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Microphone unplugged on Ethiopian human rights advocate at an ESFNA event in Dallas

Posted on by Elias Kifle

By Dula Abdu

Yeharwork Gashaw, an Ethiopian human rights advocate, was gingerly allowed to take the stage for 5 minutes to speak about her organization, Ethiopian Women for Democracy, at the Ethiopian Sports Federation in North America event in Dallas, Texas, on July 6.

During her brief speech when she started talking about political prisoners, the microphone was unplugged and the whole stadium went quiet.

After a brief commotion — some thought it was a deliberate sabotage, others said it was a technical glitch or an accident — the microphone became live again. Although her main aim was to introduce Ethiopian Women for Democracy, she, like everyone, was probably confused and probably scared by the commotion even her mild appeal for prayers was not welcomed by ESFNA leaders because her time was cut short and was escorted of the stage. Her two companions, who were on the stage left without saying anything.

It appears ESFNA officials panicked or some equipment malfunction took place. Nonetheless, the audience was taken aback by the incident, because none of the speakers during the ‘Ethiopia Day’ experienced such
microphone problem or interruption.

Was this an accident or deliberate attempt to silence Ethiopians of different view while giving the stage and great accolade to the likes of Mohamud Ahmed?

Families and Children are also a victim of ESFNA

ESFNA continues to abuse Ethiopian of all sectors including mothers and children and by ignoring the wishes and the interest of the majority. Fetya, a mother of three beautiful children is a good example.

During the long wait for ‘Ethiopia Day’ as it never started on schedule, Fetya was getting desperate because of her three kids were becaming restless. To give her some solace, I opened a conversation, as she was sitting straight across from me.

She said she has been in the stadium in this blazing Texas sun for the whole day because the ESFNA website claimed that there is activity for children in the morning and for adult entertainment in the afternoon.

On Friday, July 6, Fetya brought her 3 children to watch and participate in the children soccer. According to ESFNA website, Friday, July 6, 2007, schedule includes two programs for Children Soccer at 8:30 AM and 10:00 AM. Fetya said, she checked the website in the morning to make sure there was no change. When she arrived, there was nothing. When she asked two ESFNA officials about Children Soccer, they told her that they knew nothing about it.

After paying $15 dollar entrance fee, she decided to wait for ‘Ethiopia Day’ that was also scheduled to start at 5:30 PM according to their website. Fortunately, it started, but almost two hours late at 7:20 PM. Even after that, despite 3 months of planning according to the MC, technical glitches abounded. The sound quality was poor and a great commotion took place among the organizers.

One of the singers decided to stop in the middle of the song because the sound system was too bad. The MC, after a few minutes, decided to explain what was going on, cancelled the whole show and ordered the
staged cleared. After a brief hoopla, ESFNA officials decided to start the program again.

Fetya, a petite Ethiopian and her children endured a small ordeal. She said she cancelled school for her children to be with Ethiopian children, because as she explained that they live quite a distance from Dallas and they don’t get a chance to see other Ethiopians.

For Fetya, none of her expectations were met. ESFNA is about money, said said. Like many Ethiopians, her conclusion was on the mark.

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27 thoughts on “Microphone unplugged on Ethiopian human rights advocate at an ESFNA event in Dallas”

  2. Hi, All Dear Ethiopians!

    I am from Houston, Texas, and I was there too in Dallas Texas (actually in Garland, Texas) when the above-mentioned incident occurred. To me, it appeared it was just an arbitrary sound system problem. I said this because even the Mayor of the City of Garland was not able to speak for several minutes due to the same sound system problem. Do you think ESFNA will embarass the mayor of the City that was hosting the ESFNA events? I don’t think so. In my opinion, it was just an arbitrary sound system problem. The writer, Mr. Dula Abdu of Houston, Texas, seems to be reading too much into that unfortunate incident.

    Instead, let’s us congratulate the ESFNA for the good works that it is doing in bringing all Ethiopians around the USA and the world together. When I say this, I am not denying that there are a few issues that they need to resolve just like any ohter organization of this magnitude.

    We should also remember that the ESFNA is a 501C organization and is exempt from federal taxes in the US. Because of that it is not allowed by law to use its platforms to support or oppose political parties.

    I would say to the ESFNA: KEEP UP THE GOOD WORKS OF BRINGING THE DIASPORA ETHIOPIANS TOGETHER EACH YEAR! I WILL SEE YOU AGAIN NEXT YEAR IN WASHINGTON, D.C.!

  3. Ethiopians in N.America need to find a better solution. I don’t see ways that would help bring about change in this organization. As ER commented, these guys are stricktly for money and profit. The community needs and aspirations are not addressed from year to year. Days ago, we have read about the plight of a courageous mother who fought these ESFNA in court in order to include girls soccer team in the program. I think, the best bet we Ethiopians have is to up a Community-based organization that would replace ESFNA gradually.

  4. I am a Dallas resident and the whole program was aimed at milking “miskin” Ethiopians in the name of getting Ethiopians together. I have seen gate keepers charging their customers two times for just passing the gate and coming back without having the ribbon or whatever you call it. And one of the confrontation I heard between a young girl of age 19 (my guess) and an older person (gate keeper) of twice her age was so disgusting that I can’t even talk about it here. If the program was about “mewacho” then they should have told us ahead of time so that we could contribute what we can. But robbing fellow country men in the name of business is quite unacceptable and outrageous. If they do business or if they think that they are in business, then they have to DELIVER!! We live in an advanced world where customers have to get the service to the extent that satisfy their need at 100% level (“Satisfaction Guaranteed” is the motto everywhere). But without delivering what has been promised and charging the full amount for the service not rendered is day light robbery and punishable by law. It is just a matter of signing some petition and submitting it to the BBB – I’m sure they are aware of that. If some folks are ready to do that – count on me. But regarding the next year and so on ESFNA tournament, mark my words – I’ll NEVER be there!!

  5. One Step forward Two Steps back!!
    When we say ESFNA is about peace, harmony, democracy, and togatherness of all Ethiopians then they come up with some shabby treatment and disorganised act like in Dallas. I don’t know if ESFNA will ever grow. For us Ethiopians it was supposed to remind us our home our country and our heritage but ESFNA is ruining every desire we have about celebrating our Ethiopianness. May God help them to stay true to their commitment. Please don’t advertise what you are not able to fulfil.

  6. To tell you the truth I have heard no positive comment on the whole event. I went last year and was not really good. I expected better for a simple event like this.I think the organizers are only in it for the money, like most of u witnessed. It is really sad to see and hear about this level of greed by our own Eth brothers in a country like America. I guess we will never learn to be and act faithful with the things we do. Now even the American governmental and n.g.o’s think that Ethiopians are to greedy and corrupt on any level to work together, a report published by the gov’t. Unlike our great history of pride and honesty this is one dark age that seems never to go away. I hope there are enough people who are determined to bring about a good change, back home or abroad, even in America. At least then the likes of Fetya and her children might enjoy a weekend out and will not be ashamed of her fellow Eth.
    May God bless…

  7. As of Next year, I don’t see any involvement with this nonsense organization. Talking about of these precious and conscience prisoners should have been a priority in any gathering which involves Ethiopians.

    More reason for boycotting ESFNA, the are not responsible on activities on duties that they are supposed and promised to do. Their are money minded – which they are collecting it unfairly.

    God bless Ethiopia

    Tadesse.

  9. Boycotting is not a solution. Competition is. A group of artists, journalists, athletes and others need to get together and form a competing event. Then you will see major improvements by ESFNA. If they don’t improve, they will disappear when they lose their customers. The ESFNA is as disorganized and incompetent as it was some 20 years ago. In fact, it seems to get worse every year. The reason is that they do not have any incentive or pressure to improve.

  11. This kind of abuse has been going on for quiet sometimes. Ethiopians has been abused all the time by this organization but we have not done any thing about it. We have the power without much pain. boycott this “HODAM” and selfish group. Just don’t show up on the up coming event. It is very simple.

  13. All Ethiopians Organizations including the churches , associations e.t.c that has board members running it and is a non-profit organizations has been taken over by EPRDF, look around you and see what they do and who they are fighting ,they do not have to call themselves

  14. Here we go again ER with its out of control editor or publisher judging the viability of a solid organization such as the ESFNA. I am not saying that ESFNA is all perfect but it is a greet organization that brings pride and joy to all Ethiopians. Last week I was attending a similar sports tournament organized by Ex-patriates from the Congo. The whole event was so disorganized and there was hardly any body there. I felt so proud that we as Ethiopians can organize something big like the Soccer Tourmant while others are struggling to even start one. Some of the comments I read mention the entrance fee was to much. I remember when the fee was $5 dollars and the event was held at a smaller and less costly venue. People including the participants were complaining that it was not adequate enough. The solution was a better venue like the one held in Dallas. That of course costs more money meaning more charges. Hitches like what happened to Yeharerwork can happen besides from what I understand she was given an opportunity to introduce her organization and not to make a political statement favoring the government or against it. ER and its publisher are just blindly going against everything that is critical of the governmemt, it is not a reliable and fair news outlet. It is a propaganda outlet for every disgrunteled Habesha.

  15. selam all

    the only strong Ethiopian organization that stays for more than 20 years, which brings us all together every year is ESFNA.

    As always, some narrow minded people who doesnt want to see Ethoipians together can talk all year round. Ethiopia has a lot of enemies. From inside and outside. Who can say WOYANNE want to see Ethipians together? so he can send his agents to stand against ESFNA.

    We opned our eyes already. Those who are narrow minded and quick to blame ESFNA, let me challange you! Creat another festival who can bring Ethipians together, let’s see you do that for 3 years, then we will boycott ESFNA and come to you. Other wise dont be distructive.

  17. Ethiopian Women For Peace And Democracy (EWPD)
    P.O. Box 860374 Plano, TX 75086 U.S.A.

    Mr. Dula,

    Thank you for your concern, but we (Ethiopian Women for Peace and Democracy) strongly believe that you have the wrong information in regard to the reason why Kibirt Yeharewerk Gashaw was at the esfna event, as one of the speakers on Friday, July 6. If you would have spoken to our organization, we could have provided you with our press release that was sent to the international media so that you would have a clear understanding of the reason that we were present at the esfna event. We were at the event mainly to address a world wide unity prayer program in the name of the 2000 Ethiopian New Year, that is to heal our country and its people, to bring peace, to end ethnic division among us and to send humanitarian appeal to Prim Minister Meles Zenawi and its government to free the prisoners by means of special prayer program.Yeharewrerk Gashaw was on stage to speak, which is not the reason portrayed in your article. Next time you write about us please get a tangible information from us first. And finaly,again,

    Kibrt Yeharerwerk Gashaw was at the event to open the World Wide Prayer Program that is to heal Ethiopia and its people. And the name of our organization is not Ethiopian Women for Democracy, but Ethiopian women For Peace And Democracy.

    In order to help you thoroughly understand the main purpose and reason why Kibrt Yeharerwerk was part of the ESFNA program, please read the Dallas Morning News article below and note the date of the articl.

    Thank you,
    Ethiopian Women For Peace And Democracy.

    Dallas Morning News

    Festival to celebrate Ethiopians’ contributions

    12:00 AM CDT on Wednesday, July 4, 2007

    Ethiopian-Americans in Dallas quietly have helped keep the local economy advancing and are getting to proclaim their merits as Ethiopian immigrants gather here from around the country this week.

    The long-anticipated 24th annual Sports and Cultural Festival began Sunday and continues through Saturday at Homer Johnson Stadium, 1029 E. Centerville Road in Garland.

    The national festival attracts Ethiopian descendants from across the nation and will offer cultural, economic and social events, plus a soccer tournament featuring 27 teams, including two from Dallas, from 4 to 9 p.m. daily at the stadium.

    The festival will allow national and local people to learn more about the estimated 30,000 Ethiopian descendants in Dallas County who include many first-generation immigrants as part of the local culture and workforce, said Ziggy Kagnew, who hosts an Ethiopian radio show from 3 to 4 p.m. each Sunday on KNON-FM (89.3).

    The public also is invited to the festival’s Ethiopian Day at 6:30 p.m. Friday, which will feature cultural entertainment, information and greeting from dignitaries, he said.

    An Ethiopian women’s group will focus public attention on political and social issues that affect Ethiopians and Americans alike, said Yeharerwerk Gashaw, an Ethiopian immigrant who is recognized in Dallas and the nation for her work as a model, actress and civil rights activist.

    Ethiopian Women for Peace and Democracy, which she founded in Dallas in 1986, will lead a worldwide peace and prayer program at 7 p.m. Friday at the stadium. The program will highlight issues that include tributes to the late U.S. Rep. Mickey Leland, D-Houston, who advocated improving living conditions in Africa, and the late television news correspondent Ed Bradley, who also highlighted African needs.

    The women also will lead a tribute to the Ethiopian New Year, known as the Ethiopian Millennium, and a healing memorial for the people who died or were injured in the World Trade Center disaster in New York, which both happen on Sept. 11, Ms. Gashaw said. To inquire about the festival, call 214-208-0434, or about the peace and prayer program, call 972-517-0916.

  18. Is it me or all of us just follow anything that moves? too many arise to criticise the oraganization but how many of us have done what it has?

    So weather an intended thing has happened that day or not this organization is the single source of togetherness of all Ethiopians in the name of Ethiopia…Therfore, we should challenge it positivly not by condemning it all at once…let challege them to be better next year not disapear…

    I find the Ethiopian woman for peace and democracy responce to the article not accurate as to what ER wrote….it was written as if it was a personal talk not an organiztions respond…

    GOD BLESS ETHIOPIA AND ALL ETHIOPIANS

  19. ESFNA become individually owned profit organization. They do make tones of money, shared among those individual on power forever. They are Alamudin financed organization by using Ethiopian name, These are some organization using our beloved country name to make money. Let’s have well organized – controlled by Ethiopian public.

    Please stop using our name for you private purpose.

    Alamudin financed organization is ESFNA

  20. Regarding Germognal respond I did find out more about ESFNA now before get ready more to come their filty and dirty game the time is over. NO MORE another 1yr

  21. i am one of the diaspora who lives in california, came to dallas part of esfna yearly event, as i read the comment by dula abdu it makes me to think that how we take things out of context, as i was sitting in the field i listened to the speaker she wasnot the only one who had sound system problem, the mayer and the state senator as well as mike-e all have the same problem, to link this as a political problem is nothing but irresponsible statment. i wish the writer exposed the ongoing problem that ESFNA continoue problem money making business,they need to stop milking us in general, the orginization are making money in so many ways but they have to stop charging the public more than they can afford!

  22. ESFNA is the only viable Ethiopian Organization outside Ethiopia that has lasted for 24 years. In the last 24 years we’ve witnessed three governments in Ethiopia, numerous political organizations have come and gone. I’ve lived in this country since 1972 and seen many Ethiopian organizations, mehabers,eders, start up only to fold. Let’s not be quick to dismantle the one thing we all should be proud with all it’s mistakes. Calling for improvement & reform is the right thing. But, calling for boycott is foolish. As for the Yeharerwork’s incident, I don’t know how anybody can say it was deliberate if you were there that day, I was there and the sound system was less than perfect all evening so much so that one of the entertainers quit in the middle of a performance. For some one to even think to blame ESFNA for the system problem, must have his or her own agenda. Stop trying to destroy the one good thing we have and help it grow. I’ll bet the 25th anniversary in DC will be bigger than ever. I for one can’t wait.

    SYIDC (See You In D.c.)

  23. Regarding what Sami says- You are of the stupidest and damm board member why you use some body name to talk about Elias. He’s the one all Ethiopian we proud of and you are piss of shit you can even pay your damm bill to criticize one of the best defender and a true Ethiopian.

  24. I donot understand all this complaining afterwards.this socalled ethiopian get together or tournament what ever you call it never has been about ethiopia or ethiopian. It is about money .this people are very smart beceause they know what your weaknes are alchole;SEX ;DRUGS etc.that is the only reseon you go. At this very moment in ethiopia T.P.L.F is preparing a grave for our ledears torture our brothers and sisters you people chose to party night after night .keep your sorry whatever to yourself.

  25. AMEN TO That,
    It is about time the truth be told,
    it is a no brainer ESFNA = ATM, all the leaders are laughing all the way to the nearst BANK,
    what a waste, why don’t we come togther and do something productive. How about coming togther to voice our concern about our leaders.

    I think we should hire a CPA to audit ESFNA, where does all the Money go.

  26. I am realy sorry all of you have just wake up and found out that every thing ESFNA is about money. Do you realy know who is running the show? Do you have any idea who these the so called board members are? Have any one of you tried to attende one of their meeting in October of each year and ask critical questions about Ethiopia and its people and culture? these are some of the question I will forward to some of you who think these groups are trying hard to make a yearly event for ethiopians to get together. there are a lot going on in every state about these abuses but no one of you have said any thing sighting these is the only orgainozation that will bing as together every year. The organization is a 501 C 3 but the participating teams are profit making execpt some teams that are legts.

    I have a lot of information. but this is only the only the tip of the iceburg what the so called team leaders are doing in every state. I am not talking about those teams that are legitmate. There are so called board members who claim that they own the team and can not be changed by the board of the team of the club.

  27. There is not one organization in the world that is perfect, ESFNA is no exception. On the negative side, they are slow to take action; their schedules were messed-up to say the least. I know because I had a son playing for one of the children

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