By Agere Mekuria

Unlike most of the US presidential elections in recent past, this one is characterized by many firsts (first woman, first black, etc…) and, at least on the democratic side, the presidential race has managed to stir up fervor and enthusiasm for the election process as well as the candidates themselves. Adding to the litany of firsts, for the first time, many in the Ethiopian-American community, having experienced the disappointment and witnessing the inefficacy of the fractured political system of their country of origin and frustrated by the outcome of the sham elections in 2005 and the disheartening developments since then, appear to have caught this bug of enthusiasm in spite of and/or as a result of this frustration. They are starting, in greater numbers, to be actively engaged in their adopted country’s political process. Adding to this enthusiasm is the increasingly successful campaign and candidacy of Senator Barack Obama, a fellow hyphenated American of African Heritage. Owing to a large extent to the Obama candidacy, Ethiopian-Americans are discussing these elections in coffee shops, restaurants, living rooms, kitchens and on websites that previously only discussed matters directly pertaining to Ethiopia.

As a community, the Ethiopian-American community is a relatively young one. When compared to other hyphenated American communities (with the understanding that most, if not all, American communities are hyphenated) its demographic presence is small and its roots in the American experience are not as deep. As such, its enthusiasm, loyalties, and ardor are reserved for the identity that precedes the hyphen (Ethiopian) and not for the one that follows it (American). For many in the community, these identities remain at odds with each other and the reconciliation of these identities did not appear to be eminent.

However, the optimism and hope filled message of the Obama campaign coupled with witnessing first hand and with seasoned eyes the machinations of a relatively functional democratic system seem to have done the trick in finally getting Ethiopian-Americans in larger numbers from the role of mere spectators and prognosticators to active participants in this sacred process. Having said that, there are those in this community that still profess and act as if their US citizenship is a citizenship of convenience, devoid of the due loyalty and adherence to country and constitution sworn to under oath. The only evidence and act of their citizenship is limited to their obtaining their American passport, offering it protection in the recesses of a locked drawer and annually flashing it with pride at an Ethiopian customs clerk and offering it with supplication to an American one upon re-entry. These same members of the Ethiopian-American community mistakenly believe that truly donning the cloak of their American citizenship would imply disloyalty and abandonment of their ancestry, heritage, and homeland. On the contrary, an Ethiopian-American community that fully embraces its citizenship and civic responsibility can work for issues that are important to the Ethiopian-American community at large and Ethiopia and Ethiopians as well. As seen recently, an organized Ethiopian-American community lobbying on behalf of HR 2003 (the Ethiopia Democracy and Accountability Act of 2007) was able to lend much needed support for the passage of this bill in Congress.

Given the fact that many Ethiopian-Americans will undoubtedly spend a majority of their lives in their adopted homeland, bear and raise their children, pay taxes, and otherwise invest in their futures here in the US, it is imperative that they reconcile the dichotomy that exists between their Ethiopian and American identities. With the realization that their dual identity is a source of strength and a force for change, Ethiopian-Americans, like many other hyphenated Americans, can mobilize and unite to further the causes that are near and dear to them. Moreover, this voluntary disenfranchisement and apathy, on the part of many in the community, will have adverse repercussions for the large number of second generation of Ethiopian-Americans being born and raised here who will be forced to draw from a vacuum to find examples of responsible citizenship, civic duty, and social altruism.

With this in mind, it is incumbent on all members of the Ethiopian-American community that they exercise their right to vote, engage actively as conscientious citizens in the American political process and lend their unique voice for the betterment of the society in which they live and for the world at large. Having this opportunity to enjoy the inalienable rights afforded by the constitution and bill of rights and the sacrifices of many in securing these rights, it would be a sad dereliction of duty to the community and to those all over the world that these rights have eluded for centuries, to apathetically avoid direct engagement in the political process and have a say in the future direction of this country and the world. As the renowned anthropologist, Margaret Mead noted, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has”. By choosing to be engaged, involved, and energized, the Ethiopian-American community can be a partaker in the American dream and share in shaping the mosaic that is the American experience.
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Agere Mekuria can be reached at [email protected]