Press Release from Ethiopians for Obama

On Saturday, May 17th, Teddy Fikre will be running to represent the 8th Congressional District for the Democratic National Convention supporting Senator Obama. The 8th Congressional District is home to Alexandria–otherwise known as the Addis Abeba of America. There are more Ethiopians in the Northern Virginia area than anywhere else outside of Ethiopia. Alexandria is our home, and our moment is now.

Teddy’s election represents more than one man’s aspiration, it represents our continuing involvement in the democratic process of our adopted home and our collective interests. So the moment is now for us to come together and turn out in mass on Saturday, May 17th to make our voices heard. This could be a significant moment for the Ethiopian-American community; Teddy could be the first Ethiopian delegate to represent a state at a National Convention. Teddy is not the only Ethiopian-American embarking on a historical moment, Shakespeare is also in the running to represent the great state of Washington supporting Senator Obama. Teddy and Shakespeare are members of Ethiopians for Obama, an amazing group of Ethiopian-Americans who have come together to work for a noble effort.

Virginia is a “battle-ground” state during the fall election. The election of our next President could literally come down to a couple of thousand votes. With over 80,000 Ethiopians living in the state of Virginia, we hold in our hands the possibility of electing the next President and determining the direction of this country and of the world. Regardless of whom one supports, it is a sacred responsibility for Ethiopian-Americans to vote in this historic election. We cannot take for granted the democracy we are blessed to have; there are millions in Ethiopia who would trade all their possessions to have the opportunity we have here in the United States.

So take a couple of hours out of your weekend to go out to Hammond Middle School in Alexandria, Virginia to support our fellow Ethiopian—Teddy Fikre—as he makes his case to be a delegate for the 8th Congressional District. Our moment is now, go out and be a part of our great political process.

Event Details:

Place: Francis Hammond Middle School
Address: 4646 Seminary Rd. Alexandria, VA
Date: Saturday, May 17th 2008
Time: 9:00 AM

Show up early so that you are guaranteed seating.