little Ethiopia Cultural Street Festival on Sunday, September 4th, 2011 in Los Angeles. (Photo: Jennifer Gutierrez Morgan for TADIAS)


Children dance to live music. (Photo: Jennifer Gutierrez Morgan for TADIAS)


Festival attendees. (Photo: Jennifer Gutierrez Morgan for TADIAS)


Jennifer Gutierrez Morgan for TADIAS


People gather outside of Little Ethiopia businesses to watch the on-stage entertainment. (Photo: Jennifer Gutierrez Morgan for TADIAS)


Booth highlighting Ethiopian Olympic boxer Seifu Mekonnen “Tibo. (Photo: Jennifer Gutierrez Morgan for TADIAS)


Cultural dance performers. (Jennifer Gutierrez Morgan for TADIAS)


Nate Holden addresses the crowd. (Photo: Jennifer Gutierrez Morgan for TADIAS)


Awards given to Little Ethiopia Business Association and Little Ethiopia Cultural & Resource Center by Los Angeles City Officials. (Photo: Jennifer Gutierrez Morgan for TADIAS)


Woizero Negest Legesse, director of the Little Ethiopian Cultural & Resource Center, after accepting the Certificate of Recognition from the California State Assembly. (Photo: Jennifer Gutierrez Morgan for TADIAS)

More photos will be posted on our Facebook page.

Related:
Photos from Tadias Magazine archives: Slideshow from LA’s 2008 festival

How You Can Help Shweyga Mullah

Tadias Magazine
By Tadias Staff

Updated: Saturday, September 3, 2011

New York (TADIAS) – CNN reports that it was inundated with offers to assist Shweyga Mullah, the 30-year-old migrant worker who had served as a nanny for Hannibal Ghadafi’s family. A fundraising effort is underway to raise money for her treatment and care. Shweyga says she was burned with boiling water multiple times by Hannibal Ghadafi’s wife, the former Lebanese model, Aline Skaf.

The fundraising page is set up by the world’s oldest human rights organisation Anti-Slavery International and CNN – whose news-crew discovered Shweyga last week while visiting a beachfront mansion in western Tripoli formerly owned by the Gadhafi family. She was found abandoned inside the luxury compound.

The website notes: “CNN is helping aid agencies arrange for Shweyga to be taken to an international burn clinic for treatment. It is estimated that it will take up to eight months for Shweyga to recuperate and the money raised will go to paying for any extra care she needs, including her living costs and flights. Money raised beyond the amount needed for Shweyga’s care will be used by Anti-Slavery International, the world’s oldest human rights organisation, which works to protect domestic workers from abuse and slavery across the world.”

Click Here to Donate to Shweyga Mullah’s Fund
Click Here To Read/Write Comments

Related:
Ethiopian Government reacts to abuse of nanny by Gaddafis (Walta)
Watch: Cameron says scalded Gadhafi nanny should get care

Watch: Burned Ethiopian Nanny Being Treated in Tripoli

Watch: Luxury, horror lurk in Gadhafi family compound

Ethiopia Wins Gold in Mens 10,000m in South Korea, Kenenisa Bekele Pulls Out

Tadias Magazine
News Update

Monday, August 29, 2011

New York (TADIAS) – Ethiopia’s Ibrahim Jeilan was the surprise winner of the men’s 10,000m at the world championships on Sunday in Daegu, South Korea. He finished the race ahead of British favourite Mo Farah, the Somali-born Briton, who finished runner-up, and fellow Ethiopian Imane Merga, who came in third.

Meanwhile, defending champion Kenenisa Bekele, who pulled out halfway through the race on Sunday, said he is returning to Ethiopia early and will not compete in the upcoming men’s 5,000m. His agent Jos Hermens told the Associated Press on Monday that he will instead focus on defending his long-distance double at next year’s London Olympics.

Watch: Ethiopia’s Ibrahim Jeilan wins the Mens 10,000m in Daegu World Championships

How Gadhafi’s Daughter-in-Law Burnt Ethiopian Nanny With Scalding Water

Tadias Magazine
By Tadias Staff

Updated: Tuesday, August 30, 2011

New York (TADIAS) — CNN recently reported on an incident at a beachfront mansion in western Tripoli, where Hannibal Gadhafi – one of Moammar Gadhafi’s sons – and his wife Aline, had resided in luxury, all the while mistreating their domestic-staff with violence.

The cable news channel interviewed one of the workers, Shwygar Mullah of Ethiopia, who was employed as a nanny at Hannibal Gadhafi’s home. She told CNN that she had been burned with scalding water multiple times by Hannibal’s wife, Aline.

According to CNN, Shwygar reports Aline’s wrath as follows: ” ‘She took me to a bathroom. She tied my hands behind my back, and tied my feet. She taped my mouth, and she started pouring the boiling water on my head like this,’ she said, imitating the vessel of scalding hot water being poured over her head.”

“When she did all this to me, for three days, she wouldn’t let me sleep,” she said. “I stood outside in the cold, with no food. She would say to staff, ‘If anyone gives her food, I’ll do the same to you.’ I had no water — nothing.”

Watch: Luxury, horror lurk in Gadhafi family compound

The New York Abay Team: Soccer With an Empire State of Mind

Tadias Magazine
By Jason Jett

Thursday, August 25, 2011

New York (TADIAS) – Perhaps it comes with the turf — given the city’s many success stories — that the New York Abay soccer team believes it should dominate the competition.

So a loss last month in the semifinals of the annual Ethiopian Sports Federation in North America (ESFNA) soccer tournament, this year held in Atlanta, has leaders of the New York squad assessing how to better represent their world-capital city.

“We also finished in fourth-place in the Africa Cup last spring,” said Coach Binyam Tsehaye, referring to a March tournament in Macombs Dam Park at the New Yankee Stadium that fielded local teams representing 12 nations. “We seem to be always finishing fourth. We need to be finishing first. We want to represent our community better.”

Towards that goal the team has launched a recruitment drive focusing on New York and New Jersey youths unaware of the opportunity to continue participating at a highly competitive level in the sport they or their fathers grew up playing in Ethiopia.

New York Abay was formed in the late 1980s. Some of the original members now provide management and mentoring services, while the active players have participated for a decade or less.

Aman Tsehaye, like his brother Binyam a resident of West Orange, N.J., has lived in the area since 1989 but did not learn about the local Ethiopian soccer team until 2002. He joined immediately.

Aman Tsehaye noted the team has lost membership as older players started their own families and found they no longer had time for the sport. Several members were lost when their jobs were relocated to Virginia, he added.


Coach Binyam Tsehaye views the action, interjecting instruction, advice and reminders to be prepared for physical play during a New York Abay training at the Van Cortland Park Stadium on Sunday, August 21, 2011. (Photo by Jason Jett for Tadias Magazine)

In addition to the new youth movement the Tsehayes stressed that New York Abay, named for the Blue Nile River originating at Lake Tana near the Great Rift Valley of Ethiopia, seeks veteran, experienced players.

“There are a lot of former stars in Ethiopia now living in the New York area,” said Binyam Tsehaye. “We see them occasionally, at restaurants or events. It would be good to have them on the team. They don’t have to play every game, just two or three times a year.

“With all the pros in the area we should have one of the best teams,” he added “But you have to understand the pressure they are under to support family here and back home.”

Of course some of those same pressures are felt by current team members, several who work odd jobs or attend school and find it taxing to participate in the team’s Sunday- morning practices at Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx.

Samuel Tesfaye, a defenseman who resides in Manhattan, noted New York City itself is a challenge for a soccer squad.

“Competition is a way of life in New York,” he said. “It is not easy to play soccer in city parks, every place is so crowded. It’s difficult to find a spot you don’t have to pay to use, so we end up having to go to the Bronx. Other teams have an easier time in their communities, but in New York you have to apply and pay a lot of money to get a good field.”

And it can get less hospitable when the team leaves the city for a competition.

Tesfaye said New York Abay typically finds itself in an hostile environment while playing at so-called neutral sites.

When it lost 0-2 to Virginia in the July 6 ESFNA semifinal game at the Georgia Dome, most of the crowd was cheering for the opposition.

“You know how it is,” he said. “In other cities everyone loves to hate New York.”

Tesfaye and other team members said they suspect it was not only the fans in the stands who were against the New York team during the tourney in Atlanta.

“In the Virginia game the referee was a teenager, who had been a linesman in previous games,” said Tesfaye “At most he was 18 or 19 years old, and we thought that was an issue. The referee was very young, had no experience and was afraid to make tough calls.”

Tesfaye said the referee failed to whistle two hand-ball violations by the opposition, one as Virginia scored a goal on a header and the second after New York Abay moved the ball into the penalty box threatening to score a goal of its own.

“In Atlanta, unfortunately it did not turn out our way,” Binyam Tsehaye said. However, he is upbeat about the team’s chances in a regional soccer tournament to be held at Pier 40 in New York City on Sept. 4.


During a break in activity Fitsum Kahsay, one of the youngest members of the team, leaves practice early to accommodate his school schedule. (Photo: At the Van Cortland Park Stadium on Sunday, August 21, 2011. By Jason Jett for Tadias Magazine)

“We have a lot of young kids who have been playing together for a few years now and are jelling,” he said. “I think we can do well in this tournament. We are going to go out there and do our best. We want to represent our community better.”

Coincidentally, Sept. 4th is the final day of the World Championships in Athletics in Daegu, South Korea, with Ethiopian legends Kenenisa Bekele, Sileshi Sihine, Imane Merga, Gebregziabher Gebremariam and Sofia Assefa expected to compete that morning.

Binyam Tsehaye and Tesfaye do not see soccer, or football as it is known universally and among Ethiopian fans who crowd in living rooms and taverns for every broadcast of the national team or the English Premier League, taking a backseat to running.

“Football is the No. 1 sport in Ethiopia,” said Tsehaye. “Runners are more famous, but we all say that football is our national sport. We just are better at running compared to the rest of the world.”

“This is a team sport,” he said of football. “There is always more satisfaction winning as a team than as an individual.”

For New York Abay members the rewards are chiefly measured in personal satisfaction and camaraderie.

“It’s about bragging rights,” said Tesfaye. ” There is some money. The winner of the tournaments gets a monetary prize and trophy.”

Teams members did not hesitate to say they see no reason why they should not be the ones claiming the awards at the end of the upcoming Pier 40 tournament.

Prospective members are welcome to attend a team practice 11 a.m. Sundays at Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx, N.Y. The sessions are held in the Van Cortlandt Park Stadium at Broadway and West 240th Street, or in soccer fields north of the stadium.

More photos of the New York Abay team on our new Facebook Page. (Click Here)
Learn more about the Sept. 4th games hosted by Downtown United Soccer Club.

Related:
Arsenal takes look at Gedion Zelalem, a 14-year-old Ethiopian-German living in DC – The Washington Post

The Moving Story of an Ethiopian Teacher in South Africa

BBC News
Sandra Rowoldt Shell
University of Cape Town

When Neville Alexander used to visit his maternal grandmother Bisho Jarsa as a boy, he never suspected the extraordinary story of how she had come from Ethiopia to the South African city of Port Elizabeth.

Bisho was one of a group of Ethiopian slaves freed by a British warship in 1888 off the coast of Yemen, then taken round the African coast and placed in the care of missionaries in South Africa.

“We were overawed in her presence and by the way she would mumble to herself in this language none of us understood,” recalls Mr Alexander, now 74.

This was Ethiopia’s Oromo language, Bisho’s mother tongue, which she reverted to as she grew older.

Mr Alexander, who was a political prisoner in the 1960s, sharing Robben Island with Nelson Mandela, is today one of South Africa’s most eminent educationists.

He remembers his younger siblings asking their mother, Dimbiti: “What’s Ma talking about… what’s the matter with her? What’s she saying?”

Their mother would respond: “Don’t worry about Ma… she’s just talking to God.”

When he was in his late teens, his mother told him about his Ethiopian origins but Mr Alexander thinks even she may not have known all the details, which he only discovered when he was in his fifties.

He found out that the freed Ethiopians had all been interviewed on their arrival in South Africa.

The story began on 16 September 1888, when Commander Charles E Gissing, aboard the British gunship HMS Osprey, intercepted three dhows carrying Ethiopians to the slave markets in the Arabian port of Jeddah.

Read more at BBC News.

Interview with Solomon Assefa: One of the World’s 35 Top Young Innovators

Tadias Magazine
By Tseday Alehegn

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

New York (Tadias) – Ethiopian-American Solomon Assefa was recently chosen by Technology Review as one of 35 innovators under 35. His research focuses on developing more power-efficient and faster supercomputers by using chips that communicate via pulses of light rather than electrical signals. We interviewed Solomon briefly and asked him to share a bit more about himself and his insights on technological innovation.

Tadias: Tell us a bit about yourself. Where you grew up, went to school, what were your early passions?

Solomon: I was born and raised in Ethiopia. I completed elementary and high school in Addis Ababa (Del Betegel then later ICS). I then moved to the U.S. where I obtained a B.S., M.Eng, and PhD from MIT. Prior to attending MIT, I often thought about practicing law similar to my eldest brother. But I later realized that I enjoyed math, science and engineering.

Tadias: Who are your role models in the science world? and beyond?

Solomon: In the field of science, my professors and research colleagues continue to inspire me daily. In addition, my role model is my eldest brother, Bekure Assefa, who has been very instrumental throughout my life. He taught me to work hard, confront challenges with determination, and pursue my passion to the fullest. These guiding principles continue to be a source of motivation in my life.

Tadias: Can you tell us a bit more about your current research endeavors and your role in the research highlighted in the Technology Review article?

Solomon: My research focuses on replacing some of the copper wires inside computer chips with tiny silicon circuits that can communicate via pulses of light rather than electrical signals. For example, I am working on a cheap method for integration of photodetectors (which are devices that convert light pulses into electrical signals) with minimal changes to the standard process used for making transistors. We hope that optical communications based on silicon nanophotonics will enable very fast and power-efficient supercomputers.

Tadias: What are your thoughts on the growth of science and development in Ethiopia?

Solomon: A significant amount of investment in science and technology is critical for Ethiopia’s development. It is important to nurture innovators who will transform existing industries and identify new areas of growth. It is also critical to have domestic policies that encourage home-grown technological innovation.

Tadias: Best book you ever read?

Solomon: My most recent favorite book is The Medici Effect by Frans Johansson. The book shows how breakthroughs happen at the intersection of various ideas, disciplines, and cultures.

Tadias: Thank you for sharing your time with us and wishing you continued success!

Solomon: Many thanks for following up with the interview questions.
—-
Click here to read Technology Review’s highlight of Solomon Assefa’s work.

Diaspora Activist: Health Care Project in Ethiopia a Success

VOA News | By Ashenafi Abedje

Washington, DC – The U.S.-based African Services Committee (ASC) says its HIV Prevention and Treatment project in Ethiopia has proved highly successful. ASC director Asfaha Hadera said the program, which was launched eight years ago in the capital, Addis Ababa, is multi-faceted.

“It’s a one stop,” said Hadera. “It is counseling and testing, it is treatment, an outreach, reproductive health, family planning, nutrition, income generating activities for destitute mothers and their children.”

Hadera expressed gratitude to those who have been encouraging and helping ASC fulfill its mission. That so much has been accomplished with such limited resources is “magic and a blessing,” he said.

The funding for his organization, he said, comes from contributions by “generous Americans, United Nations Population Fund, as well as Ethiopia’s St. George Brewery and Castle Wineries.” Hadera said ASC has also partnered with the U.S. firm iTech on “mobile counseling and testing” activities.

The Ethiopian-born humanitarian activist said regional and federal health bureaus in Ethiopia have been supportive of his group’s project. He expressed hope that ASC’s efforts will be further recognized down the road so “we get our fair share and we can do more and better.”

In addition to the project in Ethiopia, CSI addresses the needs of newcomers in the United States. It provides health, housing, legal, educational, and social services to about 10,000 people a year.

African Services Committee was founded in 1981 in New York’s Harlem district. Hadera reflects on what inspired him to launch the organization.

“When I came (to the US) as a political refugee in 1979, there was no organization to guide and walk us through the system, access us to social security, healthcare, housing, employment and so forth.”

He couldn’t just stand by and watch, he said, and he decided he should fill the void. He said he launched his ambitious project by taking baby steps. “The program was initiated in my own small apartment.”

Hadera said his group’s efforts got a boost when “the Unitarian Universalist Society’s Community Church of New York offered us free office space in Manhattan.” But he said funding was in short supply.

The Ethiopian-born activist said nearly 30 years after its founding, resources remain a concern for the African Services Committee and its ever-increasing projects. All the same, Hadera said, he takes pride in what he and his colleagues have accomplished both in the United States and in Africa. He credits his wife, Kim Nichols, for her “unflinching support“ for the cause.
—-
Read more news at VOA.
Click here to learn more about African Services Committee.
Photo: transracial.net.

Remembering a Poet Laureate: Tsegaye Gabre-Medhin’s 75th Birthday Anniversary

Tadias Magazine
Events News

Tuesday, August, 23, 2011

New York (Tadias) – A special celebration honoring the life and work of Ethiopia’s Poet Laureate, the late Tsegaye Gebremedhin, will be held in Addis Ababa and Washington DC throughout the year.

“Family and friends of the late Tsegaye Gabre-Medhin are celebrating the poet’s 75th birthday anniversary and his work,” the press release states. “Author of around 34 plays in Amharic and about 10 plays in English, along with several volumes of poetry Gabre-Medhin is widely recognized as among Ethiopia’s most prolific and acclaimed writers. As part of an ongoing effort to keep his literary legacy alive, family and friends are organizing a year-long series of events in Addis Ababa and Washington DC.”

A few years ago, in an essay entitled A Short Walk Through His Literary Park, Professor Negussay Ayele described the writer’s earliest influences: “Poet Laureate Tsegaye is of the generation—numbering a dozen or so who are extant — of Ethiopian men of letters who were born during the crucible of the Fascist invasion of Ethiopia in the 1930s. As such, his early childhood gestation period was molded by the trauma of that war of aggression against which his patriot father fought. Born in the vicinity of Ambo and the environs of the source of Awash River in Shewa region, the young Tsegaye was also influenced and shaped by the subcultures, languages and the blending of his Oromo and Amhara heritages. Indeed, as he was to relate later on, he considers himself as one who represented an Ethiopian amalgam or bridge between the two cultures. And it did not take long for this child prodigy not only to absorb Oromifa and traditional Zema and Qine in Ethiopic (Ge’ez) as well as Amharic in the traditional neighborhood church school but also to rapidly learn English in the contemporary modern school or Asquala. Indeed, the young genius, Tsegaye Gabre-Medhin, was barely a teen when in 1942 (Eth.Cal.), he wrote his first play, The Story of King Dionysus and of the Two Brothers, and saw it staged in Ambo Elementary School. It was watched by, among others, Emperor Haile Sellassie himself.”

And one of our most favorite definitions of Ethiopia comes from our own Poet Laureate. “The Ethiopia of rich history is the heart of Africa’s civilization,” he wrote. “She is the greatest example of Africa’s pride. Ethiopia means peace. The word ‘Ethiopia’ emanates from a connection of three old black Egyptian words, Et, Op and Bia, meaning truth and peace, up and upper, country and land. Et-Op-Bia is land of upper truth or land of higher peace.” No one has put it more eloquently. Tsegaye Gabre-Medhin is a revered soul who brought out the best of his homeland – her stunning peaks and valleys, her triumphs and struggles, and always reminding us to rise and grow into our best selves.

If You Go:
26th August,6:30 pm – Book launch
Historical Plays of Tsegaye Gabre-Medhin (in Amharic)
(Addis Ababa University Press, 2011)
Performance of excerpts by Taytu Cultural Center
Admission: Free
Unification Church, 1610 Columbia Rd. NW
Washington DC

The official biography of Tsegaye Gabre-Medhin Soaring on Winged Verse:
The Life of Ethiopian Poet-Playwright Tsegaye Gabre-Medhin By Fasil Yitbarek
(Tsehai Publishers, 2011)
December 2011 – Book launching (biography in English), Washington D.C.
August 2012 – Book launching (biography in Amharic), Addis Ababa
For more information, please contact: tsegayegm75@gmail.com.

Vigil Remembers Adopted Girl Who Died in the Rain, Cold

KOMO News
By Elizabeth Dinh

In May, 13-year-old Hana Williams died of hypothermia. And on Sunday, there was a remembrance vigil for her in Rainier Beach at the Ethiopian Community Mutual Association.

Moer than 100 people attended the vigil. And even though none of them knew Hana, some say they’re just broken-hearted over the child’s death – and they’re hoping to keep her story alive.

Organizers of the vigil say a lot of members were outraged when they first heard about Hana and her ordeal. Read more.

Watch:


Related News:
Ethiopian Community Wants Answers in Adopted Girl’s Death (KING 5 News)
Related Video:
Coroner says Adopted Wash. teen died of hypothermia in backyard

Bethlehem Alemu & Isis Nyongo Among The 20 Youngest Power Women In Africa

Tadias Magazine
By Tadias Staff

Saturday, August 20, 2011

New York (TADIAS) – Forbes magazine’s contributing writer, Mfonobong Nsehe, who chronicles Africa’s success stories, has come up with a list: ‘The 20 Youngest Power Women In Africa.’

Among them are Ethiopian Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu and Kenyan-American Isis Nyongo — two dynamic business leaders whose work has previously been highlighted in Tadias Magazine.

“Of course, this is by no means an official or an exhaustive list,” the writer notes. “But these are 20 women, all under age 45, who wield enormous influence in African business, technology, policy and media. They are change makers, trendsetters, visionaries and thinkers, builders, and young global leaders. They are at the vanguard of Africa’s imminent socio-economic revolution and its contemporary renaissance.”

Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu, the Ethiopian-born entrepreneur was recently named the ‘African Businesswoman of the Year’ by African Business Magazine, a leading pan African business publication. She is the founder of Sole Rebels, a brand of eco-friendly shoes and sandals made in Ethiopia. She was also named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum earlier this year.

Isis Nyongo is the Vice President and Managing Director of InMobi, the world’s largest independent mobile advertising network. Prior to her appointment earlier this year, Isis served as the Business Development Manager for Google’s operation in Africa. She spearheaded mobile partnerships and played a pivotal role in the development of Google’s content strategy in Africa. Tadias interviewed Isis in 2005, when she was a graduate student at Harvard Business School and co-chair of the Africa Business Club. “After graduation from Harvard Business School I want to focus my work in the marketing role with a view of moving back to Africa within 2-3 years,” she told us. We are not surprised that since then Isis has become one of the continent’s young leaders in her field.

We congratulate both Bethlehem and Isis on their accomplishments.

(Cover Photo credit: Bethlehem courtesy of SoleRebels, Isis by Leon Muli)

Related:
Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu on Blog Talk Radio on September 3rd
In Pictures: Power Women, Power Moms (Forbes)

Join the conversation on Twitter and Facebook.

Drought Victims In Ethiopia In Urgent Need Of Aid

Voice of America

Lisa Schlein | Geneva

A senior official of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies warns many people in drought-stricken Ethiopia are at risk of dying if urgent action is not taken to assist them. The official, who has just returned from Ethiopia, says millions of drought affected people are being overlooked because of the focus on famine-stricken Somali refugees who have fled to Ethiopia in search of food.

Millions affected by the drought

The United Nations estimates more than 12 million people in the Horn of Africa are affected by drought. More than one-third of them are in Ethiopia. And, yet a senior official of the International Red Cross Federation says not enough attention is being paid to their plight.

Red Cross Operations Coordinator Christine South says the international community is focusing most strongly on the Somali refugees. She says this is quite understandable as Somalia is in the grips of a famine and its people are in desperate need of food and other assistance.

“But, at the same time, the host or indigenous communities are, particularly in some of these dry areas in the southeast, are pretty well on the edge…If you are in a camp, there is a structure in place to provide support,” South states. “I think these families live in very remote rural communities. Some of them are nomadic, so they are on the move. They are much harder to reach and to identify, and to assess. So, they are harder to work with in a sense. But, that does not mean that their needs are not grave and that they do not need to be met.”

Running out of options

Ethiopia has been without significant rain for three seasons in a row and, South says, the people are pessimistic that the next rains due in October will be good. This, she says, means people not only have to be able to survive the present crisis, they also must plan ahead for the coming months.

Unfortunately, she says, people are running out of options. “So, many of their options are just closed down to them. And, I think it is that lack of anywhere else to go, which means that their need for support is urgent,” South said. “And, we want to do it before we start seeing human deaths rather than wait until we have a more dire situation before reacting.”

The International Red Cross Federation estimates about two million of the 4.5 million drought-affected Ethiopians are in need of food. The agency has launched a $10 million preliminary appeal to assist 165,000 people. It only has received 29 percent of that amount.

Nevertheless, given the needs, the Red Cross says it plans to scale up its operations and will issue a revised appeal to meet the increased needs of a larger number of drought victims.

Priority – getting food to people

Christine South says getting food to hungry people is the priority. This, she says, can be done by food distributions or, in many cases, by providing cash vouchers so people can buy food in the markets.

Other priorities include water and sanitation and health care. Once the immediate survival needs are met, she says the Red Cross will focus on longer-term solutions. For example, it will help people improve their agriculture and sustain their flock through better water management and irrigation.

Recent:
‘Green drought’ hides hunger in Ethiopia (CNN)
Southern Ethiopia on brink of food crisis (AP)

Related:
Bob Marley’s Music Used in Campaign to Help Famine Victims
U.S. Media Attention Turns To East Africa Famine
Historic Famine in East Africa Conjures Depressing Sense of Deja Vu
Impact Your World: How you can help (CNN)

Comments:
Click here to join the discussion on this topic.

The 6th Annual Ethiopian Diaspora Business Forum

Tadias Magazine
Events News

Updated: Saturday, August 20, 2011

Washington, D.C. (Tadias) – The 6th Annual Ethiopian Diaspora Business Forum is scheduled to take place in Washington D.C. today.

In an emailed press release organizers state that this year’s gathering will include both public and closed events, designed to promote diaspora investment back home. According to the press release, the public portion of scheduled activities includes a panel discussions on a range of business topics related to attracting Ethiopian-American investments in Ethiopia’s economy, as well as a networking cocktail hour – sponsored by ModernETH and Altour Travel of Ethiopia.

“This year’s Forum will pay special attention to the issue of financing diaspora investments with special emphasis on how to raise capital from the Ethiopian Diaspora in the US in a legal and ethical manner,” the announcement said. “Other panel presentations and discussions include: USAID’s African Diaspora Marketplace II $100,000 business plan competition, Investment Opportunities in Ethiopia, Ethiopia’s WTO Accession and Diaspora, and the Ethiopian Government’s Proposed Diaspora Policy.”

The conference will include a private dinner and award ceremony featuring businessman Zemedeneh Negatu as the keynote speaker. Other special guests include the D.C. Mayor Vincent C. Gray, and VP of OPIC Mimi Alemayehou.

The event is hosted by the website The Ethiopian American and by USAID VEGA AGOA.
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If You Go:
6th Ethiopian Diaspora Business Forum,
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Grand Hyatt Washington at Washington Center
(1000 H Street NW) , Washington DC
Contact phone: 202-527-0980
Event Program & Time:
1:30 PM Registration
2:00 – 5:30 Opening & Discussion
5:30 Cocktail Hour
7:00 – 9:00 Dinner
Click here for the latest update about this event.
To attend, you can register at www.theethiopianamerican.com.

Tadias TV: Ethiopian Dance & Live Music at Lincoln Center Out of Doors

Tadias Magazine
By Tigist Selam

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

New York (Tadias) – The following is our video coverage of the 2011 Lincoln Center Out of Doors concert at the Damrosch Park Bandshell in New York, which also featured Debo band and special guest Fendika. We had the opportunity to interview the band members, as well as the Director of Public Programming for Lincoln Center. The event was attended by thousands of people. It was described by The New York Times as “generous, warm, high-spirited real entertainment for a big audience. It was a delight to watch them.” The Debo/Fendika collective became only the second Ethiopian music ensemble to perform at the Lincoln Center Out-of-Doors event, following in the footsteps of Ethiopia’s leading musicians Mahmoud Ahmed, Alemayehu Eshete, and legendary saxophonist Getachew Mekuria, who made a historic appearance here in 2008.

Watch:

Ethiopian Jazz at UCLA – Sunday, August 14

Tadias Magazine
Events News

Published: Saturday, August 13, 2011

Los Angeles (Tadias) – The Fowler Museum at University of California, Los Angeles presents Todd Simon and friends for an evening of Ethiopian rhythms and melodies on Sunday, August 14.

Todd Simon is a trumpeter, composer, and arranger, well-versed in the Ethiopian Jazz tradition, having performed with Mulatu Astatke for the inaugural Mochilla Timeless concert series. On this special occasion, Todd Simon’s Ethio Cali Ensemble will pay homage to the golden era of Ethiopian Jazz, along with original compositions from Todd’s forthcoming project.

The group includes Mark De Clive, Kamasi Washington, Kirubel Assefa, Alan Lightner, Woody Jackson, Dexter Story, Kelela Mizanekristos.

DJ Sonny Abegaze starts the set with traditional Ethiopian Jazz.

If You Go:
Summer Sunset Concert: Todd Simon’s Ethio Cali Ensemble
Sunday, August 14, 2011
4 pm
Free concert
Learn more at the Fowler Museum’s website.

Photos: Debo & Fendika New York Concert

Tadias Magazine
By Tigist Selam

Updated: Sunday, August 14, 2011

New York (Tadias) – Debo band and special guest Fendika staged a memorable concert on Thursday, August 11th, in New York at the 41st annual Lincoln center summer music festival — one of the longest-running, free, outdoor festivals in the United States.

The Debo/Fendika collective became only the second Ethiopian music ensemble to perform at the Lincoln Center Out-of-Doors event, following in the footsteps of Ethiopia’s leading musicians Mahmoud Ahmed, Alemayehu Eshete, and legendary saxophonist Getachew Mekuria, who made a historic appearance here in 2008.

“There were an estimated 4,500 people in attendance,” Marian Skokan, the event’s Senior Publicity Manager, told Tadias Magazine.

As The New York Times put it: “At the end of a day of perfect New York summer weather on Thursday, the mood established by the Lincoln Center Out of Doors two-part event of dance and live music at the Damrosch Park Bandshell was just right: generous, warm, high-spirited real entertainment for a big audience.”

Tadias crew was there and we had the opportunity to interview the band members, as well as the Director of Public Programming for Lincoln Center.

Below is Tadias TV’s coverage of the event. You can also check out photos from the show on our new and improved facebook page at Facebook/TadiasConnect – where you can also find our latest news, photos, and videos.
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Click here to view photos from Debo & Fendika’s NYC outdoor concert.

Watch:

Ethiopia Habtemariam: The New Boss at Motown

Tadias Magazine
By Tadias Staff

Friday, August 12, 2011

New York (Tadias) – A young Ethiopian American music executive has been appointed as the new head of the legendary Motown label now owned by the Universal Music Group.

The company has named Ethiopia Habtemariam, 31, senior vice president of Universal Motown Records. Ms. Habtemariam will also serve as Executive Vice President and head of Urban Music for Universal Music Publishing Group.

The promotion will make Ms. Habtemariam one of the most prominent women, as well as one of the most influential blacks in the music idustry. She follows in the footsteps of Sylvia Rhone, one of the most powerful women in the field and the first black woman to lead a major record company.

Ms. Habtemariam, who began her career as an intern at LaFace Records in the 90s, is credited for signing publishing deals for artists such as Justin Beiber, Ciara, Polow Da Don, Chris Brown and Ludacris.

According to The New York Times: “The label was careful not to name Ms. Habtemariam as the new president of Motown, but she will have the top position at the label and will report directly to Barry Weiss, Universal’s top executive in New York. It is expected that if she is successful in the new job, she will most likely be promoted.”

“Ethiopia represents the new breed of today’s best creative music executives,” Mr. Weiss said in a statement. “There is no one more relevant and credible in the creative community to help us build upon Motown’s fantastic legacy and move the company into its next groundbreaking era.”

Ms. Habtemariam said she was honored to accept the appointment: “It is an extraordinary opportunity to call Motown home,” she said in a statement. “And I am grateful to Barry for giving me the honor and challenge to put a new creative stamp on a label that has such a rich history.”

She added: “I am truly excited to work at the label that cultivated the musicians who have inspired me over the years. Motown artists created the soundtrack to my life, and I can’t wait to develop acts that not only have cross-genre and cross-generational appeal, but can reach worldwide notoriety.”

We congratulate Ethiopia Habtemariam on her accomplishments.

Related:
Ethiopia Habtemariam, Senior VP of Motown, Makes Billboard’s 40 Under 40 List

Join the conversation on Twitter and Facebook

Bob Marley’s Music Used in Campaign to Help Famine Victims

Tadias Magazine
News Update

Thursday, August 11, 2011

New York (Tadias) – A new social media campaign, which kicked off earlier this week, hopes to harness the power of celebrities and a Bob Marley song to help bring awareness to the unfolding famine in the Horn of Africa,” CNN reports.

The name for the campaign – “I’m Gonna Be Your Friend” – is borrowed from Marley’s 1973 song “High Tide Or Low Tide.”

According to CNN: “It uses the song as the soundtrack to a short film on the East African crisis directed by award-winning director Kevin MacDonald. Among MacDonald’s movies is the critically acclaimed “Last King of Scotland.”

The report says “prominent celebrities — such as Eminem, Rihanna, Lady Gaga and Britney Spears — have pledged to promote the film by posting it on their Facebook pages or offering links on their Twitter feeds.”

Read more at CNN.

Related from CNN:
Horn of Africa crisis shocks even seasoned aid workers
Watch: Anderson Cooper, Dr. Sanjay Gupta Report on Famine

Related:
U.S. Media Attention Turns To East Africa Famine (Tadias)
Impact Your World: How you can help (CNN)

Comments:
Click here to join the discussion on this topic.

Seattle Community Center Tries to Bring Together Ethiopians Split by Politics

Voice of America
Ethnic Politics Split US Ethiopians
Community Center tries to bring them together

By Anna Boiko-Weyrauch | Seattle, Washington

August 09, 2011

America’s Ethiopian community has grown quickly since the 1980s and one of its hubs is the northwestern state of Washington. Yet, even though they live a half world away from Ethiopia, these immigrants are still influenced by politics back home.

Differences

In the middle of Seattle, a group of Ethiopian immigrants plays dominos at a community center for the city’s Tigray immigrants – one of the many ethnic groups from Ethiopia.
Many people come to hang out at the lively place which has a bar inside. Similar community centers for other East African ethnic groups are practically within walking distance of each other.

Washington State’s Ethiopian community is vibrant and growing, with anywhere from 10,000-40,000 people. No one knows exactly how many, since many don’t participate in census counts or don’t report their ancestry.

But the population is diverse, mirroring the variety of ethnicities, languages, religions and divisions in their homeland.

“Those social divisions sometimes also translate to political divisions because if you belong to a certain ethnic group you are automatically perceived or in reality you support a certain political ideology or grouping,” says Shakespear Feyissa, who came to America as teenager and is now a lawyer in Seattle.

According to Feyissa, at its worst, ethnic and political differences turn into economic discrimination against fellow Ethiopians.

“You could see people lobbying each other, saying, ‘Don’t go to this certain business because he belongs to certain political group or political party,’ or they say, ‘Don’t go to this business because he either opposes or supports the government.’”

Feyissa opposes the government of Meles Zenawi, who led a rebel takeover of the country 20 years ago, and says he’s lost Ethiopian clients because of it.

“It is difficult for me personally, sometimes. Because I would hear certain ethnicity or certain groups saying, ‘Oh don’t go to him, he doesn’t like certain groups’, just because of my strong political conviction, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth.”

The divisions are hard for people who support the Ethiopian government, too. Mekonnen Kassa works for Microsoft in a Seattle suburb while also heading a pro-government group in his spare time.

“I travel to Ethiopia and meet with the political party leaders,” says Kassa. “And my group also invites government officials to come to the U.S. and meet with Ethiopians here.”

His political involvement has had personal consequences. One time, a stranger who saw him in a restaurant called him selfish – accusing Kassa of supporting the Ethiopian government for personal gain – and told him to leave.

“And at that point I got upset, and we got into a very heated argument, almost very close to a fist fight,” says Kassa. “And those couple of guys who knew me that were at the restaurant had to drag me out of the restaurant.”

Since then, Kassa keeps to himself.

Coming together

Many people recognize that division is a problem within Washington state’s Ethiopian community, and at least one group is trying to move beyond it.

At a summer camp, young Ethiopian-Americans learn Amharic, the official language of Ethiopia. The program is run by the Ethiopian Community Center in Seattle. Even though there are community centers for different ethnic groups, the leaders here want to put ethnicity aside, and bring all Ethiopians together as Ethiopians.

“That is the first thing, and when people come here, we want them to feel that this is their home. This is their place equally,” says Mulumebet Retta, who heads the center. “What we are trying to do here is whether you are an Amhara, an Oromo, Tigrey, Guragi, Gambella, whatever ethnic group you are, you are an Ethiopian.”

Retta’s group supports Ethiopian immigrants by connecting them with social services. The center staff works to solve problems which affect everyone in the community, whether it’s taking care of their elders or educating their children.

Seattle lawyer Feyissa believes it’s up to the next generation of Ethiopian-Americans to look beyond ethnic politics.

“The most important things for them, is not belonging to a certain ethnicity, but being Ethiopian, being immigrant,” he says. “So I see hope in that regard.”

Click here to listen to Boiko-Weyrauch’s Audio Report

Ethiopia’s Global Shoe Brand Goes Online

Tadias Magazine
By Tadias Staff

Updated: Sunday, August 7, 2011

New York (Tadias) – SoleRebels, one of Africa’s leading green-footwear brands, has announced the launch of its new e-commerce website. The Ethiopia-based company’s eco-fashion shoes – nicknamed the ‘Nike of Africa‘ – are produced using indigenous practices such as hand-spun organic cotton and artisan hand-loomed fabric. Recycled tires are also incorporated for soles. The end result is environmental-friendly and top quality, vegan footwear.

SoleRebels founder and managing director Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu, who recently became the first Ethiopian to win the annual African Business Awards, says her company intends to grab a share of the growing online shoe industry.

“We are very excited about the launch of this new site as it will allow global consumers to buy direct from the soleRebels source using multiple online payment formats from credit cards to PayPal,” Bethlehem said. “We strongly believe that consumers want to touch, feel and interact with the soleRebels brand and the soleRebels site is the place for them to do that.”

SoleRebels footwear is also available for purchase on several online shopping sites including Amazon and Endless.com.

You can visit the SoleRebels e-commerce website at www.solerebelsfootwear.co/

Related:
2011 African Business Awards: Ethiopian Named Outstanding Businesswoman
CNN’s African Voices Highlights SoleRebels & Founder Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu

Birtukan Mideksa Awarded The Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellowship

Tadias Magazine
News Update

Friday, August 5, 2011

New York (Tadias) – The National Endowment for Democracy has awarded Birtukan Mideksa, one of Ethiopia’s most prominent political figures, its Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellowship for 2011-2012.

The international exchange program – which was founded a decade ago with funding from the U.S. Congress and named in honor of former President Ronald Reagan and the late U.S. congressman Dante Fascell – provides an elite group of distinguished and promising leaders an opportunity to study the principles of democracy.

“The Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellows Program offers practitioners, scholars, and journalists from around the world the opportunity to spend five months at the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), in Washington DC, in order to conduct independent research on democracy in a particular country or region,” the private, nonprofit foundation notes on its website. “While in residence, fellows reflect on their experiences; engage with counterparts; conduct independent research and writing; consider best practices and lessons learned; and develop professional relationships within a global network of democracy advocates.”

Birtukan, who has been imprisoned multiple times on charges stemming from her leadership role in one of Ethiopia’s biggest political parties, was freed by pardon last fall after spending nearly two years behind bars. She was re-arrested in December 2008 for denying the conditions of a previous pardon in which she was sentenced to life in prison subsequent to the violence that followed the disputed 2005 national elections – when bloody riots and government crackdown claimed the lives of 193 protesters and seven policemen.

Birtukan, a former judge and single mother, says she is looking forward to her studies in the United States. “I am very pleased to join some of the most influential people from around the world that are selected for their leadership and commitment to freedom and democracy,” Birtukan told Addis Voice.

“This is an honor that I accept with utmost humility on behalf of the people of Ethiopia,” she said.

Learn more about the fellowship at The National Endowment for Democracy.

Click here to listen to the VOA interview with Birtukan Mideksa.

U.S. Media Attention Turns To East Africa Famine

Tadias Magazine
News Update

Thursday, August 4, 2011

New York (Tadias) – After The New York Times published a cover story earlier this week featuring a heart-wrenching photograph depicting the worsening food crisis affecting millions of people in the Horn of Africa, the U.S. media may be about to boost its coverage of what’s being described as the “worst famine in a generation.”

Click here to watch CNN’s Anderson Cooper report from “the most desperate place on earth.”

According to The New York Times: “The famine in Africa has had to compete with the wrangling over the debt ceiling, the mobile phone hacking scandals in Britain, the killings in Norway and, in Africa itself, the birth of a new country, the Republic of South Sudan.”

“I’m asking myself where is everybody and how loud do I have to yell and from what mountaintop,” Caryl Stern, chief executive of the United States Fund for UNICEF, told NYT. “The overwhelming problem is that the American public is not seeing and feeling the urgency of this crisis.”

When a Rupert Murdoch-owned British newspaper published a cartoon last month showing starving Africans engrossed in the European phone-hacking scandal, it was swiftly and correctly criticized as a tasteless joke. “But the underlying point — that the media has largely ignored what’s happening in Africa — was well taken,” writes Dylan Stableford for The Cutline.

Until recently, ABC claimed that it is the only American news network to have a reporter at the epicenter of Africa’s largest famine in 60 years.

“But that may soon change,” says Stableford.

U.S. administration officials and lawmakers are ringing alarm bells and warning of dire consequences unless global partners urgently step up aid. AFP reports that “even though the famine is expected to worsen and eventually dwarf the 1984 famine in Ethiopia, which claimed nearly a million lives, the public is not stepping up to try to help as it did nearly 30 years ago, when the international community responded to the crisis with fundraisers like Live Aid.”

“It is the most severe humanitarian crisis in a generation, affecting food security for more than 12 million people across Somalia, Ethiopia, Kenya, Djibouti and surrounding areas,” Democratic Senator Chris Coons said as as he opened a hearing on the crisis.

“Based on nutrition and mortality surveys… we estimate that more than 29,000 children under five — nearly four percent of children — have died in the last 90 days in southern Somalia,” Nancy Lindborg, assistant administrator of the US Agency for International Development (USAID), told lawmakers.

Per the U.N.: The humanitarian disaster is likely to expand beyond Somalia in the next few weeks and spread into neighboring Kenya, Uganda and Ethiopia.

Meanwhile, David Muir, the American TV journalist in Mogadishu, reported from the city on Monday’s “World News With Diane Sawyer,” describing the situation as the “worst famine in a generation.”

Watch:

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Related:
Ethiopia ‘using aid as a political tool’ – on BBC’s Investigative Report (Guardian)
Ethiopia ‘using aid as weapon of oppression’ (BBC & Bureau of Investigative Journalism)
What Can the Horn of Africa Do in the Face of Severe Droughts? (Huffington Post)
WFP: Ethiopia’s Emergency Food Reserve Near Zero (Voice of America)
Famine Expected to Hit All of Somalia, Parts of Kenya, Uganda and Ethiopia (VOA)
US urges global action on Horn of Africa famine (AFP)
Historic Famine in East Africa Conjures Depressing Sense of Deja Vu (Tadias)

Comments:
Click here to join the discussion on this topic.

Debo Band & Fendika Summer Tour Dates: L.A., Oakland, D.C., and NYC

Tadias Magazine
By Tigist Selam

Updated: Tuesday, August 2, 2011

New York (Tadias) – Debo band and Fendika dance group will perform near Los Angeles’s Little Ethiopia at Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts at MacArthur Park on Friday August 6.

The group is also expected to make its first appearance in Northern California this coming weekend when they perform live at the “Historic Sweets Ballroom” in Oakland. The Oakland event is being hosted by the Ethiopian Arts Forum of the Bay Area and will take place on Saturday, August 6th.

In the East Coast, “Ethiopian funk invades Washington as Debo welcomes Lounge Lizards to the Kennedy Center’s Atrium on the roof terrace level for an extraordinary happy hour,” reports The Washington Examiner. The D.C. concert is slated for August 8th.

The band will then head to New York for an outdoors performance at the Lincoln Center – Damrosch Park, scheduled for Thursday, August 11th.

Debo, the Boston-based Ethio-groove ensemble, and Fendika, the Addis Ababa-based cultural dance group, have been collaborating on joint international shows since 2009. “U.S. audiences went crazy for the traditional dancing of [Fendika],” said Debo’s band leader Danny Mekonnen in an interview with Tadias Magazine in regards to the group’s recent tour. “I think seeing the dance of a culture immediately creates a greater appreciation and understanding of the music.”

Watch: Debo Band Tour 2011 from Ashley Hodson on Vimeo

Debo Band Tour 2011 from Ashley Hodson on Vimeo.

Debo is an Ethiopian American band. And its unique instrumentation – including horns, strings and accordion – was inspired by the Golden Age of Ethiopian music in the late 1960s and early 70s, but its accomplished musicians are giving new voice to that sound.

The Ethiopian traditional dance and music troupe, Fendika, includes amazing young Azmari artists led by one of Ethiopia’s leading dancers Melaku Belay. Belay, who is one of the most active arts advocates in the Addis Ababa scene today, is an innovative and virtuoso interpreter of Eskista. Belay performed at the Lincoln outdoors concert in 2008 with legendary saxophonist Gétatchèw Mèkurya and The Ex band.

Regarding the collective’s upcoming NYC show – which will be held at the same venue where the historic concert featuring Mahmoud Ahmed, Alemayehu Eshete, and Getachew Mekuria took place three years ago – Danny said he is eagerly anticipating his New York gig.

“I can’t tell you how I excited I am to present Debo Band with special guests Fendika at Lincoln Center Out of Doors!”, he said. “I was at the historic concert in 2008 with Getachew Mekuria, Mahmoud Ahmed, and Alemayehu Eshete.”

Danny adds: “I loved the collaborations with saxophonist and The Ex and vocalists and The Either/Orchestra. I think that audiences will remember Melaku as the dancer with Getachew and the Ex. I’m honored that my band is the next group to present Ethiopian music to Lincoln Center audiences. Also, I’m thrilled to have Melaku as the project’s co-leader. He is a visionary Ethiopian artist and his work with Fendika is second to none.”

Click here to read Tadias Magazine’s recent interview with Danny Mekonnen.

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If You Go:

Los Angeles Friday August 6 at 7PM
Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts – MacArthur Park
230 West 6th Street Los Angeles, CA 90057
Info: FREE – call 213-384-5701
For more details: http://levittla.org/en/calendar.html

Oakland Saturday August 6th at 9PM
Historic Sweets Ballroom
1933 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94612
Door: $20.00
Venue phone: 510-501-3413
More info at: ethiopianartsforum.org

Washington, D.C. Monday August 8th at 6pm
Where: Kennedy Center Atrium, Millennium Stage
Who: Debo Band / Fendika
When: Lounge opens at 5:30 p.m.
Info: Free, 202-467-4600 or kennedy-center.org

New York City Thursday August 11 at 7:00pm
Lincoln Center – Damrosch Park
Lincoln Center’s Plaza
B/N Broadway & Amsterdam Avenues
West 62nd Street to West 65th Street
Visit LCOutofDoors.org for complete schedule
Call 212-875-5766 to request a brochure.

Direction to Lincoln Center – Damrosch Park:
Take No.1 IRT to 66th Street/Lincoln Center Station)
OR the A, B, C, D and No. 1 trains to 59th St/Columbus Circle.

Video: Addis Ababa Bete – Debo Band with Fendika Dancers at Joe’s Pub, NYC, September 2010

Ethiopian Billionaire Wins Libel Action in UK

BBC

29 July 2011

Mohammed Hussein Al-Amoudi was born in Ethiopia, but now spends his time at homes in central London, Surrey and Saudi Arabia.

The article was published on the online news website Ethiopian Review.

Judge Richard Parkes QC said it was difficult to imagine more serious allegations.

The site’s publisher and editor-in-chief, Elias Kifle, had denied liability.

The judge said that instead of apologising Mr Kifle had repeated the libel and abused Mr al-Amoudi and his lawyers.

The High Court in London heard Mr Kifle’s response to the initial complaint was: “Here is my formal statement: Screw yourself”.

The court heard Mr Kifle then went on to describe Mr al-Amoudi as a “scumbag bloodsucker” who was “funding al-Qaeda”.

Mr al-Amoudi, 65, gave evidence during the libel trial that he was completely opposed to all forms of terrorism.

The judge said the site alleged that Mr al-Amoudi had “disgracefully and callously” married off his daughter Sarah, then 13, to an elderly member of the Saudi royal family as a gift.

Read more at BBC.

At Family-Friendly Summer Camp in Virginia, Children Immerse in All Things Ethiopian

Tadias Magazine
By Tadias Staff

Published: Friday, July 29, 2011

New York (TADIAS) – The Ethiopian Heritage and Culture Camp at Massaneta Springs, situated in the heart of Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, provides a family-friendly getaway for adopted Ethiopian children and their American parents who get to immerse themselves in a weekend of all things Ethiopian.

The Washington Post reports that the camp fulfills a growing demand by adoptive parents who seek to connect with their children’s native culture. In 2010 more than 2,500 children were adopted from Ethiopia, which has resulted in an increased demand for information about the country. “We thought it was important for us to learn about our daughter’s culture and help her maintain that identity,” Mark Boucher told The Washington Post. He came to the camp from Albany, N.Y., with his family of four, including Lidia, the 7-year-old girl that they adopted three years ago.

The inter-generational summer camp was founded by Mekdes Bekele, who is also a mother of a young daughter. In an interview with Tadias Magazine about the summer camp in 2009, Mekdes noted: “We have the common goal of raising first generation Ethiopian Americans. What we offer is a venue and the opportunity for like-minded parents of children with Ethiopian heritage to interact with each other and share experiences and knowledge on how to raise confident, capable, and compassionate Ethiopian-Americans. For example, at this camp we will cover topics that apply to all of us such as: raising confident children in a culture conscious world who are struggling for identity, and parents will learn from the experiences of Ethiopian-American young adults on the challenges and the opportunities of growing up in America.”

Read more at The Washington Post »

Join the conversation on Twitter and Facebook.

‘Very best in youth’: Abigail Mariam headed to Harvard, career in public policy

Tadias Magazine
By Tadias Staff

Updated: Tuesday, July 26, 2011

New York (Tadias) – The last time Abigail Mariam was highlighted in Tadias Magazine, she was the recipient of the 2010 Young Humanitarian Award given by The St. Mary Hospital Foundation in California. She was recognized last fall for her activities at the medical center where she began volunteering in 2007 while simultaneously juggling school work and several extra curricular programs, including co-founding an on-campus tutoring club and completing five Advanced Placement courses.

Now Abi is headed to Harvard University to study public policy. And she was also one of 23 teens honored this past weekend as part of the biennial Nestlé Very Best In Youth program hosted by the Nestle’ USA. The red-carpet event, which applauds exceptional students both in academics and community service, took place on July 23 at the Universal City Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles.

“Abigail Mariam was in eighth grade when she was bit by the service bug…Her uncle took her on a trip with his yoga group to serve peanut butter sandwiches to the homeless hanging around the former Forrest Park on Seventh Street in Victorville,” reported The Daily Press, a newspaper serving Victor Valley, California area. “After experiencing firsthand what it felt like to help someone in need, she couldn’t shake the urge to give back to the community…Now barely 18 years old and headed to Harvard University in the fall, the Granite Hills High School graduate has had a hand in projects benefiting younger students, animal shelters, cancer survivors, Haitian earthquake victims, Ugandan children, troops overseas and patients and families at St. Mary Medical Center — to name a few.”

“I’m kind of a service freak,” Abi told The Daily Press. “If I go a day without doing some kind of kindness I feel like I’m a bad person.”

She was chosen out of 3,500 applicants as one of the winners of the 2011 Nestle’s Very Best in Youth – a national program designed to spotlight and reward young people who have shown outstanding leadership in public service while they aim to inspire others to engage through personal initiative to make a profound impact on the world.

According to The Daily Press: Abi’s “commitment to service, along with her 5.0 academic record and stellar writing skills, have earned her the elite status as one of 23 students in the United States to be named 2011 Nestle’s Very Best in Youth.”

“Nestlé USA is dedicated to America’s youth,” says Kenneth W. Bentley, Nestlé Vice President of Community Affairs & Educational Programs and author of the Nestlé Very Best In Youth book series, in a comment posted on the organization’s website. “Young people are the future of this country, and it is up to adults to see that they are given the encouragement they need to reach their goals.”

In addition to receiving $1,000 to donate to the charity of their choice, a biographical essay reflecting each winner’s most noteworthy characteristics and achievements will be published in a book entitled Making a Difference Today for a Better Tomorrow, which will be distributed nationwide to schools and youth organizations that can point to students like Abi as role models.

“Honestly I was very surprised when I was accepted because I was looking at the profiles of past winners and I was very humbled to think that I could be put in the same league as these other incredible, incredible kids,” Abi told the newspaper.

Read more about Abigail Mariam at The Daily Press.
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Ethiopia Plans Resettlement of People Affected by Looming Hunger Crisis

News Update:

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

“In Ethiopia’s rain-starved eastern badlands, livestock is the sole asset for most. Swaddled in robes, pastoralist families traverse huge tracts searching for water and pasture for their herds, uprooting camps as they go. When seasonal rains fail, life becomes a battle for survival,” reports csmonitor.com.

“As aid agencies scramble to feed some 11.5 million people suffering from what is being called the Horn of Africa’s worst drought in 60 years, Ethiopia’s government is enacting a resettlement program that it hopes will be a longlasting solution to a longstanding burden.”

Read More.

Related:
World Bank Drought Plan Focuses on Ethiopia, Kenya (VOA)
By Gabe Joselow | Nairobi

July 29, 2011

The World Bank Friday unveiled new details of its plan to help victims of drought in the Horn of Africa. The bulk of the effort focuses on Ethiopia and Kenya, not Somalia.

The bank’s Country Director for East Africa Johannes Zutt says over $600 million is being made available to those affected by the drought in Somalia, Ethiopia and Kenya.

But only $9 million is going directly toward disaster relief in Somalia, the worst hit country in East Africa.

Zutt says the problem is access.

Read more at VOA.

Watch New Video: Horn of Africa Famine Puts 11 Million People at Risk of Hunger (PBS News)



Related:
World Reacts to Avert Famine in East Africa

Tadias Magazine
News Update

Thursday, July 28, 2011

New York (Tadias) – The UN’s World Food Program has started airlifting supplies of emergency food into the Somali capital Mogadishu, as relief and fundraising efforts continued for millions of people affected by the looming hunger crisis in drought-hit areas of East Africa.

At an emergency meeting held at the Food and Agriculture Organization headquarters in Rome recently, WFP Executive Director Josette Sheeran warned the international community the problem could become a wider catastrophe unless immediate action is taken. “The drought has swept the Horn of Africa where more than 11 million people are in need of food assistance,” she said. “We are particularly worried about Somalia right now and it is vital that we reach those at the epicentre of the famine with food assistance.”

The United Nations says the developing crisis is the largest famine in 60 years. Nearly 12 million people are thought to be at risk of food insecurity in Somalia, Ethiopia, Kenya, Eritrea and Djibouti. Ethiopians constitute 4.56 million of the current total food insecure populations in the region. According to UNICEF, 2.23 million children in Somalia, Ethiopia, and Kenya are estimated to be acutely malnourished. And nearly 720,000 children are at risk of death without urgent assistance.

“The area straddling Somalia, Ethiopia and northern Kenya, has been dubbed the “triangle of death” as the worst drought in more than fifty years grips the area,” writes Stewart M. Patrick, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations and Director of the Program on International Institutions and Global Governance. “An estimated thirty percent of children are malnourished, many arriving in refugee camps so “emaciated and with skin lesions so deep that you could see their bones showing in their skulls and arms.” According to testimony by State Department official Reuben Brigety, acute malnutrition has reached 50% and 40%, respectively, in Ethiopia and Kenya—far above the 15% threshold for an international humanitarian emergency.”

Per AFP: “Officials said the UN had received about $US1 billion ($A924.56 million) since first launching an appeal for the region in November 2010 but needs a billion more by the end of the year to cope with the emergency. The World Bank on Monday pledged more than $500 million, with the bulk of the money set to go towards long-term projects to aid livestock farmers while $12 million would be for immediate assistance to those worst hit by the crisis. However charities have slammed low aid pledges and say not enough is being done.”

Read more.

Cover image: A woman from southern Somalia struggles to build a makeshift shelter from tree branches at a new camp in Mogadishu, Somalia, on July 13. (Mohamed Sheikh Nor / AP)

Related:
Historic Famine in East Africa Conjures Depressing Sense of Deja Vu

Tadias Magazine
Editorial

Updated, July 27, 2011

New York (Tadias) – A humanitarian crisis of historic proportions is unfolding in drought-hit areas of East Africa, including Somalia, Ethiopia, Djibouti and Kenya. The United Nations says the pending disaster is the largest famine in 60 years.

The UN warns relief is needed urgently and should not be ignored or the world will once again be witnessing the repeat of history, this time on a much larger scale. Unless quickly prevented, nearly 12 million people are thought to be at risk of food insecurity in the Horn of Africa this year. That’s an alarmingly large number of people affected in contrast to the widely publicized 1984 famine that killed approximately one million people. Ethiopians constitute 4.56 million of the current total food insecure populations in the region.

Sadly, the familiar images of hungry children with skinny, malnourished bodies on television screens and front-pages of newspapers around the world, conjures depressing sense of déjà vu for the international community. According to UNICEF, in total 2.23 million children in Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia are estimated to be acutely malnourished. And nearly 720,000 children are at risk of death without immediate assistance.

Dr. Reuben Brigety, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Population, Refugees and Migration, said in a testimony before the House Subcommittee on Africa earlier this month that “in Ethiopia, global acute malnutrition rates close to 50% have been reported among newly arriving refugee children.” Dr. Brigety added: “This situation is substantially worse than when I last visited the Dolo Odo refugee camps in Ethiopia in February of this year. Newly arriving children are now dying in the refugee camp at the rate of two to three per day.”

The United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization held an emergency meeting in Rome on Monday to discuss campaign strategy to moblize and deliver aid to the region. The meeting was attended by representatives from the G20 countries, ministers and senior officials from UN’s 191 member nations, other U.N. bodies, NGOs and regional development banks.

The UN has officially declared famine in parts of Somalia and it has designated large areas in Ethiopia, Djibouti and Kenya as a crisis or an emergency zone.

Watch: UN Declares Famine in Somalia, Channel 4 News

“This summer has been an unspeakable nightmare for millions of children in the Horn of Africa,” said President and CEO of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF Caryl Stern. “We cannot control the weather patterns that have led to drought and famine, but we can do something about helping those who suffer from it. The sooner we act, the more children’s lives can be saved. As little as $10 can feed a child for 10 days.”

UNICEF estimates it will need $100 million over the next six months for a massive scale up of operations to reach children in the drought affected areas with emergency and preventative assistance.

“UNICEF is using every means possible to reach every child. There simply can be no compromise on the objective to keep children and their families alive,” said Elhadj As Sy, Regional Director for UNICEF Eastern and Southern Africa. “We appreciate the generosity of the international community and those contributions are already making a difference. We urgently need more funds to meet the enormous need.”
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For more information or to make a tax-deductible contribution to relief efforts in the Horn of Africa, please contact the U.S. Fund for UNICEF: Website: www.unicefusa.org/donate/horn. Or call toll free: 1-800-4UNICEF (1-800-486-4233). Text: Text “FOOD” to UNICEF (864233) to donate $10. Mail: 125 Maiden Lane, New York, NY 10038.

Cover photo: Aden Salaad, 2, looks up at his mother as she bathes him in a tub at a Doctors Without Borders hospital, where Aden is receiving treatment for malnutrition, in Dagahaley Camp, outside Dadaab, Kenya, on Monday, July 11. (Rebecca Blackwell / AP)

Video: East Africa Food Crisis – Somalia Faces Famine as al-Qaida Threat Halts International Aid



Related:
Famine Affects Millions In Horn Of Africa (NPR)

Ethiopian Fashion on Display at Africa Fashion-Week New York (Photos)

Tadias Magazine
Events News

Updated: Friday, July 22, 2011

New York (Tadias) – Ethiopian Designer Fikirte Addis was one of 21 individuals from Africa and the African diaspora whose work was highlighted at Africa Fashion Week New York, which took place from July 14th to 16th in the Broad Street Ballroom in New York City’s Financial District.

The runway show, produced by young African social entrepreneurs from the Diaspora, is an effort to introduce clothing products made in Africa to high-end U.S. markets.

“The event underscores how eager this generation of young, upwardly mobile Africans in the U.S. is to redefine the continent’s image,” The Washington Post noted in its pre-event coverage. “They have come of age during the Obama presidency – an era when first lady Michelle Obama rocked a bright pink Mali-inspired top designed by Nigerian-born designer Duro Olowu.”

Per WaPo: “If fashion is a guidepost to cultural change, then the expanding scope of African fashion indicates a new momentum among Africans in this country. Many of them are sons and daughters of immigrants who are now in the middle and upper classes, and they have more freedom to choose creative professions.”

“It’s our moment, and it’s just beginning. Young African designers are becoming real players now. People have been taking resources from Africa for generations. But our generation, raised in both worlds, is changing that,” said Adiat Disu, 24, the Nigerian-American producer of the fashion week.

Fikirte Addis, who was also the winner of the Origin Africa Fiber to Fashion 2011 in Mauritius, was sponsored by USAID to participate in the New York event.

Below are photos of Fikirte’s designs presented at the 2011 Africa Fashion Week New York.

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Photos courtesy of New York based Emma C. Photography via laprincessaworld.

You can learn more about Africa Fashion Week New York at www.afwny.com.

Click here to read Fikirte Addis’ Press Release.

Related:
African Fashion Week spotlights emerging designers (The Washington Post)
Tadias TV Interview With Couture Bridal-Fashion Designer Amsale Aberra

Japan Wins 2011 Women’s World Cup

Tadias Magazine
News Update

Updated: Monday, July 18, 2011

New York (Tadias) – Japan won the 2011 Women’s World Cup on Sunday, defeating the United States 3-1 in a penalty shootout. The country became the first Asian nation to win the World Cup.

The Japanese team, which provided much-needed inspiration and emotional relief for their fellow citizens at home who are still recovering from a devastating recent earthquake, tsunami and nuclear accident, displayed a banner after every game reading: “To our Friends Around the World — Thank You for Your Support.”

The United States, which was not considered a favorite to win the tournament this year, made a dramatic rebound after it eliminated Brazil in a penalty-kick during the quarterfinals, raising hopes that the team might bring the cup home for the third time.

Team USA dominated much of Sunday’s final game in Frankfurt, Germany. Alex Morgan scored the team’s first goal in the 69th minute. But Japan tied the game when Aya Miyama scored an equalizer 12 minutes later. The Americans took the lead again during over time in the 104th minute when Abby Wambach made a goal with a header. But they blew the lead just six minutes from winning their third World Cup title when Homare Sawa of Japan scored another equalizer.

The U.S. had previously won the Women’s World Cup in 1991 and 1999.

Japan’s World Cup victory also marks the nation’s first win against the U.S. in 26 tries.

Video: Japan Wins the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup Soccer Title (The Associated Press)

Cover Image: Japan’s players celebrate after the FIFA Women’s Football World Cup final match after the shootout (Christof Stache / AFP – Getty Images)
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Team U.S.A Take on Japan in Women’s World Cup Final on Sunday

Voice of America
Parke Brewer | Washington

July 15, 2011

The U.S. women’s soccer team is set to play in the FIFA World Cup championship match for the first time since it won the title on home soil in 1999. An American team that has survived some pressure games will take on surprising Japan Sunday in Frankfurt, Germany.

Just like the U.S. women’s team in 1999 captured the imagination of the nation, this 2011 edition has finally achieved a similar following. But it has not been a smooth ride.

Though the Americans are ranked number one in the world and won the 2008 Olympic gold medal in Beijing, they almost failed to qualify for this 2011 World Cup in Germany.

Watch: US Women Take on Japan in World Cup Final on Sunday (PBS News Hour Video)

During qualifying last year, they shockingly lost to Mexico in a regional semifinal and needed to win a third-place match against Costa Rica just to reach a special two-game playoff against Italy. The U.S. team gained the 16th and final World Cup berth with slim 1-0 wins in those away and home matches.

In first round group play in Germany, the U.S. beat North Korea, 2-0, and newcomer Colombia, 3-0, but then lost to Sweden, 2-1. It was the first ever loss in the group phase of a World Cup for any U.S. women’s team.

That set up a quarterfinal encounter last Sunday with five-time FIFA World Player of the year Marta and Brazil, the team that routed the U.S. in the World Cup semifinals four years ago, 4-0. The Americans had a player ejected against Brazil early in the second half but – even though shorthanded – clung to a 1-1 tie through regulation. When Marta scored early in the 30-minute overtime period and the clock wound down, it appeared the U.S. would be on its way home.

But in the dying moments of added, or stoppage, time, star striker Abby Wambach amazingly converted a header off a long high pass to tie the score at 2-2 and send the match to penalty kicks. Thanks to a diving save by U.S. goalie Hope Solo, the Americans prevailed in the shootout, 5-3.

Then on Wednesday in the semifinals against a French team that outplayed them for most of the match, the U.S. scored two goals in the final 15 minutes to win, 3-1.

Midfielder Megan Rapinoe shared her thoughts on what it means.

“It really is a dream come true,” said Rapinoe. “And it’s so cliché to say but you know being a footballer and reaching the World Cup finals, I mean that’s everything we’ve worked for, not only this whole year or the cycle leading up to this tournament, but pretty much our whole lives. Everybody wants to get to the World Cup final.”

So now the U.S. women play a surprising team from Japan in Sunday’s title game. Japan upset favorite and host Germany in the quarterfinals and then upset Sweden in the semifinals.

Leading up the World Cup, the U.S. played Japan in two home warm-up games in May and won both by scores of 2-0. But U.S. goalkeeper Hope Solo says after the tsunami and earthquake in their country earlier this year, the Japanese are playing for more than just themselves.

“It is pretty clear to most of us that we’re not going to see the same Japan team that we saw in the last couple of friendlies,” said Solo. “They are playing for something bigger and better than the game. And when you’re playing with so much emotion and so much heart, that’s hard to play against. So I think it’s going to be an incredible final that people didn’t expect to see.”

Teammate Abby Wambach, playing in her third World Cup, said she will do everything she can to assure the U.S. comes out on top this time.

“Getting to the final is one thing and winning is another,” said Wambach. “This isn’t good enough for me. It doesn’t matter if I came in third place in 2003 and came in third place in 2007, getting to the final is only halfway part of our dream coming true, and we want to make sure that we’re on that top podium come Sunday.”

There is no doubt that there will be huge television audiences for the World Cup final in both the United States and Japan, with many more fans around the world tuning in to see how well the women at the highest level now play the so-called “beautiful game.”

Related:
Japan takes inspiration into Women’s World Cup final (Los Angeles Times)


Japan defender Aya Sameshima (15), defender Azusa Iwashimizu (center) and midfielder Homare
Sawa (10) celebrate after defeating Germany, 1-0, in the Women’s World Cup quarterfinals in
Wolfsburg, Germany. (Odd Andersen / AFP / Getty Images / July 9, 2011)

Tadias TV Interview With Amsale Aberra

Tadias Magazine
By Tadias Staff

Updated: Monday, July 18, 2011

New York (Tadias) – The following video features the full version of Tadias Magazine’s recent interview with couture bridal-fashion designer Amsale Aberra.

Amsale discussed her reality TV show Amsale Girls, her success in the wedding-gown industry, her memories of Ethiopia, her musican daughter Rachel Brown, and more. Amsale also offers tips to brides and advise to aspiring fashion designers.

We have also included a second video highlighting a tour of Amsale’s luxury Boutique, taped immediately following our interview with the designer.

The interview took place at Amsale’s office in New York City on Tuesday, June 28, 2011.

Watch: Tadias Magazine’s Interview With Bridal-Fashion Designer Amsale Aberra

Watch: Tadias TV Exclusive – Inside Amsale Aberra’s Luxury Manhattan Boutique


Click here to join the discussion on this topic.

Debo & Fendika to Perform at The Lincoln Center Out of Doors – August 11

Tadias Magazine
By Tigist Selam

Published: Thursday, July 14, 2011

New York (Tadias) – The Boston-based Ethio-groove ensemble, Debo, and the Addis Ababa-based cultural dance group, Fendika, are set to collaborate on another exciting NYC summer concert. This time, the collective will perform on August 11 at The Lincoln Center Out of Doors, the same venue where the historic concert featuring Mahmoud Ahmed, Alemayehu Eshete, and Getachew Mekuria took place in 2008.

Debo is an Ethiopian American band led by Danny Mekonnen. The band’s unique instrumentation – including horns, strings and accordion – was inspired by the Golden Age of Ethiopian music in the late 1960s and early 70s, but its accomplished musicians are giving new voice to that sound.

The Ethiopian traditional dance and music troupe, Fendika, includes amazing young Azmari artists led by one of Ethiopia’s leading dancers Melaku Belay. Belay, who is one of the most active artists and arts advocates on the Addis Ababa scene today, is an innovative and virtuoso interpreter of Eskista. Belay performed at the Lincoln outdoors concert in 2008 with legendary saxophonist Gétatchèw Mèkurya and The Ex band.

Below is our recent interview with Debo’s band leader Danny Mekonnen, standing front-right in the above photograph.

Tadias: The last time your band was in town, we danced all night. The lead singer makes it very easy.

Danny Mekonnen: Bruck is charismatic and humble, but he’s also a very serious musician! I definitely think having him as a front man makes it easy for audiences to get into our music, even if they don’t understand what he’s singing about. One of the things that inspires me is knowing that what we do is unique — there’s not a group anywhere in the world quite like us. Playing a diverse musical set is important to us because we love music from across the country and throughout Ethiopia’s musical history. To only play music from the 1970s would miss out on great contemporary artists like Gossaye and Tsehaye Yohaness; we’ve played and studied several arrangements by Abegaz Shiota, as well. And to play only Amharic music with a chic-chic-ca beat, would miss out get Tigrigna and Oromo music, too. Ethiopia has a reach musical landscape and we try hard to honor that.

Tadias: How was Fendika received by U.S. audiences?

DM: U.S. audiences went crazy for the traditional dancing of Melaku Belay and his partner Zinash Tsegaye. I think seeing the dance of a culture immediately creates a greater appreciation and understanding of the music. And Melaku and Zinash are the best at what they do! We started working with Fendika (Melaku’s group) in May 2009 on our first tour in Ethiopia. It helped that Debo Band’s members hung out at Melaku’s azmari bet – also called Fendika – every night that we weren’t playing! So the friendship and bond grew in a very organic way.

Tadias: How excited are you about your upcoming appearance in New York this summer?

DM: I can’t tell you how I excited I am to present Debo Band with special guests Fendika at Lincoln Center Out of Doors! I was at the historic concert in 2008 with Getachew Mekuria, Mahmoud Ahmed, and Alemayehu Eshete. I loved the collaborations with saxophonist and The Ex and vocalists and The Either/Orchestra. I think that audiences will remember Melaku as the dancer with Getachew and the Ex. I’m honored that my band is the next group to present Ethiopian music to Lincoln Center audiences. Also, I’m thrilled to have Melaku as the project’s co-leader. He is a visionary Ethiopian artist and his work with Fendika is second to none.

Tadias: Any plans to come out with a CD?

DM: I hope to do more touring with Debo — this summer we are going to California for the first time. And hopefully we’ll do our first European tour in 2012. Yes, we are planning to release a CD next year. I’m really excited about all that we have going on right now.

Tadias: On a personal note, we also hear that you recently became a father. Congratulations!

DM: Thanks so much. My daughter is a year and a half now. I’m not sure I have quite learned to balance work and family! It’s always a struggle, but it helps to have a wife who’s supportive of my band. It also helps that she’s an artist and business owner herself!

Tadias: What kind of music do you listen to at home?

DM: I listen to all kinds of music. Lately I’ve been listening to a lot of Fleet Foxes, a great indie-folk band. But I go through phases where I listen to nothing but hip hop or experimental or Ethiopian music. My inspiration comes from all over including from my friends who are great musicians.

Tadias: Is there anything that you would like to add?

DM: I just want to add that this summer’s tour with Fendika wouldn’t be possible without the support of Lincoln Center. New York is lucky to be home to one of the largest and most artist-friendly performing artists institutions in the world. Our heartfelt thanks go out to Bill Bragin, Director of Public Programming at Lincoln Center, who is a big fan and supporter of both Debo and Melaku.

Tadias: Thank you Danny and good luck.
—-

If You Go:
All events are free and take place on Lincoln Center’s Plaza between Broadway and Amsterdam Avenues, from West 62nd Street to West 65th Street (except where noted). Debo will perform on August 11th. Take No.1 IRT to 66th Street/Lincoln Center Station) OR the A, B, C, D and No. 1 trains to 59th St/Columbus Circle. Visit LCOutofDoors.org for complete schedule or call 212-875-5766 to request a brochure.

Photos courtesy of Debo band.

Video: Addis Ababa Bete – Debo Band with Fendika Dancers at Joe’s Pub, NYC, September 2010

Ethiopia vs. VOA: Acting Director Says ‘I want to set the record straight’

Tadias Magazine
By Tadias Staff

Updated: Tuesday, July 12, 2011

New York (Tadias) – Voice of America’s Acting Director and Executive Editor, Steve Redisch, has told Tadias Magazine that the recent controversy surrounding the removal of a June 23rd content from the broadcaster’s Amharic website was “consistent with VOA’s standards of accuracy.”

Redisch also said VOA’s characterization of a meeting on June 22nd, 2011 between members of the U.S. Broadcasting Board of Governors and Ethiopian Communication Affairs Minister Bereket Simon was ‘inaccurate.’

Abebe Gellaw had reported in his regular column published on Thursday, July 7, 2011 in Addis Voice, quoting “informed sources” inside the VOA, that the suspension of David Arnold, VOA’s Horn of Africa Chief, was a result of a dispute related to his comments in a news report that was broadcast on VOA Amharic service on June 23rd. According to Addis Voice, Mr. Arnold, who was part of a seven-member U.S delegation that met with Ethiopian officials in Addis Ababa last month, had said on VOA Amharic that the Ethiopian government had put forward a demand to the BBG delegation that VOA deny platform to its vocal critics as a precondition to cooperate with the station.

Mr. Redisch did not specifically deny Mr. Gellaw’s report concerning the circumstances of Mr. Arnold’s suspension.

“There have been inaccurate reports about the tone and substance of an official meeting on June 22 between members of the U.S. Broadcasting Board of Governors and Ethiopian Communication Affairs Minister Bereket Simon,” Mr. Redisch said in a letter response to a series of follow-up questions posed by Tadias Magazine. “I want to set the record straight.”

Mr. Redisch said: “BBG Governors Susan McCue, Dana Perino and Michael Meehan held a frank dialogue on a number of issues. Board members urged the Ethiopian government to allow VOA to broadcast on FM stations in Ethiopia, sought to advance the role of media freedom in the country, and stressed the importance of VOA’s mission to provide accurate news and information to audiences there. The government presented its list of complaints about VOA programming. The Governors promised to review those complaints, a process that is currently underway.”

And regarding the removal of audio and text files of a news report from VOA’s Amharic service website?

“A report that aired June 23 on VOA Horn of Africa programs and appeared on its website inaccurately characterized the nature of Ethiopian government complaints about VOA’s programs,” Mr. Redisch said. “Contrary to the VOA report, at no time did Ethiopian government officials ask the Board members to prohibit any individuals from appearing on VOA programs…Consistent with VOA’s standards of accuracy and not for reasons of self-censorship, the report was taken off the website.”

Mr. Redisch adds: “The inaccurate reporting of the meeting has overshadowed the intent of the Governor’s mission. Simply put, it was an opportunity to advance VOA’s mission: to provide reliable, accurate and balanced information to our audiences. And those audiences will be the barometer of our future success.”

In other news:
Famine Returns to East Africa

Tadias TV Exclusive: Inside Amsale Boutique

Update:
Click here: Full version of the interview With Amsale

Tadias Magazine
By Tadias Staff

Sunday, July 10, 2011

New York (Tadias) – The full version of Tadias TV’s exclusive interview with fashion Designer Amsale Aberra will be posted later this week. In the mean time, here is our tour of her bridal boutique on New York’s Madison Avenue.

Amsale’s reality TV show Amsale Girls, a six-hour episode series on the women’s network WE TV, goes behind-the-scenes of this luxury bridal salon.

Her gowns range in price from $4,000 to $75,000, revealing Amsale’s sales consultants as some of the best in the business.

Watch:

Video: Preview of Tadias Magazine’s Interview With Bridal Gown Guru Amsale Aberra

Click here to join the discussion on this topic.

Cover Image: Inside Amsale bridal salon in New York. Photo by Tsedey Aragie, taken on June 28, 2011.

Historic Famine in East Africa Conjures Depressing Sense of Deja Vu

Tadias Magazine
Editorial

Updated: Wednesday, July 27, 2011

New York (Tadias) – A humanitarian crisis of historic proportions is unfolding in drought-hit areas of East Africa, including Somalia, Ethiopia, Djibouti and Kenya. The United Nations says the pending disaster is the largest famine in 60 years.

The UN warns relief is needed urgently and should not be ignored or the world will once again be witnessing the repeat of history, this time on a much larger scale. Unless quickly prevented, nearly 12 million people are thought to be at risk of food insecurity in the Horn of Africa this year. That’s an alarmingly large number of people affected in contrast to the widely publicized 1984 famine that killed approximately one million people. Ethiopians constitute 4.56 million of the current total food insecure populations in the region.

Sadly, the familiar images of hungry children with skinny, malnourished bodies on television screens and front-pages of newspapers around the world, conjures depressing sense of déjà vu for the international community. According to UNICEF, in total 2.23 million children in Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia are estimated to be acutely malnourished. And nearly 720,000 children are at risk of death without immediate assistance.

Dr. Reuben Brigety, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Population, Refugees and Migration, said in a testimony before the House Subcommittee on Africa earlier this month that “in Ethiopia, global acute malnutrition rates close to 50% have been reported among newly arriving refugee children.” Dr. Brigety added: “This situation is substantially worse than when I last visited the Dolo Odo refugee camps in Ethiopia in February of this year. Newly arriving children are now dying in the refugee camp at the rate of two to three per day.”

The United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization held an emergency meeting in Rome recently to discuss campaign strategy to moblize and deliver aid to the region. The meeting was attended by representatives from the G20 countries, ministers and senior officials from UN’s 191 member nations, other U.N. bodies, NGOs and regional development banks.

The UN has officially declared famine in parts of Somalia and it has designated large areas in Ethiopia, Djibouti and Kenya as a crisis or an emergency zone. But the organization says the disaster is likely to expand beyond Somalia in the next few weeks and spread into Kenya, Uganda and Ethiopia.

Watch: UN Declares Famine in Somalia, Channel 4 News

“This summer has been an unspeakable nightmare for millions of children in the Horn of Africa,” said President and CEO of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF Caryl Stern. “We cannot control the weather patterns that have led to drought and famine, but we can do something about helping those who suffer from it. The sooner we act, the more children’s lives can be saved. As little as $10 can feed a child for 10 days.”

UNICEF estimates it will need $100 million over the next six months for a massive scale up of operations to reach children in the drought affected areas with emergency and preventative assistance.

“UNICEF is using every means possible to reach every child. There simply can be no compromise on the objective to keep children and their families alive,” said Elhadj As Sy, Regional Director for UNICEF Eastern and Southern Africa. “We appreciate the generosity of the international community and those contributions are already making a difference. We urgently need more funds to meet the enormous need.”
————-
For more information or to make a tax-deductible contribution to relief efforts in the Horn of Africa, please contact the U.S. Fund for UNICEF: Website: www.unicefusa.org/donate/horn. Or call toll free: 1-800-4UNICEF (1-800-486-4233). Text: Text “FOOD” to UNICEF (864233) to donate $10. Mail: 125 Maiden Lane, New York, NY 10038.

Click here to join the discussion on this topic.

Video: East Africa Food Crisis – Somalia Faces Famine as al-Qaida Threat Halts International Aid

Soccer Tournament Underway in Atlanta, Ethiopian Heritage Festival Concludes in D.C.

Above: The Ethiopian soccer tournament opened in Atlanta
on July 3rd. (Photo 2010 by Kal Kassa/Tadias Magazine file)

Tadias Magazine
Events News

Updated: Tuesday, July 5, 2011

New York (Tadias) – The 28th edition of the Ethiopian Soccer Tournament in North America, which runs through July 9th, is underway in Atlanta, while the First Annual Ethiopian Heritage Festival in Washington, D.C., concluded on July 3rd.

The 2011 soccer tournament marks its fourth return to Atlanta. The city’s Ethiopian soccer team is also four time champion of the national competition, bringing the trophy home in 1994 and 1997 while winning the cup at home games in 1998 and 2005. Atlanta hosted the ESFNA soccer tournament & festivities in 1986, 1998, and 2005.

The D.C. festival also featured sports competition among other entertainment programs, including cultural performances, poetry readings, author’s circle, art exhibition, children’s games, coffee ceremony, food and more.

The Atlanta event goes far beyond sports entertainment, allowing families and friends in North America’s Ethiopian immigrant community to come together in celebration of sports and their cultural heritage. The tournament week is a popular time for networking, alumni gatherings, small business catering, music performances, and reunion parties. Hosting also offers a variety of benefits to the community, including local economic impact stemming from hotel, transportation, food and other-related purchases.

Stay tuned for more coverage of these events.

You can learn more about the Atlanta soccer tournament at www.esfna.net. More information about the D.C. festival can be found at www.ethiopianheritagesociety.org.

Cover Image: At the 2010 San Jose Ethiopian Soccer Tournament by Kal Kassa.

Related from Tadias archives:
Photo Journal: San Jose Ethiopian Soccer Tournament 2010

Photos from Chicago: Ethiopian Soccer Tournament 2009 (Tadias)

$30,000 Raised for First Ethiopian Church in New Jersey (Photos)

Tadias Magazine
Events News

Updated: Sunday, July 3, 2011

New York (Tadias) – At a fundraiser on Monday, June 27, a sold-out crowd donated $30,000 to a campaign aiming to raise funds to help renovate a recently purchased building in West Orange, New Jersey to house Amanuel Ethiopian Orthodox Church, the state’s first Ethiopian owned church property, organizers said.

The event held at Mesob Restaurant in nearby Montclair was an intimate dinner, which brought together a diverse group of people that gave at least $100 per person.

“The kick-off fundraising event is one of many efforts to raise funds to convert the building we are buying into a church,” Tezeta Roro, a member of the Church’s Fundraising Committee and the event’s Master of Ceremonies, said via email. “As you may know, renovating funds are not usually granted for non-residential properties along with a mortgage so we are tasked with raising enough funds for the renovation for which this event is one of many to come.”

The Debre Genet Amanuel Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church was founded in West Orange, New Jersey, in 2006. “Before that a few of us used to go to Church in New York…I went to Church in New York for about 18 years,” said Mr. Tekeste Ghebremicael, Vice Chairman of the Church’s Board of Directors. “Yes, this is the first Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church in the state of New Jersey. We are making history. We hope to open several other Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Churches in New Jersey in the future.”

Mr. Tekeste adds: “During the [previous] 18 years the Ethiopian and Eritrean community in New Jersey grew big enough that it is now able to establish and sustain its own local church.”

Regarding the Kicking off dinner, Tezeta stated: “Our goal was to raise $30,000 at the event. Tickets were sold out. The event went very well. The fundraising committee worked diligently by holding late night conference calls and working with our networks to make the final product fruitful. We are more than satisfied with the turnout. It shows how Ethiopians, non-Ethiopians…can come together to make a difference.”

The building is located at 15-19 Meeker Street in West Orange, New Jersey.

Video: Slideshow of Photographs – The kick-off Fundraising Dinner at Mesob on June 27, 2011

Speaking about the property, Mr. Tekeste said the following in an emailed statement:

“The new Church will be located at 15-19 Meeker Street West Orange, New Jersey. It is only about 8 houses from where we are now worshiping. The new Church will have 3 different buildings. In the front there is a building that has two three bedroom apartments on the second floor and an office with a warehouse on the first floor. This building is fully rented. In the back there is this huge two floor building that stores 14 to 17 antique cars in the first floor and the second floor is rented for now, however it will be converted to a church and an assembly hall with a full kitchen and male and female bathrooms. On the side there are 5 bays and one small office that are rented to different contractors. There is space to park about 45 to 50 cars. We have completed negotiations to purchase the building with the sellers. However, we are awaiting approval from the West Orange Township Zoning Department for Zoning Variance approval. We have hired Zoning expert Lawyers, Architects, Traffic experts, and Structural Engineers to help us process this application. It will take about 3 months from now for the whole process to be completed. Our experts do not expect any complications during the approval process. It is just a formality that is required to legally change the use of the building from a warehouse to an assembly hall (Church). The remaining part of the building will generate an income of $7,000.00 per month excluding the 2nd floor we are going to use as a church and assembly hall. We are buying these 3 buildings for $725,000.00 and we are borrowing $500,000.00. We do have a written Mortgage Commitment and our monthly mortgage payment including Insurance and Property Taxes will be less than $7,000.00. This means once we conclude the purchase of these buildings they will generate enough income to support the monthly mortgage payment while we are using the Church and Assembly Hall for free.”

Publisher’s Note: This story was updated on Sunday, July 3, 2011 with additional comments from Mr. Tekeste Ghebremicael, Vice Chairman of the Church’s Board of Directors.

You can learn more about the renovation project of the newly purchased building and/or donate online at www.aeotc.org.

Cover image: Mesob Ethiopian Restaurant – Montclair, NJ. (Photo by Charlene n Kevin)

Ethiopia Accuses Two Journalists of Terrorism Plot

Tadias Magazine
News Update

Updated: Thursday, June 30, 2011

New York (Tadias) – The Ethiopian government announced today that two journalists were among nine people that were arrested last week on charges of planning terrorist attacks.

According to press reports: “Government spokesman Shimeles Kemal said Wednesday that two journalists were among those arrested. He says they were involved in planning attacks on infrastructure, telecommunications and power lines. Shimeles says two other suspects are members of an opposition party. Shimeles says the suspects were supported by Ethiopia’s archenemy Eritrea and by an international terrorist group, which he did not name. International media rights groups have been calling for the release of Reeyot Alemu, a columnist for the independent weekly Feteh, and Woubshet Taye, deputy editor-in-chief of the weekly Awramba Times newspaper.”

In an interview with Bloomberg News, Kemal said the arrests of the two journalists had “nothing to do with viewpoints they have published.”

But The Committee to Protect Journalists says Alemu had recently criticized the government’s fundraising method for the Nile dam project, and Taye has critically covered local politics as the deputy editor of his newspaper.

“These accusations against Woubshet Taye and Reeyot Alemu must be viewed in light of the Ethiopian administration’s longstanding practice of using trumped-up charges to silence and jail critical independent journalists,” said CPJ Africa Advocacy Coordinator Mohamed Keita. “It is outrageous that a government spokesman should publicly accuse journalists of terrorism when they have not been charged with any crime and are unable to respond because they are in detention. They should be freed immediately.”

According to CPJ, Ethiopia ranks as the second leading African jailer of journalists, behind Eritrea.

Related:
Human Rights and the War on Terror in Ethiopia (Jurist)

Preview: Tadias Interview With Amsale Aberra

Update:
Click here: Full version of the interview With Amsale

Tadias Magazine
Interview by Tsedey Aragie

Updated: Monday, July 4, 2011

New York (Tadias) – In a recent interview with Tadias, Ethiopian American couture bridal-gown designer and entrepreneur Amsale Aberra discussed her new reality TV show Amsale Girls, her success in the fashion industry, her memories of Ethiopia, her musican daughter Rachel Brown and more.

Amsale, 58, who came to the United States from Ethiopia in 1973, is one of the most sought after bridal and evening-wear designers in the United States. Her sophisticated and elegant dresses are favorites among celebrities and she has dressed Hollywood’s A-list, including Julia Roberts, Halle Berry, Salma Hayek, Kim Bassinger, Uma Thurman, Anna Paquin, Heidi Klum, Selma Blair, Lucy Liu and Katherine Heigl, among others. Kate Hudson filmed the big screen adaptation of Something Borrowed at Amsale’s Madison Avenue boutique.

Model Maya Haile wore an Amsale gown during her wedding to renowned chef Marcus Samuelsson at their reception in Addis Ababa.

Amsale Aberra’s new reality show, Amsale Girls, is currently airing on the women’s network WE TV. The six-hour episode series goes behind-the-scenes of this luxury bridal salon that caters to high-maintenance clientele, with gowns donning price tags of $4,000 to $75,000, revealing Amsale’s sales consultants as the best in the business.

Below is the preview of our interview with Amsale. It was taped in her office in New York City on Tuesday, June 28, 2011. The full video will be posted next week.

Watch:

7-11 Hit and Run Suspect to Surrender: Shocking Incident Captured on Video

Above: Gejea Ejeta is recovering after being pushed through
a 7-11 window… Police say know who was driving the Dodge.

Tadias Magazine
News Update

Monday, June 27, 2011

Philadelphia – Yeadon police say the woman wanted for a shocking hit-and-run captured on surveillance video will turn herself in on Friday, NBC Philadelphia reports.

Surveillance cameras captured a car crashing into a 7-11 store and an employee – 24-year-old Gejea Ejeta – being thrown through the front of the building.

Per NBC: “On Thursday, June 9, around 10:30 p.m., police responded to a car accident at the 7-11 store on Church Lane in Yeadon.”

“The video shows a Dodge Caliber park in front of the 7-11. The female driver and a male passenger then get out of the car and walk to the side of the store…the two go back into the car several minutes later. The car is then seen backing up and then speeding forward toward the store, striking another car that was entering a parking spot,” according to NBC Philadelphia.

“The car careens off the other vehicle and accelerates over the curb, striking Ejeta who happened to be standing outside. Ejeta is seen flying through the front window as the car crashes into the store.”

“Ejeta, an Ethiopian immigrant who speaks little English, was taken to the hospital where he was treated for his injuries. Though Ejeta is recovering well, he’s still not healthy enough to return to work.”

Watch:

View more videos at: http://nbcphiladelphia.com.

Results From Sunday’s 10K Race in Boston: Gebre Gebremariam Takes Second Place

Above: Ethiopia’s Gebre Gebremariam finished runner-up at
inaugural B.A.A. 10K race held in Boston on Sunday, June 26.

Tadias Magazine
Sports News

Updated: Sunday, June 26, 2011

New York (Tadias) – Defending Boston Marathon champion Geoffrey Mutai of Kenya won the inaugural B.A.A. 10K on Sunday morning in Boston, finishing the race in 27 minutes, 19 seconds.

The 29-year-old Kenyan bolted to the front after half-way, leaving Ethiopian Gebre Gebremariam and the rest of the pack behind.

Gebre Gebremariam, the reigning New York City marathon men’s champion, came in second.

Boston Marathon runner-up Moses Mosop of Kenya finished third.

In April, Mutai won the Boston Marathon in 2:03.02, the fastest marathon ever recorded.

Gebre Gebremariam, who is also scheduled to represent Ethiopia at the IAAF World Championships in Daegu, South Korea, in late August, finished the B.A.A. 10K race in 28:11.

On the women’s category, Caroline Kilel of Kenya finished first, while Kim Smith of New Zealand came in second. Misiker Demissie of Ethiopia was third.


2011 Boston inaugural B.A.A. 10K winners Geoffrey Mutai and Carolyn Kilel. (The Runners Vibe.com)

Below are the results from Sunday’s inaugural B.A.A. 10K competition held in Boston.

Men:
1. Geoffrey Mutai (KEN) – 27:19
2. Gebre Gebremariam (ETH) – 28:11
3. Moses Mosop (KEN) – 28:29
4. Samuel Chelanga (KEN) – 28:31
5. Samuel Ndereba (KEN) – 29:01
6. Shawn Forrest (AUS) – 29:10
7. Simon Ndirangu (KEN) – 29:30
8. Joseph Chirlee (KEN) – 29:37
9. Elkanah Kibet (KEN) – 30:13
10. Timothy Ritchie (USA) – 30:26

Women:
1. Caroline Kilel (KEN) – 31:58
2. Kim Smith (NZL) – 32:06
3. Misiker Demissie (ETH) – 33:08
4. Heather Cappello (USA) – 33:32
5. Benita Willis (USA) – 34:11
6. Katie Dicamillo (USA) – 34:26
7. Jennifer Campbell (USA) – 35:42
8. Caroline Bjune (USA) – 36:08
9. Trina Painter (USA) – 36:13
10. Mary Kate Champagne (USA) – 36:38

—-
Cover Image: Gebre Gebremariam at a victory dinner on Monday, November 8, 2010 at Queen of Sheba Restaurant in Manhattan following his surprise win at the New York City Marathon on Sunday, November 07, 2010. (Photo by Marie Claire Andrea for Tadias Magazine)

Related from Tadias archives:
Gebre Gebremariam wins first ING New York City Marathon
Victory Dinner for New York City Marathon Winner Gebre Gebremariam – Photos

Boys & Girls Club of Ethiopia?

Above: Ted Alemayhu of USDFA says Africa could gain much
from organizations such as the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

Tadias Magazine
By Tadias Staff

Published: Saturday, June 25, 2011

New York (Tadias) – Inspired by the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, a national organization whose mission is “to enable all young people to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens,” social entrepreneur Ted Alemayhu, Founder and Chairman of US Doctors for Africa, announced plans to launch a similar pilot program in Ethiopia.

Mr. Alemayhu made the announcement at a meeting with a small group of philanthropists in Los Angeles, California this week as part of his plans for 2012.

“The true driving force behind this idea is the encouraging effort being made by several private and public organizations to help bring about well defined and managed social activities for young people in Ethiopia, including preventive healthcare,” Mr. Alemayhu, said via email. “I have always been inspired by the work of The Boys & Girls Club of America whereby millions of young Americans are participating in healthier activities and receiving proper care that continues to play an effective role in shaping their future to becoming better Americans.”

Asked if the club will be a formal chapter of the U.S. organization, Mr. Alemayhu, who is also a father of a young boy, said there is no affiliation.

“We’re certainly inspired by it, but our version will not have any formal connection with The Boys & Girls Clubs of America,” he said. “The idea is to partner with existing agencies and schools in Ethiopia to implement our program. If the test is successful there, then we intend to make it a continent-wide organization. ”

Mr. Alemayhu adds: “An official website will be dedicated to the project where people can read more about it and get involved in helping to materialize the program.”
—-
To learn more or get involved, send an email to: info@usdfa.org. More information about US Doctors for Africa can be found at www.usdfa.org

Cover image: Press conference by US Doctors For Africa to announce a historic health summit with 15 First Ladies from Africa, April 16, 2009 – Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Albert L. Ortega/PR Photos)

Silver Spring Celebrates Ethiopian Fashion, Lifestyle & Culture

Tadias Magazine
Events News

Published: Saturday, June 25, 2011

Sliver Spring (TADIAS) – Celebrate all things Ethiopian from fashion shows to cultural performances and food at the annual Ethiopian festival in downtown Silver Spring today.

The event, scheduled from 3 to 9 pm, is billed as a festival of Ethiopian lifestyle and culture, featuring a variety of lively programs at 908 Ellsworth Drive.

Highlights include live musicians, fashion shows, and traditional arts and crafts exhibit.

Entertainers include Tseday Ethiopian Band, Kebebew Geda, Nesanet & Taya, Berhanu Tezera, Tadele Roba, Tadele Gemechu, and Desalegn Melku.

Wub Abyssinia Fashion Models will showcase designs by Mulu Birhane who makes her first U.S. appearance, as well as works by U.S. based designers, including Betelhem Fashion, Arada Wear, Markos Design, and Hewan Design.


If you Go:
Ethiopian Festival, Sliver Spring
Saturday June 25 from 3-9 PM
908 Ellsworth Drive
Downtown Sliver Spring
Call: 202-390-5182
Minew Shewa Entertainment
Tebabu & Associates

Courtesy photos.

Pentagon Scare Suspect, Yonathan Melaku, Charged in D.C. Area Military Shootings

Tadias Magazine
News Update

Friday, June 24, 2011

New York (Tadias) – Yonathan Melaku, a 22-year-old Virginia resident and a Marine Corps Reserve lance corporal, has been charged with shootings at four D.C. area military sites that took place last fall.

Prosecutors said in court paper that they have evidence that the suspect videotaped himself shouting “Allah Akbar” after he fired shots into the windows of the U.S. Marine Corps museum, located in Triangle, Virginia, on October 16, 2010.

“Alright next time this video turns on, I will be shooting,” Melaku said on the video, court papers say. “That’s what they get. That’s my target. that’s the military building. It’s going to be attacked.”

The U.S. Attorney’s office said if he is convicted of these crimes, Melaku would face a minimum of 35 years in prison and a maximum of life in prison.

According to authorities, the museum shooting in Triangle caused nearly $90,000 of damage to the building. The other shooting incidents occurred at the Pentagon and two military recruiting centers between October and November of last year.

Melaku was taken into custody at Arlington National Cemetery on Friday, June 17 after he was found carrying a backpack containing suspicious items, including the bomb making material ammonium nitrate, spent 9mm shell casings, work gloves, a headlamp and pro-al Qaeda literature.

“Today’s charges allege a pattern of violent behavior…we believe his statements that he’s targeting military installations speak to his desire to engage in violent activity against the military,” U.S. Attorney Neil H. MacBride said.

Video: Yonathan Melaku of Virginia Charged With Military Shootings (The Associated Press)

According to The Washington Post, Melaku remains jailed in Virginia where he has been charged with four counts of grand larceny involving car vandalism and theft. Police records show he was also arrested on May 26 in Leesburg, Virginia, for allegedly smashing windows and stealing property from 27 cars.

“Its always disappointing when someone who wears this uniform gets in trouble with the law,” Lt.. Col Chris Hughes, a spokesman for the Marines, told the Washington Post.

According to the FBI, he serves as “a Marine Corps reservist Lance Cpl and a motor vehicle operator with Combat Engineer Support Company, 4th Combat Engineer Battalion, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve. He has previously been awarded the National Defense Service Medal and the Selected Marine Corps Reserve Medal. He has not deployed overseas.”

The military said paperwork has been filed for the Lance Corporal to be removed from the service. “Melaku was notified Tuesday at the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center that he will be processed for administrative separation due to charges of serious offense,” said the Marine Corps in a statement.

Melaku is a naturalized American citizen from Ethiopia.

Watch: Pentagon scare suspect, Yonathan Melaku, charged in shootings

2011 African Business Awards: Ethiopian Named Outstanding Businesswoman

Tadias Magazine
News Update

Published: Thursday, June 23, 2011

New York (Tadias) – Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu, founder and managing director of the footwear brand SoleRebels and one of the World Economic Forum’s Young Global Leaders for 2011, has been named Outstanding Businesswoman at this year’s African Business Awards, becoming the first Ethiopian to receive the accolade.

The fourth edition of the prestigious gala, which took place in London yesterday, boasted an impressive list of nominees, including Sandie Okoro with Barings Asset Management, Stella Kilonzo, Chief Executive of the Kenya Capital Markets Authority, and Pedu Adebajo of the Mouka group in Nigeria.

Contenders for Business Leader of the Year included Aliko Dangote of Dangote Group from Nigeria, Nizar Juma of Jubilee Holdings Ltd from Kenya, James Mwangi of Equity Bank from Kenya, Phuthuma Freedom Nhleko of MTN Group from South Africa and Vimal Shah of Bidco Oil Refineries, also from Kenya.

“The African Business Awards is a key annual event for the African business world and its accolades are much sought after by Africa’s leading companies and entrepreneurs,” IC publications, the event’s host, notes on its website. “Organised by African Business magazine, and the Commonwealth Business Council (CBC), the African Business Awards has become a platform to celebrate excellence and best practices in African business and recognizes those who have driven Africa’s rapidly transforming economy.”

“ I am excited and deeply honored by this award and I accept it on behalf of all the persons who have played and continue to play a role in my success,” Bethlehem said in a statement. “My success has been and continues to be a truly collective effort.”

Commenting on her award , “Omar Ben Yedder, Publisher of African Business magazine, stated : “ Bethlehem is truly a remarkable entrepreneur and leader . She has built an incredibly successful company and a global brand from scratch. At the same time she has empowered her community and her country while presenting a galvanized, dynamic face of African creativity to the global market. With that in mind we are excited and honored to name her Outstanding Business Woman of the year.”

Click here to learn more about African Business Awards 2011.

Ramech-Art: Designs of Rahel Takle-Peirce

Tadias Magazine
Art Talk
By Alan Bunce

Updated: Thursday, June 23, 2011

Berkshire, UK (Tadias) – The untrained eye may not at first spot the significance of the designs of artist Rahel Takle-Peirce, whose elaborate and colorful pattern creations are used for silk scarves, shawls, sarongs and a variety of other products.

Rahel, born in Addis Ababa in 1951, tells the story of her country of origin, not through writings or poems, but through designs of abstract art.

Every one of her 250 designs has its origins in Rahel’s personal reaction to the traumatic events of the 1970′s in Ethiopia, the dispersion of people from their original homeland and the re-direction of a life that should have been very different. Through the medium of design, she also relays the subsequent joy of her marriage and birth of her two sons.

Rahel’s family who were owners of a coffee plantation, sent their daughter to college in Minnesota which was ended abruptly when they were forced to flee the country and lost everything in the revolution of the 1970s.

They arrived in London in 1976 and Rahel has now lived in England for over 30 years.

She married a scientist and had two sons but still finds the trauma of her past difficult to dwell over.

Her escape is to become a conduit for those thoughts, allowing them to pass through her and onto the canvas, translating them into vibrant designs. Take any one of the images from her portfolio of 250 at her studio Ramech-Art, and Rahel can tell you its origins and how its colours are her way of expressing her emotions, built up over 30, sometimes challenging and sometimes joyful, years.

“I can see the colours of emotions,” she said. “The creative mind has to take over. My artwork has helped to heal me.”

Rahel, who has worked in psychiatry in the UK, first used her art as a way to relax. Now she takes that concept a stage further, listening in strict confidence to the troubles of others to inspire an abstract painting for that person which represents their emotions and internal conflicts and that can help them learn about themselves for many months afterwards.

Her subjects are asked to talk of their thoughts of the ‘now’, while Rahel translates their words into a painting. She says it helps them understand their feelings better.


The basic colour, orange, is the colour of warmth and well being. This represents contentment. The
sun’s connection through the body. In Rahel’s case it was the happiness she felt to be alive with her
young children. (Photograph courtesy of Ramech-Art – Healing art design by Rahel Takle-Peirce)


Appendage: In memory of ‘tied legs’, the realities of those left behind. (Design by Rahel Takle-Peirce)


The basic colors green & blue are colors of growth and peace. In this case, it represents gratitude for
the harmony and abundance in Rahel’s life and the love she experiences through her family. (RTP)

People who feel they are at a crossroads often find it therapeutic, but Rahel describes what she does as a gift rather than something she has to try hard at.

She said: “It’s just like breathing to me. If I can do it for one person, I can do it for anybody.”

But for her it is not a case of pondering the troubles of her subjects, simply interpreting them.

She said: “People tell you their stories and the colours I see symbolise what they say. But it does not go into my mind. My mind switches off to protect me. The designs are a bit like hieroglyphic messages. My mind will translate what they say. I don’t process it in my mind. I see the person’s voice and not much gets registered in my memory. After people have received their design it sticks in their mind rather than mine. When I am finished I feel better and they feel better. They can use the picture to solve problems they are dealing with.”

However, this can work in reverse. People can come to her when they are happy, have an abstract design painted from their thoughts and use it as a tonic at more sombre moments.

But while her paintings all tell stories, the task for Rahel now is to get that story told to fashion buyers and hotel designers. She needs them to know that the designs she wants to sell them carry powerful tales of real human pain and joy and are not purely abstract.

Buyers at some top hotel brands have heaped praise on her work but the opportunities to meet them face to face are few and far between. The marketing obstacle she faces is to convince them she is not just another artist looking to make a living but someone with a remarkable background which took her from wealth to running for her life and then onto joy and happiness.

Rahel’s designs can be printed on textile, paper, any other household items, or on any object. Some printed products are available for purchase directly through her website. You can learn more about Rahel Takle-Peirce and buy her work at www.ramech.com.

Video: The following video is courtesy of Ramech-Art – Rahel’s designs.

Watch:

Ethiopians Handle the Heat and the Cool of End-of-Spring American Races

Tadias Magazine
By Jason Jett

Updated: Tuesday, June 21, 2011

New York (Tadias) – A common misconception among U.S. runners and running enthusiasts is that Ethiopians are accustomed to hot weather and enjoy competing in it.

That association doubtlessly stems from the running prominence of Kenyans, their neighbors and athletic rivals to the South. However it is not necessarily true of Ethiopian runners, who develop their talent over high-altitude training grounds in and around the temperate capital of Addis Ababa.

Over the weekend Ethiopians triumphed in a range of weather conditions, claiming victories both in 80-degree heat at the Shelter Island 10K Run on Long Island, New York, and 48-degree chill at Grandma’s Marathon in Duluth, Minnesota.

Ethiopians won both the men’s and women’s divisions of the Saturday evening race in the Hamptons, where runners benefitted from a cloud cover but had to endure high humidity.

Kumsa Adugna, 25, the runner-up a year ago, this time won the race in 29:44. Ethiopians finishing in the top 10 were Girma Tolla, fourth, 30:04; Abiyot Endale, sixth, 30:49; Birhanu Feysa, seventh, 31:18 and Demesse Tefera, eighth, 32:50.

Tezeta Dengersa, 30, won the women’s race in 34:17, with Muliye Gurma, also of Washington, DC, finishing seventh in 38:57.

Saturday morning in the 35th Grandma’s Marathon in Minnesota, Yihunlish Delelecha Bekele, 29, won the female division in 2:30:38 while Teklu Deneke, 31, was the overall runner-up in a time of 2:12:17.

The runners set out on the course amid light rain and a temperature of 54 degrees that dropped to the high 40s as the race progressed. Many runners wore gloves, and their breath would fog as they exhaled.

It was Bekele’s second marathon victory in five weeks; she won the Dick’s Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon on May 15. Finishing under 2:31 on Sunday earned her a $2,500 bonus on top of the $10,000 winner’s prize money. The time also reset her personal best from the 2:35:36 run last month in Pittsburgh.

“This victory was even sweeter because the time was so much better,” she told The Forum of Fargo Moorhead, MN, after the race in which runners were aided by a tailwind. “The weather was helpful.”

Bekele is enjoying her best season as a professional runner, having quit her job at a 7Eleven convenience store in Washington, DC, after deciding in order to be a successful athlete she had to devote more time to running.

Aziza Aliyu finished eighth among women in 2:36:55 at the Grandma’s Marathon. In the overall results, Asnake Fekadu was eighth in 2:14:20 and Tesfaye Duba finished 19th in 2:18:22

Derese Deniboba captured the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon, a component of the marathon event in Duluth, by outsprinting fellow Ethiopian Tesfaye Alemayehu to finish in 1:02:19 and win by three seconds. Atalalech Asfaw was third in the women’s field, finishing in 1:16:49.

Deniboba broke the half-marathon course record, set in 2002, by two minutes.

“The weather was perfect,” said the Bronx, NY, resident. “It was not really that cold. The rain was not in your face, and there was a lot of downhill.”

The difference in weather was diametric on Long Island, where there was a 5:30 p.m. start for the 32nd Shelter Island 10K.

“I was very hot and humid,” said Endale, who added he pushed the pace early but was disappointed in his finish.

It did not take Endale long to begin feeling better. Sunday morning, 14 hours later, he finished runner-up to Adugna in the Portugal Day 5 Mile Run in New York City’s Central Park.

Ketema Nigusse was third, Girma Tolla was fourth, Fikadu Lemma was fifth and Girma Segni was sixth at that event, which started with a pleasant 71 degrees, 63 percent humidity and fair skies.

A week earlier in Central Park, women had started the NYRR New York Mini 10K with the mercury at 69 degrees but with 96 percent humidity and cloudy skies.

That world-class competition was won by Linet Masai of Kenya in 31:40, with Ethiopians Aheza Kiros (32:09) and Belainish Gebre (32:10) finishing second and third.

Aliyu was 20th in 34:25, Hirut Mandefro was 24th in 34:35, Gurma was 31st in 37:29 and Alem Ashebir was 32nd in 37:50

About the Author:
Jason Jett is a New York based freelance journalist.

Cover image: Kumsa Adugna of Ethiopia posted a winning time of 29 minutes 44 seconds at the
Shelter Island 10K Run on Long Island, New York. (Garret Meade/Riverhead News)

Video: Shelter Island 10K Run (New York)

Related stories by Jason Jett:
Ethiopian Runners in the U.S. Vying for a Level Field With Athletes From Ethiopia
Ethiopian Stars in Canada: Three Wins, One in a Sweep, and a Runner-Up
Ethiopian Runners Shine on Both Coasts
Sign of Spring: Ethiopian Runners Renew Domination of U.S. Road Races

Liya Kebede Named New Face of L’Oreal

Tadias Magazine
By Tadias Staff

Updated: Wednesday, June 22, 2011

New York (Tadias) – The Ethiopian-born supermodel, actress and maternal health advocate, Liya Kebede, has been named the “new face” of L’Oréal – joining Beyonce, Gwen Stefani, Jennifer Lopez, Julianna Margulies and Freida Pinto- in her new role as the global beauty brand’s spokeswoman.

“It is important for me that I represent a brand that reflects my personality,” the 33-year-old said in a statement. “I’m pleased to play a part in sharing the uniqueness, the charisma, and the incredible stories of women of all origins and from all regions of the world.”

Liya Kebede, who is a mother of two children, was first spotted by a modeling agent while attending high-school at Lycee Gebre Mariam in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. She has since become one of the best-known and successful models in the world. She was the first black face of Estée Lauder.

In 2005 she was appointed as the World Health Organization’s Goodwill Ambassador, and in recent years, she has been focused on that role advocating on behalf of maternal, newborn and child health issues. The same year she established the The Liya Kebede Foundation, an organization designed to provide women access to life-saving care in partnership with governments, non-governmental organizations, corporations and affected communities.

In 2007, she launched her green clothing line Lemlem (Amharic for “flourish” or “to bloom”), which features handcrafted collection of women’s and children’s clothing that is made by traditional Ethiopian weavers from her homeland. Lemlem is carried by Barney’s, J.Crew, Net-a-Porter.com and numerous boutique shops.

Liya has also made a successful transition to the big screen starring in the film-adaption of the autobiography Desert Flower, the true story of fellow model Waris Dirie, who escaped a childhood nightmare in Somalia and became a global supermodel, as well as acting in movies such as The Good Shepherd and Lord of War.

She was named one of Times Magazine’s 100 influential people in 2010.

We congratulate Liya on her accomplishments.

Learn more about Liya Kebede at www.liyakebede.com.

Pentagon Scare Suspect, Yonathan Melaku, Charged in D.C. Area Military Shootings

Tadias Magazine
News Update

Friday, June 24, 2011

New York (Tadias) – Yonathan Melaku, a 22-year-old Alexandria resident and a Marine Corps Reserve lance corporal, has been charged with the series of shootings at D.C. area military sites that took place last fall.

Prosecutors said in court paper that they have evidence that the suspect videotaped himself shouting “Allah Akbar” after he fired shots into the windows of the U.S. Marine Corps museum, located in Triangle, Virginia, on October 16, 2010.

“Alright next time this video turns on, I will be shooting,” Melaku said on the video, court papers say. “That’s what they get. That’s my target. that’s the military building. It’s going to be attacked.”

Melaku was taken into custody at Arlington National Cemetery on Friday, June 17 after he was found carrying a backpack containing suspicious items, including the bomb making material ammonium nitrate, spent 9mm shell casings, work gloves, a headlamp and pro-al Qaeda literature.

“Today’s charges allege a pattern of violent behavior…we believe his statements that he’s targeting military installations speak to his desire to engage in violent activity against the military,” U.S. Attorney Neil H. MacBride said.

Video: Yonathan Melaku of Virginia Charged With Military Shootings (The Associated Press)

According to The Washington Post, Melaku remains jailed in Virginia where he has been charged with four counts of grand larceny involving car vandalism and theft. Police records show he was also arrested on May 26 in Leesburg, Virginia, for allegedly smashing windows and stealing property from 27 cars.

“Its always disappointing when someone who wears this uniform gets in trouble with the law,” Lt.. Col Chris Hughes, a spokesman for the Marines, told the Washington Post.

According to the FBI, he serves as “a Marine Corps reservist Lance Cpl and a motor vehicle operator with Combat Engineer Support Company, 4th Combat Engineer Battalion, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve. He has previously been awarded the National Defense Service Medal and the Selected Marine Corps Reserve Medal. He has not deployed overseas.”

The military said paperwork has been filed for the Lance Corporal to be removed from the service. “Melaku was notified Tuesday at the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center that he will be processed for administrative separation due to charges of serious offense,” said the Marine Corps in a statement.

Melaku is a naturalized American citizen from Ethiopia.

Watch: Pentagon scare suspect, Yonathan Melaku, charged in shootings

—–

Tadias Magazine
News Update

June 20, 2011

Washington, D.C. (Tadias) – No explosives were found following last Friday’s dramatic bomb scare at the Pentagon. However, is Lance Corporal Yonathan Melaku, the 22-year old Ethiopian-American decorated Marine reservist, who was detained for trespass that morning at Arlington National Cemetery on suspicion of carrying bomb making materials near the Defense Department headquarters, “simply an unstable, misguided young man, or a cold-blooded lone wolf terrorist?”, ABC News asks, adding that an international investigation has been launched to find the answer. Authorities said Mr Melaku does not appear to have known ties to any terror organization.

Meanwhile, The Washington Post quoted a law enforcement official as saying “This looks like a whole big bunch of nothing” regarding Friday’s Pentagon bomb scare that brought local morning traffic to a standstill – triggered by a red 2011 Nissan and a backpack belonging to the suspect.

According to police records, Melaku also appears to have recent history of run-ins with the law involving car vandalism and theft. A man by the same name was arrested on May 26 in Leesburg, Virginia, for allegedly smashing windows and stealing property from 27 cars.

Lance Corporal Melaku was taken into custody at Arlington National Cemetery early Friday morning suspected of carrying bomb making materials, including what was believed to be ammonium nitrate, and pro-al Qaeda literature. The FBI, however, said no explosives were found in the car or bag and that the al Qaeda reference was mostly notes for a financial class.

The official also told The Washington Post that the agencies involved — including FBI’s Washington Field Office, United States Park Police, Pentagon Force Protection Agency, Ft. Myer Police, Arlington County Police Department and Arlington County Fire Department — were appropriately responding in high alert mode. “With what’s been going on in the world lately and what he said, unfortunately this is what we have to do,” the official said. “You have to go to Defcon 1 and then work your way back down to make sure…I’m sure people were upset sitting in traffic, but that’s the price you pay living in the nation’s capital.”

Authorities searched Melaku’s home located at the Autumn Chase development in Fairfax County and found nothing that would raise public safety concerns.

“We went into a residence … on the public safety provision to confirm [there were] no hazards. There is no public safety hazard at this time,” Andrew C. Ames, an FBI spokesman, said.

As to the contents of his backpack: “It didn’t burn, didn’t blow up, didn’t do anything,” an official with the FBI told The Washington Post. “We’re not certain what the materials were, but it wasn’t anything that was going to cause an explosion or even a fire.”

According to ABC News: “Sources also said there were pro-al Qaeda statements found in a notebook that contained mostly notes for a financial class. There was also was a page containing words “al qaeda,” “Taliban rules,” “mujahidin” and “defeated coalition forces.”

Melaku, a resident of Alexandria, has not been charged in the Pentagon incident, but faces four counts of grand larceny in connection with the series of car vandalism incidents in Leesburg.

Melaku is a naturalized American citizen. According to the FBI, he serves as “a Marine Corps reservist Lance Cpl and a motor vehicle operator with Combat Engineer Support Company, 4th Combat Engineer Battalion, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve. He has previously been awarded the National Defense Service Medal and the Selected Marine Corps Reserve Medal. He has not deployed overseas.”

Per The Washington Post: “The incident began about 1:30 a.m. when police found [Yonathan Melaku] at Arlington Cemetery, said Brenda Heck, a counterterrorism official for the FBI’s Washington field office. He fled officers, but was eventually taken into custody. Cemetery visiting hours are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Heck said the man’s backpack and behavior initially aroused concern. The sack contained items in bags, which initially appeared suspicious, Heck said. The man also refused to cooperate with officers and, after an interview, they decided it was important to find his car, Heck said. Arlington County police found the red 2011 Nissan off Washington Boulevard near the Pentagon shortly before the morning commute began, according to Heck. The investigation closed Routes 27 and 110, all ramps to and from Interstate 395 near the Pentagon and eastbound Interstate 66 to Route 110. The Pentagon remained open.”

“He’s a pretty normal person,” said Dagnachew Bizuwerk, an 11-year-old Ethiopian boy who lives across the street from Melaku’s family, speaking to reporters about Yonathan’s father who works as a taxi driver . “He was a person that doesn’t really talk a lot, a quiet man, doesn’t say much.”
—-
Photo credit: Yonathan Melaku in a booking photo from an arrest in May. (Leesburg Police Department/Reuters/May 26, 2011)

Related:
No explosives found with man in custody near Pentagon (Reuters)

Video: Backpack, Suspicious Man Found Near Pentagon (The Associated Press)

Amsale Girls: Ethiopian Bridal Designer Amsale Aberra’s New Reality Show

Tadias Magazine
By Tadias Staff

Published: Thursday, June 16, 2011

New York (Tadias) – Couture bridal-fashion designer Amsale Aberra’s new reality show, Amsale Girls, is currently airing on the women’s network WE TV.

Amsale, who is originally from Ethiopia and whose elegant designs are favorites among celebrities, has dressed everyone, including Julia Roberts, Halle Berry, Salma Hayek, Heidi Klum, Selma Blair, Lucy Liu and Katherine Heigl, among others.

The hunt for the perfect dress at her Upper East Side New York boutique begins with her employees who work endlessly to meet their boss’s high expectations in search of the right dress for each unique bride.

The reality show, a six-hour episode series, goes behind-the-scenes of this luxury bridal salon that caters to high-maintenance clientele, with gowns donning price tags of $4,000 to $75,000, revealing Amsale’s sales consultants as the best in the business.

“For these ladies, it’s more than just finding a bride her dream dress…being a bridal consultant at Amsale means navigating family disagreements, stroking egos and bending over backwards to move the merchandise,” WE TV said an emailed statement. “Inside the shop, these ladies are often pitted against each other as they work to make their monthly sales numbers, yet outside, they’re girlfriends, helping each other in their personal lives.”

WE TV describes Amsale Girls as a show that “goes inside the high-pressure world of the bridal industry and reveals what it’s really like to work at a premier high-end dress salon.”

“The ladies may have fun and love what they do, but it’s not a profession for those easily deterred,” the company said. “Challenging, stressful and, at times, an emotional rollercoaster, being an Amsale girl means constantly managing differing personalities, drama, personal issues and career aspirations, all with grace, composure and a smile.”

Learn more about the show at www.wetv.com.

Video: Clip from Amsale Girls

Video: Clip from Amsale Girls – Kori steps up

Cover Image:
Amsale Aberra (C) and cast members during the private screening party for the
WETV show Amsale Girls, held at the Amsale Showroom in New York City,
Wednesday, June 8, 2011. Photo by Jennifer Graylock – Graylock.com.

Volcano Ash Disrupts Air Travel in East Africa

Tadias Magazine
News Update

Updated: Thursday, June 16, 2011

New York (Tadias) – The ash cloud from the Eritrean volcano that erupted earlier this week has temporarily rendered parts of East Africa’s air space unsafe for commercial jets to fly.

More airline companies have followed Ethiopian and Lufthansa in announcing further suspensions of flights to the region.

According to BBC, Kenya Airways said it was no longer flying on the Ethiopia-Djibouti route and Dubai’s Emirates airline said it had canceled flights to the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa.

Both Ethiopian Airlines and Lufthansa announced on Tuesday that some of their flights have been canceled.

“Due to the volcanic eruption that resulted in ash cloud, Ethiopian flights to Northern Ethiopia, Khartoum and Djibouti are currently affected,” Ethiopian Airlines said in a statement via its website.

According to Lufthansa’s website, flights from Frankfurt to Addis Ababa have been interrupted.

Turkish Airlines made similar announcement on Tuesday, listing cancellations of several destinations to East Africa – including Istanbul-Addis Ababa, Istanbul-Khartoum, Istanbul-Entebbe, Istanbul-Nairobi, Dar Es Salaam-Nairobi, Nairobi-Istanbul.

Sudan Tribune reports that the low-cost carrier Fly Dubai has also suspended service to the Ethiopian capital.

“We are closely monitoring” the situation, Getachew Tesfa, a spokesman for Ethiopian Airlines, told Bloomberg News. “As things get better we are ready to operate. All other flights are operating.”

EAL advised it’s customers to contact its ticket offices or their travel agents about the status of their flights, especially to the named destinations.

The long-dormant volcano erupted in the early hours of Monday morning in Eritrea, spewing ash cloud across East Africa, causing airlines to brace for air travel disruptions, and forcing U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to shorten her visit in Ethiopia.


Above: Initial reports from news agencies and the Volcanic Ash Advisory Center in Toulouse, France, proclaimed the eruption to be occurring at Dubbi, a volcano further south. But later reports from volcanologists, field scientists, and the satellite image above appear to confirm the eruption at Nabro. There are no historical reports of eruptions at Nabro before this. (NASA satellite image on June 13, 2011)

The independent earthquake monitoring website Earthquake-Report.com notes: “During the late afternoon and evening of June 12, 2011, a series of moderate earthquakes struck the Afambo, Eritrea area. The moderate earthquakes were followed by 2 strong 5.7 earthquakes.”

“Charts on the website of the France-based Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC) showed the eruption throwing an ash cloud 13.5 km (8.4 miles) up — a potential blight on airlines,” Reuters reported.

The news agency said Satellite images obtained by VAAC showed the cloud was moving towards Saudi Arabia.

Per BBC: “Atalay Ayele of the Geophysical Observatory Centre of Ethiopia’s Addis Ababa University said the size of the ash cloud was decreasing.”

“The ash’s direction and its intensity were very high on Sunday, but… the Modis [Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer] satellite shows a weakening,” he said.


Video : Quake TV This video was recorded just before [Quake TV] received the official notification from the Eritrean government that nobody was seriously injured in the explosion and eruption. It gives a better impression of the whole story.

Video: Quake TVThis is a video report explaining events [on June 13, 2011] in and around the Nabro volcano in Eritrea.

Video : Quake-TV This is a 9 second Eumetsat weather satellite image series showing the eruption plume of the volcano in RGB color.

Related:
Eritrea Volcano Activity : Eruption Increasing Again (Earthquake Report)
Volcano erupts in Eritrea after earthquakes (Reuters)
Eritrea ash disrupts air travel (BBC News)

Meeting the Godfather of Ethiopian Jazz

Above: Mulatu Astatke first cooked up EthioJazz 42 years ago
while studying music in the United States. (Photo BBC News)

By Will Ross
BBC News, Addis Ababa

14 June 2011

Mulatu Astatke, the godfather of Ethiopian jazz music, is often flying around the world performing sell-out shows so I was lucky to find him at his home in Addis Ababa surrounded by art, conjuring up magic on his vibraphone – which looks like a giant xylophone.

He described the recipe for Ethio-jazz which he first cooked up 42 years ago while studying music in the United States.

“Most of our Ethiopian music is based on five notes [pentatonic]. What I did was fuse the five tones with 12 tones. For many years I’ve been experimenting and the more I do that the more complex it gets,” Mr Mulatu told the BBC.

Read more and watch video at BBC News.

Tutu Belay’s Ethio­pian Yellow Pages: Life, by the book

Above: Tutu Belay’s Ethiopian Yellow Pages have helped to
make her a prominent member of DC’s Ethiopian community.

The Washington Post – Lifestyle
By Emily Wax,

Published: June 8

With her bulky Ethiopian Yellow Pages jostling in the passenger seat, “Mama Tutu” Belay lurches her black Mercedes to a stop. She squints suspiciously at a new bakery operating in a basement on Georgia Avenue that claims to use clay plates to make an authentic version of injera, the spongy bread that is a dietary staple of her homeland. “It’s suspect!” Mama Tutu decrees while looking over the bakery, which is painted pumpkin orange and flies American and Ethiopian flags. “I need to make sure it’s legit before it goes anywhere near my book.”

Her book is the Ethiopian Yellow Pages, which includes hundreds of the Ethiopian American businesses that have taken over once-blighted storefronts across the Washington region. Read more at The Washington Post.

ArifLife: Iphone Application for Ethiopian News and Events

Tadias Magazine
By Tadias Staff

Updated: Friday, June 10, 2011

New York (Tadias) – ArifSoft, the Bay Area based developer of Ethiopian mobile apps, has announced the launching of ArifLife – a free application for the iPhone and iPod that helps users easily access business directories, news, and Ethiopian American events all over the United States and beyond.

The new app is developed by the same group that created ArifZefen, an app that enables Ethiopian artists to share their music. The organization is also behind ArifQuas and EriSoccer, both aptly named to provide soccer enthusiasts with real-time scores and festival information. ArifQuas was released during the 2010 Ethiopian Soccer Tournament, while EriSoccer makes its debut at the annual Eritrean sports gathering this year.

Bef Ayenew, a software engineer and one of the two former MIT classmates who conceived the idea for ArifSoft, says their latest offering is an information bank that can be tapped by everyone with an iPhone, iPod, iTouch or iPad . “ArifLife is a one-stop reference app for events, places and news in the Ethiopian and Eritrean communities,” Bef said in a recent interview with Tadias Magazine. “Not only does it help you stay informed about all the activities in your community, the app will even map your events for you, and give you the directions to each location.”

“Suppose you need directions to the closest church or the phone number and operating hours of a local restaurant. Or maybe you need to know what time the hottest party in town is starting and how to dress up and get in for free. These are the kind of things that will be at your fingertips with ArifLife. It’s an international app that is designed to work everywhere including in Europe and Africa,” adds Bef.

The application, which is integrated with popular social networks such as Facebook and Twitter, offers a number of activity categories including dining, nightlife, film screenings, art shows, cultural gatherings and religious services.

“ArifLife app has three major components: events, businesses and news,” says co-founder Ephraim Tekle. “The events section includes concerts, parties, movies and several other events within the community and the business section serves as mobile yellow pages with a variety of business listings ranging from restaurants and coffee shops to barbers and travel agencies.” He points out that the application relies on a largely self service model– allowing the end user such as a business owner or promoter to manually add and update information in the database.

Ephraim notes: “iPhone remains the platform of choice for developers worldwide. Now that Verizon also offers the iPhone, the user base of iPhone users has and will continue to grow significantly. This offers a great opportunity for app developers to tap into an ever expanding customer base.”

And why is the application free and how does ArifSoft plan to make money? “We are currently focused on getting the word out, introducing the technology and platform to businesses, and incorporating more and more regions in our goal to go global over the next few months,” says Bef Ayenew. “We believe in the long term profitability of the app as more and more users on both ends of the spectrum, businesses and end users alike, realize the value it adds, but ultimately our revenue will come primarily from advertisement and listing fees.”

You can download ArifLife at the app store and learn more about ArifSoft at www.arifsoft.com.

Ethiopian Runners in the U.S. Vying for a Level Field With Athletes From Ethiopia

Tadias Magazine
By Jason Jett

Published: Tuesday, June 7, 2011

New York (Tadias) – Buzunesh Deba of New York City ran the 11th-fastest marathon in the world this year in scorching the course on Sunday at the Dodge Rock n’ Roll San Diego Marathon.

Deba, an Ethiopian, won the event by nearly two minutes after completing the first-half of the course alongside fellow countrywoman Misikir Mekkonin. She finished the race in 2:23:31, while Mekkonin, who lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico, was runner-up in a personal best time of 2:25:21.

Deba’s performance on Sunday was described by elite runners coordinator Matthew Turnbull as “one that will make people stand up and take notice.”

It also raises the question: are Ethiopian runners in the United States closing the competitive gap with their compatriots from home?

During the course of the running season in the United States and Canada, major events often come down to a contest between Ethiopians who reside in America and Ethiopians who live in Ethiopia — with many of the runners who travel direct from Addis Ababa being members of the Ethiopian National Athletics Team.

Add in highly competitive Kenyan runners, both those who train in North America and others who travel direct from Kenya, and North America-based Ethiopian runners face a daunting challenge at every competition.

In an attempt to level the field, U.S. based Ethiopian runners are abandoning New York City and Washington, D.C., and seeking high-altitude training grounds of their own

Alemtsehay Misganaw, one of the most consistent athletes on the North America running circuit the past five years, escapes winters by going home to Ethiopia and training at high-altitude from early December to late March — essentially experiencing a second summer each year.

In this seasonal migration she is not alone among runners in the United States. There is a cadre of Ethiopians and Ethiopian-Americans who have found athletic success in America. Serkalem Abra, Genna Tufa and Atalalech Ketema – all seasoned veterans on the North American circuit, also spent last winter at various training sites in and around Addis Ababa, returning to the United States just in time for the spring start of the running season.

With a foot in both countries, either as permanent U.S. residents or traveling with multi-year athletic visa, the runners’ winter mission is to gain enough benefit from Ethiopian altitude-training to be competitive from April to November in races in North America.

Deba, Mekkonin, and other runners who do not spend winter in Ethiopia are training at mountainous locales in this country so they, too, can travel direct from altitude to competitions.


Alemtsehay Misganaw, center, and Mikael Tesfaye, to her left, with
Ethiopian National Athletics Team member Abraham Yilma, right, at
the Jan Meda training course in Addis Ababa. (Photo by Jason Jett).

Belainish Gebre, who won the 2010 Honolulu Marathon, has trained the past three years in Flagstaff, Arizona. Aziza Aliyu, winner of the 2011 ING Miami Marathon, trained last winter in Albuquerque.

Successes speak well for Diaspora athletes, but can they actually catch up to runners who both live and train in Ethiopia?

Misganaw, who won the Virginia Beach Yeungling Shamrock 8K in March and April’s Kentucky Derby Festival Mini-Marathon, said she still has a good base from winter altitude-training and only wishes she could import her coach from Ethiopia.

Mikael Tesfaye has coached Misganaw the past two winters in the absence of her coach-brother Sofonias Ajanew, who in 2009 relocated from Addis Ababa to Luanda to train the Angolan Olympic Team’s track squad.

Tesfaye, a protégé of Ajanew, is an elite runner in his own right, having finished 10th in the 2007 Lebanon Marathon and served as a pacemaker in finishing the 2009 Poznan (Poland) Marathon. Misganaw said her chief benefit from Tesfaye’s coaching comes when pacing through rugged training sessions at sea level in New York City’s Central Park.

Misganaw trained six weeks in the summer of 2009 with Gebre in Flagstaff, and after returning to New York City decided expert coaching and a quality pacemaker can help offset a lack of year-round altitude training.

Retta Feyissa, the coach and manager of Aliyu, said training in Arizona or New Mexico is an option but there is nothing comparable to the rigorous workouts to be had in Ethiopia.

He said, “Many of the Ethiopian runners living in the USA cannot afford to go back and forth to Ethiopia to train for specific races. Training in New Mexico is advantageous, but it is not like training in Ethiopia where you can eat organically and readily find training partners.”

Bill Staab, president of West Side Runners’ Club, which sponsors and advises a large number of international runners based in New York and Washington, said “ideally an Ethiopian runner in the U.S. might live in, say, New York City, go to Albuquerque in the winter and then once a year travel to Ethiopia for two months of intense training for a specific event such as the ING New York City Marathon.”

However, Deriba Merga and Dire Tune, both dominant Ethiopian distance runners, do not see the gap between runners based here and there being closed in World Major races such as the Boston Marathon or the ING New York City Marathon.

“In Ethiopia the conditions are better, the altitude is greater,” Merga, winner of the 2009 Boston Marathon, said after winning the Ottawa 10K last week. Tune, speaking in Amharic, agreed.

“Also, the coaching is better,” added Merga. “Here, one runner has this coach and another has that coach. Runners have their own coach.”

“In Ethiopia we all have the same coach, we are a team,” he said, pointing around a lunch table to 2008 Boston Marathon winner Tune and 2004 Olympian Ejegayehu Dibaba.

“And the culture is different in Ethiopia,” Merga added. “There is more discipline, and a focus on training.”

Asked if such discipline and focus means day-after-day cycles of only running, eating and sleeping, Merga said there is free time in the runners’ schedules.

“I have a car, and I take my girlfriend out to the movies or to a restaurant,” he said. “We like to have a good time.”

Dibaba smiled, and then put her hand over her mouth and the discussion came to an end. Speaking in Amharic, Dibaba said she has free time but “that part of my life is private.”

Video: Post-race interview with Buzunesh Deba at the 2011 Dodge San Diego Marathon

About the Author:
Jason Jett is a New York based freelance journalist.

Cover Image:
The photograph shows the first two women to come through Petco Park during the 2011 San Diego Rock-n-Roll marathon. The location is past near the 5 mile marker. The runner in front is Buzunesh Deba, the eventual winner of the marathon. She finished the race in 2:23:31, the fastest time ever run by a woman in California. (Photo by Justin Brown).

Related stories by Jason Jett:
Ethiopian Stars in Canada: Three Wins, One in a Sweep, and a Runner-Up
Ethiopian Runners Shine on Both Coasts
Sign of Spring: Ethiopian Runners Renew Domination of U.S. Road Races

Clinton’s Remarks at AU Headquarters in Ethiopia (Video & Photos)

Tadias Magazine
News Update

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

New York (Tadias) – During her recent trip to Ethiopia, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, focused on regional issues, visiting the African Union (AU) headquarters and meeting with AU Chairperson Jean Ping, in addition to bilateral meetings with Ethiopian officials, including Prime Minister Meles Zenawi.

In a speech delivered at the African Union in Addis Ababa on Monday – prior to her hurried departure from the country due to a volcanic eruption in neighboring Eritrea – Clinton issued a warning to the continent’s leaders, reminding them to take note of fast-moving developments in North Africa and the Middle East.

Below is the video and full-text of Secretary Clinton’s Addis Ababa speech. Click here to view photos of her travel to Ethiopia.

Watch:

Remarks
Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
June 13, 2011

SECRETARY CLINTON: Good afternoon. It is a great honor to join you here in Addis Ababa and to address the African Union. I want to thank Chairperson Ping, members of the African Union Commission, ambassadors to the AU, representatives of United Nations agencies, and, most of all, representatives of the nations and people of Africa. Thank you for the opportunity to be here with you. It is good to be back in Africa, and it is a singular honor to address this body.

During the past few days, I have traveled to Zambia, Tanzania, and now Ethiopia, meeting with leaders and citizens who are rising to meet challenges of all kinds with creativity, courage, and skill. And I am pleased to come to the African Union today as the first United States Secretary of State to address you, because I believe that in the 21st century, solving our greatest challenges cannot be the work only of individuals or individual nations. These challenges require communities of nations and peoples working together in alliances, partnerships, and institutions like the African Union.

Consider what it takes to solve global challenges, like climate change or terrorism, or regional ones, like the African Union’s work in Sudan and Somalia. Your efforts to end the brutal campaign of the Lord’s Resistance Army, your push to create a green revolution for Africa that drives down hunger and poverty, the challenge of helping refugees displaced by conflict, the fight against transnational crimes like piracy and trafficking: These are diplomatic and development challenges of enormous complexity. But institutions like this make it easier for us to address them, by helping nations turn common interests into common actions, by encouraging coalition building and effective compromising, by integrating emerging nations into a global community with clear obligations and expectations.

That is why, as Secretary of State, I have emphasized the work of regional institutions throughout the world, in Latin America, in Asia, in Europe, and in Africa. Now, regional institutions, of course, may differ, but increasingly they are called upon to be problem solvers and to deliver concrete results that produce positive change in people’s lives.

To solve the problems confronting Africa and the world, we need the African Union. We also need Africa’s sub-regional institutions, all of whom must help lead the way. Because the results you will achieve will shape the future, first and foremost, of course, for the people of Africa, but also for the people of my country, and indeed for people everywhere because what happens in Africa has global impact. Economic growth here spurs economic growth elsewhere. Breakthroughs in health research here can save and improve lives in other lands. And peace established here makes the world more secure.

So the United States seeks new and dynamic partnerships with African peoples, nations, and institutions. We want to help you accelerate the advances that are underway in many places and collaborate with you to reverse the dangerous trends and encourage political, economic, and social progress.

Today, I’d like briefly to discuss three areas, which are areas of emphasis for you and for us and where I think we can make particular progress through regional institutions like the AU. They are democracy, economic growth, and peace and security. These are, of course, the core areas of focus for the African Union, and that’s for a reason. All three are critical for a thriving region. All three must be the work both of individual nations and communities of nations. And all three present challenges, opportunities, and responsibilities we must address together.

First, democracy. Let me begin by saying this is an exciting time for African democracy. More than half the countries in Sub-Saharan Africa have embraced democratic, constitutional, multi-party rule. Now, some, like Botswana, Ghana, and Tanzania, have spent decades building strong institutions and a tradition of peaceful, democratic transitions. (Interruption to audio.) When things like this happen, you just keep going. (Laughter.) (Applause.) Now, those countries that I mentioned are models, not only for their neighbors, but increasingly for countries everywhere.

Other African nations have been also making important advances. In Nigeria, President Jonathan was inaugurated 15 days ago after what many have called the fairest election in Nigeria’s recent history. Benin and Malawi both held successful elections this spring, building on previous successful multiparty contests. Kenya’s democracy got a boost from last year’s referendum on its new constitution. The vote took place without violence, and the constitution, which includes a bill of rights and limits on executive power, passed by a large margin. Niger and Guinea, both of which endured recent military coups, held successful elections in the past year. And in Cote d’Ivoire, the crisis that followed the 2010 elections was finally resolved two months ago with the help of the AU, and the elected winner is now serving as president.

These are just a few examples of Africa’s recent democratic gains. A complete list would fill all the time we have today. In several nations, the institutions of democracy are becoming stronger. There are freer medias, justice systems that administer justice equally, and impartially, honest legislatures, vibrant civil societies.

Now, much of the credit for these hard-won achievements rightly belongs to the people and leaders of these countries who have passionately and persistently, sometimes at great risk to themselves, demanded that their leaders protect the rule of law, honor election results, uphold rights and freedoms. But credit is also due to the African Union, which has prohibited new leaders who have come to power through military rule and coups from being seated in the organization. The AU and Africa’s other regional institutions have also played a pivotal role in ending crises and creating the conditions for successful, democratic transitions, with the AU’s work to monitor elections being an especially important contribution.

But, even as we celebrate this progress, we do know that too many people in Africa still live under longstanding rulers, men who care too much about the longevity of their reign, and too little about the legacy that should be built for their country’s future. Some even claim to believe in democracy – democracy defined as one election, one time. (Laughter.) (Applause.)

Now, this approach to governing is being rejected by countries on this continent and beyond. Consider the changes that have recently swept through North Africa and the Middle East. After years of living under dictatorships, people have demanded new leadership; in places where their voices have long been silenced, they are exercising their right to speak, often at the top of their lungs. In places where jobs are scarce and a tiny elite prospers while most of the population struggles, people – especially young people – are channeling their frustration into social, economic, and political change.

Their message is clear to us all: The status quo is broken; the old ways of governing are no longer acceptable; it is time for leaders to lead with accountability, treat their people with dignity, respect their rights, and deliver economic opportunity. And if they will not, then it is time for them to go.

Every country in the world stands to learn from these democracy movements, but this wave of activism, which came to be known as the Arab Spring, has particular significance for leaders in Africa and elsewhere who hold on to power at all costs, who suppress dissent, who enrich themselves and their supporters at the expense of their own people. To those leaders our message must be clear: Rise to this historic occasion; show leadership by embracing a true path that honors your people’s aspirations; create a future that your young people will believe in, defend, and help build. Because, if you do not – if you believe that the freedoms and opportunities that we speak about as universal should not be shared by your own people, men and women equally, or if you do not desire to help your own people work and live with dignity, you are on the wrong side of history, and time will prove that.

The United States pledges its support for those African nations that are committed to doing the difficult but rewarding work of building a free, peaceful, and prosperous future. And we look to institutions like the African Union, that are dedicated to democracy and good governance, to continue to encourage countries to walk that path or risk isolating themselves further.

Now, of course, creating the conditions that allow people and communities to flourish in a democracy cannot simply be a matter of holding elections; they are a necessary but not sufficient condition. Good governance requires free, fair, and transparent elections, a free media, independent judiciaries, and the protection of minorities. And democracy must also deliver results for people by providing economic opportunity, jobs, and a rising standard of living.

Now, here, again, the map of Africa is lit up with success stories. Six of the world’s 10 fastest growing economies in the last decade are in Sub-Saharan Africa, and that percentage is expected to grow in the next five years. At a time when investors everywhere are hunting for promising new markets and worthy new ventures, Africa is attracting attention from all corners.

But a prosperous future is not guaranteed. Several of Africa’s highest performing economies are dependent on a single industry or a single export, often a commodity, which we know can have both good and bad consequences. It can discourage the rise of new industries and the jobs that come with them, and it can concentrate a nation’s wealth among a privileged few. Meanwhile, even while growth rates skyrocket in some countries, in others they are rising too slowly and it can take too long for growth on paper to translate into jobs that are spread across a country. But it is this desire that is especially urgent among the youth of Africa that cannot be ignored.

When we saw the uprisings first in Tunisia and then in Egypt, they were about both political change and economic change. Too many young people said they had studied, they had worked hard. The tragic story of the young vegetable vendor who finally, in great frustration – because no matter how hard he tried, a corrupt regime would not give him the chance to have the sweat of his brow translated into economic benefits for himself and his family. More than 40 percent of the people living in Africa are under the age of 15. It rises to nearly two thirds if we look at under the age of 30. These young people are all coming of age at once and they are all connected. There are no more secrets because of social media, because that incredible technology can inform a young person in a rural area, where there are no roads, but there are cell phones, what is going on in his capital or in neighboring countries.

Creating jobs and opportunity for these young people is an enormous challenge, and one that I know the African Union is committed to addressing. Your summit later this month is focused on youth empowerment for sustainable development. You are right that young people must be brought into this work themselves, otherwise your hardest working, your best and your brightest, will either be frustrated and act out against the leaders of their country or they will leave to find opportunities in other lands. After all, the people who are speaking out most passionately across Africa are doing so with an eloquence and an advocacy that should, as the older generations, make us proud. These are young people who want to make something of themselves. All they need is the chance to do so.

Countries such as Zambia, Mali, Ghana, and Rwanda have had strong successes with their approaches to development. They have diversified their economies and created jobs across many sectors, which has helped to decrease poverty. They have continuously reinvested in the foundations of their economies, building roads and power plants and expanding access to financial services so more people can start or grow businesses. Based on lessons we’ve learned from our work around the world, the United States wants to deepen our partnerships with countries that take a broad-based, inclusive, sustainable approach to growth.

Now, I will be the first to admit that too much of our development work in the past provided only temporary aid and not the foundation for lasting change that helps people permanently improve their lives and communities. But the Obama Administration is taking a different approach. Our goal is to help countries’ economies grow over time so they can meet their own needs. Ultimately, we believe that the most effective development programs are the ones that put themselves out of business because they spark economic activity, they help create strong institutions, they nourish a private sector that, unleashed, will create more jobs.

And at the same time, we are asking our partners to do their part. How? Increased transparency, strengthen tax systems, fight corruption. Every bribe paid to a customs official or a government employee represents a hidden tax on the cost of doing business and a drag on economic growth. We are making this a priority in our diplomatic engagement, and we look to our partners to take concrete actions to stop corruption. One of the possible benefits of technology is doing what’s called electronic government, e-government, putting government services online so you don’t have to go through so many hands to get that permit to start a business. And we are encouraging and will work with countries interested in pursuing that kind of opportunity.

We’re also putting a new emphasis on trade. I spoke about this a few days ago at the AGOA Forum in Lusaka. During the past decade, Africa’s non-oil exports to the United States quadrupled, and we’ve only begun to tap the potential. We can and we will trade much more with each other. In fact, we are establishing, with a $120 million commitment over the next four years, trade hubs to help businesses write business plans; to learn how to market their products; to get the kind of technical advice that would not be affordable for a small or medium-sized business.

Trade should not only, however, increase across the ocean or the sea to Europe and the United States. Trade has to increase across this continent. There is less trade among the countries within Sub-Saharan Africa than within any other region in the world, and yet there are consumers and there are producers, but there are barriers – tariff barriers, non-tariff barriers, longstanding suspicions that have to be overcome in order to take advantage of the economic engine that Sub-Saharan Africa can be.

I commend those countries and institutions working to accelerate economic integration, such as the East African Community. And last year, the United States became the first country to nominate an ambassador to the EAC, and we are pursuing a partnership to help build a customs union and a common market. And we applaud the efforts that began with the meeting in South Africa, last week, to discuss a tripartite free trade agreement that will lower trade barriers across dozens of countries.

And the vision of an African common market is worth pursuing. This approach is reflected in our Millennium Challenge Compacts, which form partnerships with developing countries devoted to good governance, economic freedom, and investing in one’s citizens. You can see it in our Partnerships for Growth Program: We picked four countries in the world that we thought could put all the pieces together, and two of them are in Africa, Tanzania and Ghana. These nations have made strong commitments to democracy, to their own development progress, and we’re stepping up our economic relations with these top performers.

Another example of our new approach is our Feed the Future food security initiative. We’re investing $3.5 billion in 20 focus countries, including 12 in Africa, to revitalize agricultural sectors so you can increase food production and availability, raise your farmers’ incomes, decrease hunger and under-nutrition. And through the Feed the Future, we are supporting the AU’s Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Program, which, we think, has laid the foundation for more effective agricultural policies across the continent. By investing in agriculture and strengthening nations’ food security, we will see economies grow and stability increase.

There’s another important element of sustainable economic development, and that is improvements in health. Right now, several African countries are making great strides in bringing life-saving health interventions to more of their people. Zambia has significantly reduced mother-to-child transmission of HIV. Nigeria has made great progress in fighting polio through renewed vaccination efforts. And Ethiopia has mobilized an army of 30,000 health workers to bring a basic package of care to remote regions. We are backing these kinds of improvements through our Global Health Initiative, which supports country-led programs and helps countries unite separate health programs into one sustainable health system.

So we are combining our efforts through PEPFAR, through AID, through CDC, and other U.S. Government approaches, because we think health is a critical element of a nation’s security. When epidemics are prevented from occurring or ended or controlled quickly, when people can get life-saving care when they need it and return to their jobs and their lives, families are stronger, communities are stronger, and nations are stronger.

And finally, when it comes to economic opportunity and development, we must empower the continent’s women. The women of Africa are the hardest working women in the world. And so often – (applause) – so often what they do is not included in the formal economy, it is not measured in the GDP. And yet, if all the women in Africa, from Cairo to Cape Town, decided they would stop working for a week, the economies of Africa would collapse. (Applause.)

So let’s include half the population. Let’s treat them with dignity. Let’s give them the right and responsibility to make a contribution to the 21st century of African growth and progress. And the United States will be your partner, because we have seen what a difference it makes when women are educated, when they have access to health care, when they can start businesses, when they can get credit, when they can help support their families. So let us make sure that that remains front and center in the work we do together.

And finally, let me address peace and security. In recent years, a quiet storyline has emerged out of the security challenges that have developed on the continent. More and more, the African Union and Africa’s sub-regional organizations and African states, working alone or in concert, are taking the lead in solving Africa’s crises. In Somalia, AMISOM, the African Union’s peacekeeping mission, thanks to heroic efforts by Ugandan and Burundian soldiers, has helped the Transitional Federal Government make remarkable security gains in Mogadishu over the past couple of months. Al-Shabaab, an affiliate of al-Qaida, is finally on the defensive, and we see that because they are increasingly resorting to suicide bombers and the targeting of civilians, a sign of desperation.

Now, we expect Somalia’s Transitional Federal Government to create political and economic progress to match AMISOM’s security progress. It cannot continue operating the way it has in the past. We look to the TFG to resolve their internal divisions and improve the lives of the millions of Somalis who continue to suffer, and we know that the AU will be their partner in doing so.

In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, we remain concerned about the continued violence against women and girls and the activities of armed groups in the eastern region of the country. Every effort by the AU and UN will be necessary to help the DRC respond to these continuing security crises.

And then there is the situation in Sudan: South Sudan is less than one month away from becoming the world’s newest state. And the governments of Sudan and South Sudan have made laudable progress in implementing certain provisions of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement. But recent developments along the border, particularly in the Abyei region, are deeply troubling. The parties must resolve the remaining CPA issues peacefully through negotiations, not violence. And again, the African Union has played a critical role in facilitating negotiations in Sudan. And I also want to thank the prime minister of Ethiopia, our host country, for everything he has done and is doing as we speak today.

I will have the opportunity later this evening to meet with representatives from both the North and South to add my voice and that of President Obama and my government to the chorus of voices saying the same thing: Resolve your differences, settle the problem in Darfur. And we got some good news out of Doha today that we hope will translate into real progress. But come together and make it possible for both of these countries to have peaceful, prosperous futures.

And there is, of course, another country whose security matters to all of us, and that is Libya. Libya has been the subject of many of our discussions during the past few months. And I believe there is much on which we can agree. There is little question that the kind of activities that, unfortunately, have affected the Libyan people for more than 40 years run against the tide of history. And there is little question that despite having the highest nominal GDP in Africa, thanks to oil, Libya’s wealth was too concentrated within Qadhafi’s circle.

But of course, all the countries here are not in agreement about the steps that the international community, under the United Nations Security Council, have taken in Libya up to this point. Having looked at the information available, the Security Council, including the three African members, supported a UN mandate to protect civilians, prevent slaughter, and create conditions for a transition to a better future for the Libyan people themselves.

Now, I know there are some who still believe that the actions of the UN and NATO were not called for. And I know it’s true that over many years Mr. Qadhafi played a major role in providing financial support for many African nations and institutions, including the African Union. But it has become clearer by the day that he has lost his legitimacy to rule, and we are long past time when he can or should remain in power.

So I hope and believe that while we may disagree about some of what has brought us to this place, we can reach agreement about what must happen now. For as long as Mr. Qadhafi remains in Libya, the people of Libya will be in danger, refugee flows by the thousands will continue out of Libya, regional instability will likely increase, and Libya’s neighbors will bear more and more of the consequences. None of this is acceptable, and Qadhafi must leave power.

I urge all African states to call for a genuine ceasefire and to call for Qadhafi to step aside. I also urge you to suspend the operations of Qadhafi’s embassies in your countries, to expel pro-Qadhafi diplomats, and to increase contact and support for the Transitional National Council. Your words and your actions could make the difference in bringing this situation to finally close and allowing the people of Libya, on an inclusive basis, in a unified Libya, to get to work writing a constitution and rebuilding their country. The world needs the African Union to lead. The African Union can help guide Libya through the transition you described in your organization’s own statements, a transition to a new government based on democracy, economic opportunity, and security.

As we look to the future, we want to work with the African Union not only to react to conflicts and crises but to get ahead of them, to work together on a positive agenda that will stop crises before they start. And I think we can find many areas for collaboration.

On youth engagement, which is a priority for both the AU and President Obama, we seek to pursue a specific work plan with you. On democracy and good governance we already work together to monitor elections across Africa. Now we need to do more to help countries strengthen democratic institutions. On economic growth and trade the AU plays a major role in building Africa’s sub-regional architecture, and we stand ready to support you.

So I want to commend Africa’s institutions for what you have already accomplished, and in some cases, just a few years after your creation. And I will pledge my country’s support as you continue this work. Whether you seek to deepen the integration among your members, improve coordination, or reform your operations, we will be with you.

A good example that the chairman mentioned is what we can offer in the work we are doing to help reform the UN’s support for the African Union here in Addis Ababa. The UN and the African Union asked the United States to identify ways their work together could become more effective and strategic. We said yes, and now there are people at the State Department focused on this issue working closely with many of you in this room.

And as has already been announced, we are rejoining the UN Economic Commission for Africa, another sign of our commitment to engaging with Africa’s regional institutions. (Applause.)

On this trip to Africa, I am reminded every hour that for every challenge now facing Africa, a solution can be found somewhere in Africa. (Applause.) You do not have to look far afield to see political, economic, and social success.

Earlier I mentioned the Arab Spring, a name that suggests the blossoming of something new. And what is now blooming across the Arab states has already taken root in many African nations, commitment to democracy, recognition of human rights, investment in economic health and education programs, and an emphasis on meeting the needs of our young people.

Across this continent the work is underway, but there is a long season ahead. So I urge you not to be impatient; do not grow weary while doing good. Keep showing leadership. Keep building a path to a future worthy of the talents and aspirations of the young men and women of Africa. The United States believes deeply in these values. We believe passionately in the promise and potential of pluralistic democracies, of free markets. We welcome to our shores immigrants from every country represented here, and we can see the success stories that so many of them have built in the United States. But I have never met an immigrant from Africa who has not said he or she wished they could have done the very same in their own country, among their own people, close to their family, eating the food, smelling the flowers, seeing the sights that are in their blood. I want to see that for Africa, where people are coming home to Africa because this is where opportunity for the future resides.

Thank you and God bless you. (Applause.)

Source: U.S. Department of State.
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Clinton Begins 3-Stop Africa Trip in Zambia

Tadias Magazine
News Update

Published: Saturday, June 11, 2011

New York (Tadias) – U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton on Friday kicked off a three-nation diplomatic tour of Africa, which includes stops in Zambia, Tanzania and Ethiopia.

Clinton began her trip on June 10 in Lusaka, Zambia, where she delivered closing remarks at the African Growth and Opportunity Act Forum – which has been a centerpiece of U.S. trade, aid, and investment policy in Sub-Saharan Africa for the past decade. Also known as AGOA, the act was signed into law in 2000 by former President Bill Clinton, to provide eligible countries in Sub-Saharan Africa duty and quota free access to U.S. markets for certain African-made goods, particularly textiles and apparels.

“While in Zambia, she also met with Zambian President Rupiah Banda as well as participated in events to highlight U.S. Government initiatives,” the State Department said in a statement.

“From there, Secretary Clinton travels to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to meet with Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete and Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi. In Tanzania, she will highlight our successful bilateral engagement including a host of programs including Feed the Future (FTF). In Ethiopia, Secretary Clinton will focus on regional issues, visiting the African Union (AU) headquarters and meeting with AU Chairperson Jean Ping, in addition to bilateral meetings. She will also meet with civil society to draw attention to their innovative and enterprising work.”

Photo: Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in Zambia during an interview with Africa 360, a weekly TV current affairs program.

Video: Closing Remarks at 2011 African Growth and Opportunity Forum

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Clinton’s Africa Trip to Include Ethiopia Visit

Tadias Magazine
By Tadias Staff

Updated: Wednesday, June 1, 2011

New York (Tadias) – The State Department has announced that U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will be visiting Ethiopia at the end of next week as part of her upcoming Middle East and Africa diplomatic tour.

“In Ethiopia, Secretary Clinton will focus on regional issues, visiting the African Union (AU) headquarters and meeting with AU Chairperson Jean Ping, in addition to bilateral meetings,” Clinton’s Deputy Spokesperson Mark C. Toner said in a statement. “She will also meet with civil society to draw attention to their innovative and enterprising work.”

According to Mr. Toner, Clinton’s trip will begin on June 9th in the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.) where she will attend the meeting of the Libya Contact Group, which was formed back in March at an international ministerial conference in London and includes the nations of France, Britain, United States, Italy, Qatar, Kuwait and Jordan, as well representatives of the Arab League, the African Union and the United Nations.

Ms. Clinton will then head to Lusaka, Zambia, on June 10th for the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Ministerial Forum. “She will showcase this centerpiece of our trade policy with Africa and engage with government, private sector, and civil society representatives from 37 different countries,” Toner said. “While in Zambia, she will also meet with Zambian President Rupiah Banda and will be participating in events to highlight U.S. government initiatives.”

Per the Deputy Spokesperson: “From there, Secretary Clinton will travel to Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, and Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to meet with Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete and Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi. In Tanzania, she will highlight our successful bilateral engagement including a host of programs [such as] Feed the Future (FTF).”

The press statement did not specify Clinton’s date of arrival in Ethiopia.

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Photo:
Secretary Clinton at the 100th Anniversary of International Women’s Day. State Department photo by Michael Gross. Continue reading Clinton’s Remarks at AU Headquarters in Ethiopia (Video & Photos)

Ethiopian Stars in Canada: Three Wins, One in a Sweep, and a Runner-Up

Above: Ethiopian women accomplished a 1-2-3 sweep in the
Ottawa Marathon Sunday. (Post-race photo: Tune & Keneni)

Tadias Magazine
By Jason Jett

Updated: Monday, May 30, 2011

Ottawa (Tadias) — Ethiopian runners narrowly missed a sweep of prize-money races at the 37th edition of the Ottawa Race Weekend, the largest running event in Canada.

Deriba Merga easily beat other male competitors in the feature Ottawa 10K on Saturday, but lost to Dire Tune in a gender competition in which elite women were given a three-minute, 44-second (3:44) head start. Both received $6,000 for winning their respective divisions, with Tune claiming the $4,000 bonus of the gender challenge.

Merga, the 2009 Boston Marathon winner, was on world-record pace through four kilometers but moderated somewhat in the latter stages to finish in 28:30. Tune, the 2008 marathon winner in Boston, fended-off his approach by running 31:43.

Ethiopian women accomplished a 1-2-3 sweep in the Ottawa Marathon on Sunday, while Ethiopian Dereje Abera Ali finished less than a second behind winner Laban Moiben of Kenya in the men’s field.

Ali later said he could have overtaken Moiben had he not paused at a chip-timing mat extended across the roadway some 50 yards from the finish line.

“I thought that was the finish line,” he said of the mat, shaking his head in disappointment after viewing a video replay of the marathon finish. Moiben’s winning time was 2:10:17.9. Ali finished in 2:10:18:8. Dino Sefir Kemal of Ethiopia was third in 2:10:57.5.

Kebebush Haile Lema won the women’s division of the marathon in 2:32:14, followed by Biruktawit Eshetu Degefa in 2:33:14 and Radiya Adilo Roba in 2:36:58. Lema received a $20,000 payout, with Degefa garnering $12,000 as the runner-up and Roba taking $10,000 for finishing third.

Most of the event’s drama occurred Saturday evening, when the stars came out amid threatening skies and humid conditions that neutralized a new course intended to produce fast times.

Merga had run 27:24 in 2009 to win and set a record over the old course. Last year he finished third in 28:41 to his designated pacemaker, Lelisa Desisa, and Moroccan Mohamed El Hachimi.

This year Merga was the lone Ethiopian elite male in the 10K field, and he had little competition in mostly running alone and beginning to overtake elite women just beyond five kilometers.

Tune ran an evenly paced race and gradually separated from the women’s elite field that included 2004 Olympian Ejegayehu Dibaba, who finished third in 32:57. Second was Samira Raif of Morocco in 32:47.

Ethiopia claimed four of the top six women’s 10K spots, with Aziza Aliyu finishing fifth in 33:50 and Alemtsehay Misganaw running 33:57 for sixth-place.

Tune was the lone star at the post-race news conference, as Merga demurred.

“I am very happy I beat the guys,” said Tune. “I really thought they would catch up to me. Somehow, I beat them.”

It was the second time in as many years Tune finished ahead of the top-male.


Dire Tune, flanked by her manager and an interpreter, gives post-race interviews.


Deriba Merga signs WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) documents, declining post race interviews.

Merga Mourns His “Best Friend,” Kenya’s Wanjiru

Meanwhile, a dejected Merga declined interviews. For nearly 30 minutes after the race he sat with his head in his hands on a concrete slab in the designated elite runners’ area just off the finish line.

When asked what went wrong, Merga said he “expected to catch her” but the humidity made the race tough. The winner of the 10k, but loser of a race-within-the-race, Merga added he may have started too fast.

The next morning at brunch in the hotel that housed elite runners, Merga noted that he has been carrying a lot on his mind the past two weeks.

“Since Wanjiru died, I have been very saddened,” he said, speaking of the late Samuel Wanjiru of Kenya, a runner with whom Merga shared a 2008 Olympic Marathon stage that thrust both into the international spotlight. “He was my best friend, and I miss him. My sympathies go to his wife, mother and children.”

Wanjiru died May 15 in an apparent fall from the balcony of his home in Nayahururu, Kenya following a domestic dispute. Police are continuing an investigation into his death.

The Kenyan prevailed in a captivating, two-man battle with Merga through the streets of Beijing and in front of a worldwide TV audience during the event that cemented the bond between them. Wanjiru won Kenya’s first Olympic marathon gold medal that day, while Merga paid for his intense surges with and against his new friend and faded to a fourth-place finish that kept him off the podium at the medals presentation.

The morning after beginning the Ottawa 10K at world-record pace, Merga only smiled when asked if he had been thinking of his late friend.

“We have the same style,” he said of starting races fast, and doing periodic surges in an effort to break other runners. “He was a good, disciplined athlete. He was very tough.”

“After he died, for two days I cried,” said Merga, reflecting a deep respect between the two runners despite the fierce rivalry of their nations in athletics. “I did not eat. I did not train. I still cry.”

More event photos: 37th annual Ottawa Race Weekend (All images courtesy of Jason Jett)


Merga acknowledges support from Radiya Adilo Roba, left with head covering, who finished third in
the marathon Sunday, as local fans take photos with the silent winner and other runners look on.


Dire Tune and Ejegayehu Dibaba Keneni.


Dire Tune approaches the finish line.


Dire Tune, Alemtsehay Misganaw, Deriba Merga and Ejegayehu Dibaba, the morning after doing battle
in the ottawa 10K.

About the Author:
Jason Jett is a New York based freelance journalist.

Related:
Ethiopia Retains Boulder 10K Title (AP via The New York Times)

Memorial Day Note: Tribute to African American contribution during the Italo-Ethiopian War

Tadias Magazine
Events News

Updated: Sunday, May 29, 2011

Washington (Tadias) – On Memorial Day Americans pay tribute to U.S. Service men and women who lost their lives in defense of the nation. Earlier this month a series of events were also held in Washington D.C. to remember African American contributions in defense of Ethiopia during the second Italo-Ethiopian War that lasted from 1935 to 1941. The event was organized by volunteers from the Ethiopian-American community, and included the laying of a flower wreath in front of the African American Civil War Memorial on Mother’s Day. “This was the day to express gratitude to thousands of African Americans who rallied on behalf of Ethiopia,” says Tamrat Medhin, the event’s chief organizer. “African Americans raised money to help the Ethiopian victims, they organized and committed to fight side by side with Ethiopians but were denied permission based on the existing discriminatory laws at the time.”

In 1935, despite being a member of the League of Nations, Italy disregarded international law and invaded Ethiopia. The attack exposed the weakness of the intergovernmental security organization. Both countries were member nations and yet the League was ineffective in protecting Ethiopia against the invasion. During the war scores of African Americans had attempted to enlist to fight in Ethiopia but were unable to legally succeed in that front because the United States was not officially in support of Ethiopia. But news of Ethiopia’s plight continued to fuel indignation and furious debates among the black community in the U.S. and several individuals traveled to the African country on ‘humanitarian’ grounds.

Author Gail Lumet Buckley cites two African American pilots, John Robinson and the ‘Black Eagle of Harlem’ Hubert Julian, who joined the Ethiopian Air Corps, then made up of only three non-combat planes. John Robinson, a member of the first group of black students that entered Curtis Wright Flight School, flew his plane delivering medical supplies to different towns across the country. In New York, Chicago, and various other cities African American churches urged their members to speak out against the invasion while others organized medical supply drives from New York’s Harlem Hospital. Most notably, an African American journalist named Joel Rogers traveled to Ethiopia as a war correspondent for The Pittsburgh Courier, one of America’s most widely-circulated black newspaper at the time. Upon returning to the United States a year later, he published a pamphlet entitled The Real Facts About Ethiopia, a scathing and uncompromising report on the destruction caused by Italian troops in Ethiopia. Still other volunteers designed and passed out pins that read “Save Ethiopia.”

As people gather to honor heroes on Memorial Day it is fitting to also remember those individuals who went beyond the call of duty to help Ethiopia in its time of need.
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NYC Concert Featuring Ethiopian, Sudanese, and North African Music

Above: Debo Band will stage a show at 92y Tribeca in NYC on
May 28, 2011. (Photograph courtesy of Amael Tesfaye, 2011)

Tadias Magazine
By Tigist Selam

Updated: Saturday, May 28, 2011

New York (Tadias) – The Ethio-jazz group Debo Band will return to NYC to perform at a special concert featuring Ethiopian, Sudanese, and North African music. The event is set to take place at the 92Y Tribeca tonight.

Led by Ethiopian-American saxophonist Danny Mekonnen and fronted by charismatic vocalist Bruck Tesfaye, Debo’s performances bring together the best of the last forty years of Ethiopian music, with a reverence for the vintage sounds of the 1970s and a commitment to discovering contemporary gems, as well as developing new compositions.

At today’s show in New York, Debo will be joined by Nettle — a band that was founded by DJ/Rupture when he lived in Barcelona. Nettle will release their second album in Fall 2011 entitled El Resplandor: The Shining In Dubai, a soundtrack to an imagined remake of The Shining, set in an abandoned luxury hotel in Dubai.

The other musical ensemble set to share the stage with Debo is Alsarah & The Nubatones. The band came together out of a collective love for Nubian music and a genuine belief that Soul transcends all cultural and linguistic barriers. Inspired by the pentatonic scale they blend a selection of Nubian ‘songs of return’ from the 1970s with original material and traditional music of central Sudan. Their set is a musical journey through the diaspora viewed through an urban lens.

“We’ve never done a show quite like this,” says Debo bandleader Danny Mekonnen, speaking about his team’s NYC gig. “We’re really interested in seeing how these different bands will compliment each other.”

Debo is also scheduled to make an appearance at The Lincoln Center Out of Doors this Summer, which is the same concert that featured Mahmoud Ahmed, Alemayehu Eshete, and Getachew Mekuria in 2008.

“Very exciting time for us,” says Danny.

If You Go:
Saturday, May 28
8pm Doors, 9pm Show
$16 cover. All ages.
92YTribeca
200 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10013
212.601.1000
www.92y.org/92ytribeca/

Video: Debo Band – “Lantchi Biye” Live: SXSW 2011 Showcasing Artist

Interview: Yemane Demissie Talks About His Latest Film on Haile Selassie

Tadias Magazine
Events News

Updated: Friday, May 27, 2011

New York (Tadias) – The 8th Annual Sheba Film Festival featured the New York premiere of Yemane Demissie’s film Twilight Revelations: Episodes in the Life & Times of Emperor Haile Selassie. The screening took place at the Schomburg Center on Thursday, May 26th.

The documentary, which features rare archival footage coupled with exclusive interviews and firsthand accounts, takes a fresh look at the mixed legacy of one of the most controversial African monarchs in modern history. Emperor Haile Selassie is widely admired abroad for his memorable appeal at the League of Nations in 1936 during the second Italian invasion of Ethiopia, as well as for his continental leadership role in the 1950’s and 1960’s during the decolonization of most African countries. History also remembers him for his administrative failures at home and for presiding over one of the most archaic land tenure systems in the world. Although credited for his commitment to establishing modern institutions and nurturing a new class of academics and professionals in Ethiopia, he is also criticized for his prolonged neglect of reform voices and the unsustainable poverty of the vast majority of his people – which would eventually bring about the abrupt and unceremonious end to his rule.

Below is our recent interview with Filmmaker Yemane Demissie who is also an Assistant Professor at the Kanbar Institute of Film & Television at NYU.


Yemane Demissie. (Photo via NYU)

Tadias: It is clear that you’ve made a conscious effort to tell a balanced story. The film documents the highs and lows of the Emperor’s reign. Why do you think people remain fascinated by Haile Selassie almost four decades after he was deposed by a popular revolt?

YD: Apart from the five-year intermission during the Italo-Ethiopian War, the Emperor was in power from 1916 until 1974. That is long enough to make it possible for two generations of Ethiopians to be born and come of age during his reign. But in addition to the length of his sovereignty, his significant national and international contributions, his personality, and his leadership style contribute to the fascination. In the end, however, charisma is never the sum of the parts.

Tadias: The documentary also touches upon the more human side of the person. We hear from some of his family members about his role as a father, other interviewees discuss his daily routine, such as his regular early morning physical exercise, etc. You also incorporate some fascinating images that capture the Emperor in private moments. What do you most want people to take away from this film?

YD: That nearly six decades of leadership cannot be reduced to a triumph, [such as] the 1963 establishment of the OAU in Addis Ababa, or a fiasco, the 1973 famine. That a lot more research is wanting since there is so much we don’t know about the Emperor and his era. I also need not point out that it’s impossible to convey six decades of leadership in 58 minutes, the length of the documentary. That empathy is crucial if one wants to learn.

Tadias: One of the most dramatic moments in the film comes during the 1960 coup attempt against the emperor while he was traveling abroad. We know that you have dedicated a whole movie exploring this subject. Can you tell us a bit about the coup, its leaders, and why the revolt was a significant historical event?

YD: In December 1960, General Mengistu Neway, the head of the Imperial Bodyguard, his younger brother, Ato Girmame Neway, the intelligence tsar, Colonel Workeneh Gebeyehu, and a circle of their supporters attempted to overthrow the Emperor while he was on a state visit to Brazil. When the coup d’état failed, the leaders executed most of the government officials they had detained — including the acclaimed patriot leader, Ras Abebe Aregay — and fled. Ato Girmame Neway and Colonel Workeneh Gebeyehu died before they were captured and their corpses were hung publicly. General Mengistu Neway was taken captive. He was given a trial in which he expressed himself openly. A copy of the trial transcriptions can be found at the Institute of Ethiopian Studies. At the end of the trial, he was found guilty and condemned to death.

For a number of years before the coup, a not insignificant number of the intelligentsia had began to express its discontent and frustration, albeit it discretely, with and about the imperial administration. These young people believed that the Emperor and his administration were, at best, dithering, or at worst, blocking the political, social, economic and cultural changes that they deemed were essential and overdue.

The coup was a significant event for many reasons. I can think of two at the moment: First, the lack of significant civic bodies or institutions, such as independent press, political parties, professional associations, labor unions, in which differing views and proposals could be discussed openly and seriously and then implemented or rejected, encouraged the belief in force as the only path to change. Second, for many of the educated young men and women who came of age immediately following the coup d’état the leaders of the putsch became champions of change.

Tadias: Even though the film consists of several interviews, we do not see the face of the interviewer, and except on two occasions we don’t hear the interviewers voice either. How would the film be different if the audience had heard the questions? How did most of the interviewed individuals react off-camera to the questions?

YD: I used “chapter headings” before each “episode” to make sure that the topic at hand was not confusing. The only time you heard the interviewer’s, my voice, was when its absence would have caused confusion. Had I included my voice, the chain-like flow of the narratives would have been shattered. Many of the responses were selections from much longer explanations and anecdotes. Part of my job as the editor was to distill and synthesize. This approach is not unusual in documentary filmmaking.

Tadias: In the last scene you actively interject and ask a follow-up question. What spurred this break in style?

YD: I decided to use that section because it was moving and powerful. Since Ato Mamo Haile, the interviewee, asked me a question directly, breaking the fourth wall, I had to reply. If I had technically muted my response the segment would not have worked. After experiencing a film in which the subjects addressed an invisible person off camera for about 56 minutes, the shift, with Ato Mamo addressing the camera directly, becomes noticeable and affective. By breaking the fourth wall, Ato Mamo poses a question not only to me but to the viewer. That was why I switched styles.

Tadias: Were there any rules you set for yourself about what you would or wouldn’t discuss on camera?

YD: I wouldn’t say rule but approach. There is vast amount of literature about the Emperor and his era written primarily by journalists or scholars who specialize in that time period. Since that information was readily available, I targeted primary sources or first hand accounts from individuals whose observations were not as readily available.

Tadias: What were some of the biggest challenges in making this film?

YD: One of many [challenges] was constructing a narrative when so many of the key participants were killed by the military junta or have died of old age or poor health without leaving any record of their work or observations.

Tadias: Why did you name the film “Twilight Revelations”?

YD: I hope the answer to that question becomes evident after a viewing of the film.

Tadias: Thank you Yemane and see you on Thursday at the Schomburg Center!

If You Go: (This event has passed)
The 8th Annual Sheba Film Festival
The New York premiere of “Twilight Revelations”
Episodes in the Life & Times of Emperor Haile Selassie
Thursday, May 26th, 2011 7PM (Admission: $12)
The Schomburg Center (515 Malcolm X Boulevard, 135th St)
Director Yemane Demissie will be present for the Q&A session following the screening.
Click here to watch the trailer.

CNN’s African Voices: Award-Winning Journalist Dawit Kebede

Tadias Magazine
News Update

Published: Tuesday, May 24, 2011

New York (Tadias) – The Award-winning Ethiopian journalist and independent newspaper Editor Dawit Kebede is the subject of this week’s CNN’s African Voices, which according to the cable news channel “highlights Africa’s most engaging personalities, exploring the lives and passions of people who rarely open themselves up to the camera.”

Dawit Kebede, Founder and Managing Editor of Awramba Times, was one of four journalists who was honored at the Committee to Protect Journalists’ 20th Annual International Press Freedom Awards benefit dinner on the evening of Tuesday, November 23rd, 2010 at New York’s Waldorf-Astoria. He was one of the first journalists to be jailed for reporting on the violence following Ethiopia’s 2005 national elections. He was released two years later by presidential pardon. He continues to live and work in Addis Ababa where he publishes an independent political Amharic newspaper.

Watch:

Related from Tadias archives:
Spotlight on Dawit Kebede: Winner of the 2010 Press Freedom Award

A Polishman among Ethiopians – Haaretz.com

Haaretz.com
By Ofer Aderet
Published: May 20, 2011

An odd sculpture recently appeared on the Tel Aviv University campus, following a complex, transcontinental, logistical operation. It was designed in London, assembled in Italy and shipped by sea to Israel. The artwork consists of metal pipes emerging upward from the ground, splitting, and winding around two palm trees. “This expresses continuity and departure,” said the sculpture’s designer, Israeli-born architect Ron Arad, in a phone call from London.

The sculpture is a memorial to Ethiopian Jews who left their homes between 1977 and 1985 for the exhausting, traumatic journey to Israel. The trek took them from Ethiopia to Sudan, and across mountains, deserts, rivers and forests; they faced hunger, thirst, illness, harassment and arrest before winding up in refugee camps…The statue was commissioned and financed by Michael Benabou, a French-Jewish businessman and a member of the French Friends of Tel Aviv University, which provides scholarships to Ethiopian-Israeli students. Two years ago he decided it was time to dedicate a memorial to these students’ community. “It is a tribute to the operation that brought them to Israel, commemorates their suffering, and expresses hope for their future,” he said by phone from Paris…The relationship between the Jews of France and Ethiopia began a century ago, with one man who devoted his life to the latter community. The new sculpture stands opposite Tel Aviv University’s central library, where a small, crowded room on the second floor stores the archives of that man, researcher Dr. Jacques Faitlovitch, who died in 1955.

Read more at Haaretz.com.

NYC: A Fundraiser for the Film Woven at Studio Twenty-One

Tadias Magazine
Events News

Published: Friday, May 20, 2011

New York (TADIAS) – Woven LLC is hosting a fundraiser in June 2011 for a feature length film entitled Woven, which is based on a fictional story that weaves together the lives of Ethiopian and American families. The independent film is written and produced by Ryan Spahn, Salome Mulugeta and Kristin Hanggi. Charles Shyer is the Executive Producer. Woven features multicultural characters who explore themes of forgiveness following a tragic accident that unravels family secrets, lies and deception. The film opens with a scene of a ferocious early morning thunderstorm and a deadly car crash involving one of the Ethiopian-American characters. The detective investigating the tragic accident soon discovers that this was no ordinary traffic incident.

The film’s co-writer and co-producer Salome Mulugeta says Woven is more than a mystery movie. “This is also a story about love, loss and forgiveness, it follows the Ethiopian family and their culture as an emigrant family living in America,” she says. “The accident brings two families that are from different parts of the world together to understand that they maybe different externally but the same internally.”

“We have an unequivocal belief in Woven — both its content, and its potential to appeal to a far-reaching audience,” the producers said via their website regarding the fund-raising effort. “We are acquiring all monies for the production of this film through private equity, and on selling the finished film to the highest bidding distributor.”

The event is scheduled for June 28, 2011 at Studio Twenty-One in Manhattan. It includes dinner catered by Spur Tree Restaurant as well as raffles and auctions.


If You Go:
A Fund Raising Event for the Film Production of “Woven”
Tuesday, June 28, 2011 at 7:00 PM
Studio Twenty-One
59 West 21st Street
New York, NY 10010
Entrance: $150 per person
Learn more at: www.wovenfilm.com

Join the conversation on Twitter and Facebook.

P2P Conference Explores the Role of Ethiopian Diaspora in Empowering Women

Above: Empowering Women conference, hosted by the non
profit organization People to People is set for May 21 in VA.

Tadias Magazine
Events News

Published: Friday, May 20, 2011

New York (Tadias) – People to People, a U.S. based non-profit organization comprised of Ethiopian Diaspora professionals, will hold its second annual conference this weekend in Arlington, Virginia. The conference theme is “Empowering Women is Empowering a Nation.”

The program, which aims to bring together professionals from various sectors, explores the role of the Ethiopian Diaspora in empowering women. According to the event’s website, the conference will also honor three inspiring women: Captain Amsale Gualu, whom last year became the first female captain at Ethiopian Airlines; W/o Assegedech Assefa, one the first Ethiopian female pilots, as well as artist Alemtsehay Wodajo.

This year’s keynote speaker is Dr. Musimbi Kanyaro, Director of Population and Reproductive Health Programs at the David and Lucile Packard Foundation.

Other presenters include CNN hero Alfa Demmellash, Co-founder and CEO of Rising Tide Capital, Meskerem Tadesse, President & CEO of the Optimize Group, Judge Mahdere Paulos, Former Director of Ethiopian Women Lawyers Association, and Melat Tekletsadik, Former National General Secretary for the YWCA, among others.

If You Go:
“Empowering Women is Empowering a Nation”
The Role of the Ethiopian Diaspora
Sheraton National Hotel
900 S. Orme St. Arlington, VA 22204
Saturday May 21, 2011
8:00am – 6:00pm
Registration begins at 8:00 a.m.
Entrance: $20.
More info at www.peoplepeople.org/conference

Folk Art Series: Ethiopian Gospel in Harlem

Above: Harlem’s Dwyer Cultural Center presents Ethiopian
church music on Thursday, May 19th, New York at 4:00pm.

Tadias Magazine
Events News

Published: Thursday, May 19, 2011

New York (Tadias) – As part of the Folk Art series on gospel music in Harlem, the Dwyer Cultural Center will be featuring tenets and traditions of the Ethiopian Church. Archdeacon Gabreyesus Tesfaye of the Ethiopian Orthodox Medanialem Tewahedo Church will be discussing and demonstrating mezmur (gospel singing) followed by a Q&A session facilitated by the Dwyer Youth Docents.

Dwyer Cultural Center (DCC) is a state-of-the-art multimedia cultural center devoted exclusively to the culture, traditions, and history of Harlem. The Center offers a year-round calendar of activities including ongoing educational and youth leadership programs, workshops, interactive curricula-building, and tours of current exhibitions.

If you go:
Ethiopian Gospel in Harlem
Thursday, May 19th, 2011 at 4pm
Dwyer Cultural Center
258 St. Nicholas Avenue
please RSVP at RSVP@dwyercc.org or call 212-222-3060

Watch: About The Dwyer Cultural Center

Ottawa Marathon shaping into a Kenya-Ethiopia race

Above: Tesfaye Girma will be chasing a new personal record
in Ottawa following his performance at the NYC half-marathon.

Source: The Ottawa Race Weekend

May 18, 2011

Ottawa – The Ottawa Marathon is expected to be a battleground for Kenyan and Ethiopian men and women elite athletes.

Running his debut marathon in Ottawa, 23-year-old Dino Sefir Kemal from Ethiopia comes with impressive race credentials, having placed 12th at the 2011 World Cross-Country Championships and running 59:42 in an early May half-marathon in France.

“With this being my debut marathon, I hope that my recent good form shows off and I win the Ottawa Marathon with a very fast time,” says Sefir.

One of his toughest opponents might be fellow countryman Tesfaye Girma, who will be chasing a new personal best after a breakthrough time of 1:00:38 recorded in the New York half-marathon on March 20.

But a large contingent of Kenyans will give the Ethiopians hot competition. Laban Moiben is returning to Ottawa for his third try at first place, having placed second in Ottawa last year with a finish of 2:09:44. Hosea Rotich is also coming, with an impressive 2:07:24 finish in Paris in 2008. Also in contention is 32-year-old Silas Sang, who posted 1:00:38 in a half-marathon in Lisboa, Portugal in March and boasts a 2:11 personal best time in the marathon distance. Hillary Kimaiyo is returning to Ottawa on a hot streak, with a 2:08:17 marathon finish in March in Torreon Mexico. Kimaiyo has run Ottawa twice – in 2007 (placing fifth with 2:11) and 2010 (placing fourth with 2:10:21). After pacing the London marathon, debut marathoner Jairus Chanchima hopes for his own podium finish. He comes to Ottawa with a fast 1:00:31 personal best in the half-marathon set in 2010.

There should also be a strong competition for the Canadian National championships. Twenty-eight-year-old Derek Nakluski comes to Ottawa with an Around the Bay (Hamilton) first place medal to his credit. Lucas McAneney has a solid 2:23 posted in Mississauga in 2010, and up-and-comer Brandon Laan has a marathon personal best time of 2:23 and a recently posted 1:06 in a half-marathon in New York.

“I expect the race will be a toss-up between Kenyan and Ethiopian runners,” says Manny Rodrigues, Elite Athlete Coordinator, Run Ottawa.

A similar battle is being waged among women marathon athletes.

Ethiopian Elfenesh Alemu is a 2:24 marathoner who has had podium finishes at the Boston and Chicago marathons and placed 4th in the Olympics. After laying low last year with injuries, she’s making a strong come-back.

“After missing all of 2010 with some injuries,” says Elfenesh’s agent, Matt McCarron. “Elfenesh came back to take third at Mumbai this year with 2:29:04 and is looking to improve her season’s best at a spring marathon.”

Fellow Ethiopian Kebebush Haile, 25, will give Alemu strong competition, with an impressive finish time of 2:25:31 in Rome in 2010.

“I hope to improve my personal best in Ottawa this year as I have run there before and I know it is a very good and favorable course,” says Haile, who came in third in the 2008 Ottawa Marathon.

Rounding out the Ethiopian contingent is Goitetom Haftu, placing second in this year’s Rome marathon in 2:26:21.

Among the Kenyan athletes who could overtake the Ethiopians is 26-year-old Irene Mogake, who ran 2:30 in Los Angeles two years ago and was the Commonwealth Games silver medalist in 2010.

Canadian women to watch are 28-year-old Emily Kroshus, who ran Philadelphia in 2005 with 2:43:07, and debut marathoner Lanni Marchant, who ran her half-marathon personal best of 1:15:05 in Detroit last year.

The 2011 Ottawa Race Weekend will take place May 28-29, 2011.

About the Ottawa Race Weekend
The Ottawa Marathon and Ottawa 10K are both designated Silver Label IAAF events by the International Amateur Athletic Federation (IAAF). Run Ottawa, the organization behind the Ottawa Race Weekend, is run by a volunteer Board of Directors, and is dedicated to promoting the sport of running and enhancing the health and well-being of our community by organizing distinctive world-class and local races, and managing an active, membership-based running club.

Haile Gebrselassie bows to will of his people for one last hurrah

Above: Haile Gebrselassie is hoping to win a medal in the
marathon at the 2012 London Olympics. (Peter Byrne/PA)


The Guardian

Anna Kessel

Sunday 15 May 2011

Haile Gebrselassie sighs, a long deep exhalation of air, as he leans back in his chair and remembers back to a strange few days in New York last November.

The 38-year-old says he still finds it hard to understand his emotional reaction when, running over Queensboro Bridge on the 16th mile of the marathon, he felt his knee give way. Somehow it was more than just his knee, something inside him snapped and, after a 20-year career in which he amassed two Olympic titles, four world titles and 27 world records, the greatest distance runner of all time suddenly decided enough was enough. Right then and there, the Ethiopian announced his retirement from competition. His revelation shocked athletics. Read more.

Related:
BBC: Haile Gebrselassie & Helen Clitheroe win in Manchester

Ethiopian Art at Elizabeth Street Fine Arts Gallery in New York

Tadias Magazine
Art Talk

Published: Saturday, May 14, 2011

New York (Tadias) – Elizabeth Street Fine Arts gallery in New York, which specializes in antiquities and tribal art, is offering a rare opportunity to view old talismanic art of Ethiopia, ranging in price from $4,000 to $16,000 each and dating back to the 18th century.

According to the gallery: “Production of talismanic art was wide spread among the entire Ethiopian population. While mostly within Christian tradition, it also drew heavily from Judaism and Islam and was practiced by all. It was wide spread in Egypt in 10th century. Talismanic art had an uneasy relationship with Orthodox Church, and although it is deeply integrated in its life and traditions, it was often considered idolatry, and while not exactly forbidden, (except in cases of invoking demons etc.) it is often frowned upon. So called “Magic Scrolls” are long rolls of parchment, illuminated by talismanic and figurative images and texts, usually in Ge’ez (Ethiopian liturgical language), of protective prayers, invocations of secret names of God, or sometimes demons. They are produced and used for varied purposes, healing, protection from spells, exorcisms etc. Scrolls are referred to as ya’ branna kitab, “written on skin” in Amharic, asmat or “names” in Ge’ez or ta’lsam, “talisman” in Tigrinya. Scrolls are made for a specific individual by dabtara (an unordained “priest” who studied scriptures, singing and poetry, a practitioner of traditional medicine, magician) and are carried and used by that person extensively. They rarely survive trough few generations of use. The oldest known scroll is recently dated to 16th century, while majority of great surviving scrolls date between late 18th to early 20th century, as do the scrolls in this exhibit.”

The New York Times adds: “Shamans in Ethiopia tried for centuries to cure ailments by naming and ranting against the demons at fault on goatskin scrolls. The calligraphy incantations trailed along vellum strips about six feet long, with illustrations of saints stabbing monsters. The owners would roll up and carry around the protective scrolls, which have turned up in archaeological digs wrapped around corpses. If the spells did appear to have healing effects during the owners’ lifetimes, the vellums sometimes ended up on the market. The original patrons’ names would be scraped away, leaving blanks here and there that suggest censored government documents.”

About 15 of the Ethiopian parchments will remain on display until June 30th 2011 at Milos Simovic’s Elizabeth Street Fine Arts gallery in NoLita.

If You Go:
Elizabeth Street Fine Arts
209 Elizabeth Street
New York, NY 10012
Phone: 212.274.9400
Email: elizabethstreetfinearts@gmail.com

Related:
Art in Review: Ethiopian Magic Scrolls – ‘Talismanic Art of Ethiopia’ (NYT)

D.C. attorney general investigating gas station owner

Tadias Magazine
News Update

Published: Thursday, May 12, 2011

Washington, D.C. – The D.C. Attorney General’s Office announced Wednesday that it has launched antitrust probe against the city’s largest owner of gas stations, The Washington Post reports.

As part of a crack down on price gouging at the pump, Attorney General Irvin B. Nathan said he is investigating Capitol Petroleum Group for potential wrongdoing related to the city’s soaring gasoline prices. “Everyone knows that gasoline prices are high,” Nathan said, “and we’re going to do everything we can to bring them down and be sure that it is a competitive market.”

Per The Washington Post: “Capitol Petroleum, based in Springfield, is a regional behemoth, netting $778 million in revenue in 2010, according to its Web site. It “owns, operates or supplies” 164 stations in the D.C. area and 71 stations in New York City. Its primary owner, Eyob “Joe” Mamo, has built the company over nearly 25 years, buying up dozens of service stations in the region — particularly in the past three years. A February Washington City Paper profile of Mamo said the Ethiopian immigrant owned 45 gas stations in the city limits, about half the District’s total, and about one-fourth of the region’s stations.” Read more.

Watch: DC Attorney General Begins Gas Station Probe (WUSA 9)

Related:
Joe Mamo: Meet the Guy Who Owns Half of D.C.’s Filling Stations

Washington City Paper
By Christine MacDonald
February 18, 2011

To hear him tell it, Joe Mamo’s move from Ethiopia to North Dakota in 1981 was accidental.

Mamo’s father, Yenberber Mamo, was a public transit mogul who manufactured buses and ran the first fleet to provide service across Ethiopia. The operation made his father’s Mamo Kacha bus line a household name in the East African country. It provided a nice life for his family. But it rendered him distinctly unpopular with the Marxist junta that ruled Ethiopia between 1974 and 1991. The elder Mamo was jailed two or three times by the regime. Some of his property was confiscated. As his son approached draft age, the patriarch looked for ways to send him overseas.

That’s how Joe, at the age of 13, found himself attending Catholic boarding school in North Dakota.

Read more at Washingtoncitypaper.com.

NYC Concert Featuring Ethiopian, Sudanese, and North African Music

Above: Debo Band will stage a show at 92y Tribeca in NYC on
May 28, 2011. (Photograph courtesy of Amael Tesfaye, 2011)

Tadias Magazine
By Tigist Selam

Published: Wednesday, May 11, 2011

New York (Tadias) – The Ethio-jazz group Debo Band will return to NYC later this month to perform at a special concert featuring Ethiopian, Sudanese, and North African music. The event is set to take place at the 92Y Tribeca on May 28th, 2011.

Led by Ethiopian-American saxophonist Danny Mekonnen and fronted by charismatic vocalist Bruck Tesfaye, Debo’s performances bring together the best of the last forty years of Ethiopian music, with a reverence for the vintage sounds of the 1970s and a commitment to discovering contemporary gems, as well as developing new compositions.

At the upcoming show in New York, Debo will be joined by Nettle — a band that was founded by DJ/Rupture when he lived in Barcelona. Nettle will release their second album in Fall 2011 entitled El Resplandor: The Shining In Dubai, a soundtrack to an imagined remake of The Shining, set in an abandoned luxury hotel in Dubai.

The other musical ensemble set to share the stage with Debo is Alsarah & The Nubatones. The band came together out of a collective love for Nubian music and a genuine belief that Soul transcends all cultural and linguistic barriers. Inspired by the pentatonic scale they blend a selection of Nubian ‘songs of return’ from the 1970s with original material and traditional music of central Sudan. Their set is a musical journey through the diaspora viewed through an urban lens.

“We’ve never done a show quite like this,” says Debo bandleader Danny Mekonnen, speaking about his team’s NYC gig. “We’re really interested in seeing how these different bands will compliment each other.”

Debo is also scheduled to make an appearance at The Lincoln Center Out of Doors this Summer, which is the same concert that featured Mahmoud Ahmed, Alemayehu Eshete, and Getachew Mekuria in 2008.

“Very exciting time for us,” says Danny.

If You Go:
Saturday, May 28
8pm Doors, 9pm Show
$16 cover. All ages.
92YTribeca
200 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10013
212.601.1000
www.92y.org/92ytribeca/

Video: Debo Band – “Lantchi Biye” Live: SXSW 2011 Showcasing Artist

The 2011 Sheba Film Festival to Open on May 15th in New York

Above: Episodes in the Life & Times of Emperor Haile Selassie
is one of the films that will be screened at the 8th film festival.

Tadias Magazine
Events News

Updated: Monday, May 9, 2011

New York (Tadias) – Now in its eighth year, the Sheba Film Festival is set to begin on May 15th in New York. The annual event, organized by BINA Cultural Foundation Inc., primarily focuses on movies that pay homage to the rich legacy of Ethiopian Jews as well as the global Ethiopian community.

In addition to the film screenings – running from May 15 to June 2 – at four different locations (Faison Firehouse Theatre in Harlem, The JCC in Manhatan, The Schomburg Center and Kane Street Synagogue), the program also includes an art exhibition organized in conjunction with the International Agency for Minority Artists Affair (IAMAA). Opening reception is scheduled for Sunday, June 5th (5:00PM) at 163 west 125th Street in Harlem.

Here is the schedule for the 8th Sheba Film Festival:

Across the River

Sunday, May 15th 2011 3pm (Admission: $12)
Faison Firehouse Theatre in Harlem
6 Hancock Place, New York NY 10027
(West 124th Street between St. Nicholas and Morningside Avenue).
Director: Duki Dror (Israel 2010), 58 min, Amharic, Hebrew, English subtitles

Watch the Trailer

Delicious Peace Grows in a Ugandan Coffee Bean

Tuesday, May 24th 2011 7:30PM (Admission: $10)
JCC Manhattan, 334 Amsterdam Ave, at 76th St.
Director: Curt Fissel (Uganda/USA 2010), 40 min, English

Synopsis:
Living in the lingering wake of the Idi Amin regime of terror and intolerance, Christian, Jewish, and Muslim Ugandan coffee farmers challenged historical and economic hurdles by forming “Delicious Peace” Cooperative. Their mission was to build harmonious relationships and economic development, and they are succeeding. Partnering with a Fair Trade US roaster, the farmers’ standard of living is improving, peace is flourishing, and their messages of peace and fair wages are spreading to their coffee customers in the US.

Watch:

The New York Premiere of Twilight Revelations

Episodes in the Life & Times of Emperor Haile Selassie
Thursday, May 26th, 2011 7PM (Admission: $12)
The Schomburg Center (515 Malcolm X Boulevard, 135th St)
Director: Yemane I. Demissie (Ethiopia/USA 2009), 58 min, English subtitles

Synopsis:
Using archival footage and photographs, the film explores key moments, both public and private, in the life and reign of Ethiopia’s last emperor Haile Selassie (1892 – 1975).

Click here to watch the trailer.

Millennium Ethiopia

Thursday, June 2nd, 2011 7PM (Admission: $12)
Kane Street Synagogue (236 Kane Street Brooklyn, NY 11231)
Director: Benjamin Mandell (Ethiopia/Israel 2010), 27 min, Amharic, English subtitles

Synopsis:
Ethiopia entered the new millennium on September 11, 2007 nearly eight years after the rest of the world. The celebrations are riotous. Desaly Goshu left his birthplace of Ethiopia seventeen years ago. As a young boy, his family immigrated to Israel. For the first time, Desaly returns to Ethiopia to remember his past and to celebrate the coming of a new era.

Watch the trailer:

These are My Names

Thursday, June 2nd, 2011 7PM (Admission: $12)
Kane Street Synagogue (236 Kane Street Brooklyn, NY 11231)
Director: Ruth Mason (Israel 2010) 30 min, Hebrew English subtitles

Synopsis:
Ethiopian Jews’ multiple names reflect the richness, wisdom and beauty of their culture — and every name tells a story. In the film, young Ethiopian Israelis share their journeys toward their names: stories of love and connection, survival and loss, anger and pride. The characters’ original names – changed without their consent upon arrival in Israel – take them back to their childhoods in mountain villages, to the hunger and fear in Sudan, to longing for loved ones who died or disappeared on the journey to Israel, to denial of their identity…and reclamation of their roots.

Watch the trailer:

Best Feet Forward: A New Generation of Ethiopian Fashion Entrepeneurs

Above: A new generation of Ethiopian fashion entrepeneurs
is changing perceptions as well as creating jobs (Irish Times)

The Irish Times

By DEIRDRE MCQUILLAN

THE SPRAWLING CITY of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital and home to almost four million people, is not the most obvious location for a flourishing global fashion company. It’s a long way from Los Angeles, where the cool footwear styles created by a young Ethiopian entrepreneur and sold on the internet became an overnight hit with thousands of hip American urbanites. When Bethlehem Alemu created Sole Rebels in 2005, making shoes from worn-out truck tyres in Addis Ababa’s poorest and most disadvantaged area, she became one of the country’s most remarkable international success stories.

Everybody knows about Alemu in Addis. Her commitment to development and trade has made the 30-year-old an inspirational figure at home and abroad. In March, she was selected as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum; this week she joined Archbishop Desmond Tutu as a speaker at the WWF 50th anniversary conference in Switzerland. Her fans include Hillary Clinton and the president of the World Bank. Read more at The Irish Times.

Related:
Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu addressing joint World Bank/ United Nations session at The Fourth United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries 2011


Above: Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu, Founder and Managing Director of SoleRebels. (Courtesy photo)

Source: Sole Rebels (Press Release)
9 May 2011

Istanbul, Turkey – SoleRebels founder and 2011 World Economic Forum Young Global Leader Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu is set to address The Fourth United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries [LDC’s] 2011. This marks a historic first as Bethlehem becomes the first Woman from the African private sector to address this policy forum.

World Bank Managing Director Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala believed that bethlehems proven track as a successful global entrepreneur gave her a very unique position to advise the body .

“I am honored that the managing director has thought to include me in these critical discussions that will shape the way LDC’s trade their way to greater prosperity in the coming decade. I have always believed that increased trade , conducted on fair and equitable terms, is the best opportunity for LDC countries like Ethiopia to achieve widespread prosperity , ” stated Bethlehem.

The UN LDC-IV Special Event, “Aid for Trade for the LDCs: Policy Reform, Effectiveness, and the Private Sector” aims to identify ways in which the World Bank, other multilateral institutions, and bilateral donors might further assist the LDCs with respect to trade facilitation reform and aid for trade effectiveness. Discussions at this panel will inform the new LDC Programme of Action, to be endorsed in Istanbul, for the coming decade. Trade-related policies and goals will figure prominently in this new agenda. To this end the discussions by bethlehems panel will lead to concrete recommendations and consensus vis-à-vis trade facilitation reform and aid effectiveness initiatives as they relate to the broader development agenda for the LDCs.

The roundtable Bethlehem will address is chaired by the World Banks Managing Director and takes place on May 9, 2011 in Istanbul Turkey. It features Senior World Bank economists including the banks Lead Economist John Wilson, who will outline key policy priorities for the LDCs with respect to trade competitiveness and aid effectiveness. Discussion will center on how the Bank and developed countries assist the LDCs in research, data, and operational assistance on the ground in trade projects.

Bethlehem will present her views on opportunities to expand trade in developing countries over the next decade. Her remarks will focus on shedding insight as to policy and reform priorities for the LDCs in terms of trade facilitation and competitiveness based on her own experiences in business and interactions with country governments.

Learn more about SoleRebels at http://solerebelsfootwear.weebly.com.

Ethiopia Festival Showcases Diaspora Music Collective

Above: The Arba Minch Collective, multidisciplinary group of
diaspora Ethiopian artists overlooking Arba Minch, photo ’09.

Tadias Magazine
Events News

Published: Monday, May 9, 2011

New York (Tadias) – The “Music Without Boundaries” festival under way this week in Ethiopia showcases a lineup of international bands and artists, hailing from at least five countries including Italy, Germany, Spain, Rwanda and the United States.

The roster of Ethiopian American artists taking part in the concert includes: Grammy nominated R&B singer Wayna, up-and-coming jazz vocalist Meklit Hadero, singer Munit Mesfin, as well as hip hop artists Gabriel Teodros and Ellias Fullmore. The participating Diaspora artists are organized under an umbrella group named the Arba Minch Collective, founded two-years ago by Meklit Hadero.

“In 2009 I had the idea to gather a group of ten outstanding Ethiopian Diaspora artists from multiple disciplines to travel to Ethiopia as a group (that we called the Arba Minch Collective). In December of that year we had our first epic trip, ” Meklit said in a recent fundraising letter sent to friends and supporters. “Together, we traveled through the country’s southern region, witnessing and documenting traditional and contemporary music and culture. We performed, gave workshops, visited schools, and met with Ethiopian artists who are reshaping Addis Ababa’s creative landscape. This May, we’re going again, this time to perform for the people at the Music Without Boundaries Festival, taking place in Harrar, Gondar, and Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.”

According to the organizers, the events in two of Ethiopia’s oldest cities – Harrar and Gondar – are free and open to the public. The show, which opened in Addis on May 6 will conclude in Gondar on May 14.

Per Meklit: “The music festival is not able to pay us for our trip, but because it is such a huge opportunity, we decided to make this happen anyway. The money we raise will go primarily to the cost of airfare. Other costs include accommodations within Ethiopia and ground transportation. Finally, during the entire trip, I’ll be taking photos and will have a photo blog on the National Geographic World Music website.”
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The tour by the Ethiopian American artists is a sponsored project of Fractured Atlas, a non-profit arts service organization. Contributions must be made payable to Fractured Atlas and are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.

Watch Video:

Funded by the People: An East Africa Tour – Meklit Hadero from Peter Varshavsky on Vimeo.

Cover image via www.arbaminchcollective.com.

Heineken to Buy Ethiopian Breweries

Above: Heineken to brew Bedele, Harar & Hakim Stout, which
have a combined market share of 18% in Ethiopia. (Via WSJ)

The Wall Street Journal
By Anna Marij van der Meulen

AMSTERDAM—Seeing high-growth potential in Ethiopia, Heineken NV plans to buy two state-owned breweries for $163 million.

The Dutch brewer said Thursday it has been named preferred bidder for the Bedele and Harar breweries, which it plans to acquire for $85 million and $78 million, respectively.

Heineken, which expects to finalize the deal in the coming weeks, said it will continue to brew local brands such as Bedele, Harar and Hakim Stout, which have a combined market share of 18% in Ethiopia. The breweries have a total capacity of about 15 million gallons a year.

The deal will make Heineken the No. 2 brewer in Ethiopia, after BGI Castel. The unit of closely held French drinks company Groupe Castel has a 50% market share.

Read more at the Wall Street Journal.

Ethiopian Business and Lifestyle