There is something powerful occurring in the Ethiopian-American community. People who were never inspired to take part in the political process are realizing that they have a duty as citizens to partake in the political process and be a part of the change that is taking place. While they will always love the land of their birth, they realize that they are deeply ingrained in United States and are vested in the direction of this great country. Never before has a politician inspired so many people from so many backgrounds and countries to unite for one common purposes.
Senator Obama speaks about the power of one–the power that a sole individual has to change their community and eventually change the world. Throughout history, we have witnessed time and again how one person has been able to change the trajectory of a nation and of the world. What we are witnessing now is the same dynamic, and Ethiopians for Obama have taken on this mantle and decided that the way to seek change is to organize and participate in the political process.
What started off with Maeza Siraj over a year ago when she created Ethiopians for Obama on barackobama.com has blossomed into thousands of Ethiopian-Americans working in multiple states to be a part of a historical moment. Ethiopians for Obama has some of the most amazing and talented Ethiopians working together for a common purpose. This is not a top-down organization where anointed leaders send out directives. It is a decentralized group that believes in the leadership of each member instead of depending on the leadership of any one individual.
They follow closely the unbelievable model inspired by Senator Obama when he was a community organizer and has emulated for his campaign. Obama believes in the inherent power of people, that each person has the ability to do amazing things if the opportunity is presented. Thus, Ethiopians for Obama is a collection of talented Ethiopian-Americans from California, New York, Virginia, Maryland, Oregon, Texas, Washington DC, Minnesota and states in every corner of the United States who communicate regularly and implement ideas that can further galvanized the Ethiopian-American community around the Obama message of hope and change. Moreover, Ethiopians for Obama is a diverse group that work together based on interests that are common to all and do not dwell in the differences that have divided for too long. The aim is unity of purpose for the benefit of all—a unity that bridges the chasms of ethnicity, religion, and nationality.
Ethiopians for Obama has conducted a targeted phone-banking effort in the states of Indiana and Pennsylvania . By relying on the vast volunteer base and a simple tool such as the white pages, they were able to collect hundreds of phone numbers based on common last names of Ethiopian-Americans who live in those states and makes calls on behalf of Senator Obama. One is at a loss to explain the joy that the receiving party felt when they heard their fellow Ethiopians calling to ask them to participate in the political process. There was an overwhelming level of support for Senator Obama from those who were called and a lot of folks who otherwise did not consider voting were motivated to vote as a result of the calls they received. This is how change happens, the power of one to inspire another.
Ethiopians for Obama has also traveled to multiple states to volunteer directly for the Obama campaign. Dynamic leaders such as Emebet Bekele, Yohannes Assafa, Lulit Mesfin, Mike Endale, Bizu Hodge and Jim Tufa to name a few, are constantly reaching out to their fellow Ethiopians to encourage them to be involved in the political process while they continue to do the hard work of making phone calls and traveling to different states. They realize that debating and hoping for change is not enough; while there are countless Ethiopians who have and continue to be involved politically and work selflessly to ensure our collective interests, their effort is only as successful as the people who are behind any initiative.
Ethiopians for Obama is growing by the day. The first road-trip to Ohio organized by Ethiopians for Obama was attended by three supporters and the second trip to Philadelphia was attended by six supporters. The most recent trip to North Carolina was attended by nine while those who could not make the trip stayed behind and made hundreds of phone calls over the weekend to Ethiopian-Americans in Indiana . On May 6th, Ethiopians for Obama held a victory party in Washington, DC; over 45 people showed up to support Senator Obama on a historic night. The power of one—this is how change happens, one person inspires a friend, that friend inspires a sister, that sister inspires a mother, that mother inspires a husband. Before you know it, what started as one over a year ago will grow into thousands of Ethiopian-Americans who are determined to be the change we all have been waiting for.
Addis Ababa Mayor-Elect Dr Berhanu Nega and colleagues are preparing to make a major announcement next Wednesday in Washington DC, about their future political move. They have scheduled a press conference at the Ethiopian Television Network’s studio on May 14 at 4:00 PM. All Ethiopian and other media are invited to the press conference.
According to sources close to Dr Berhanu, the group will announce the formation of a new political movement that will aim to bring about an end to the Woyanne bloody regime in collaboration with other Ethiopian organizations, including those that are waging armed struggle.
The press conference will be aired live via Ethiopian Review Radio Network, Ethiopian Current Affair Discussion Forum, and other media.
VOA, DW, EriTV, Addis Dimts and other radio programs are also expected to air the press conference to their audience in Ethiopia.
There is something powerful occurring in the Ethiopian-American community. People who were never inspired to take part in the political process are realizing that they have a duty as citizens to partake in the political process and be a part of the change that is taking place. While they will always love the land of their birth, they realize that they are deeply ingrained in United States and are vested in the direction of this great country. Never before has a politician inspired so many people from so many backgrounds and countries to unite for one common purposes.
Senator Obama speaks about the power of one–the power that a sole individual has to change their community and eventually change the world. Throughout history, we have witnessed time and again how one person has been able to change the trajectory of a nation and of the world. What we are witnessing now is the same dynamic, and Ethiopians for Obama have taken on this mantle and decided that the way to seek change is to organize and participate in the political process.
What started off with Maeza Siraj over a year ago when she created Ethiopians for Obama on barackobama.com has blossomed into thousands of Ethiopian-Americans working in multiple states to be a part of a historical moment. Ethiopians for Obama has some of the most amazing and talented Ethiopians working together for a common purpose. This is not a top-down organization where anointed leaders send out directives. It is a decentralized group that believes in the leadership of each member instead of depending on the leadership of any one individual.
They follow closely the unbelievable model inspired by Senator Obama when he was a community organizer and has emulated for his campaign. Obama believes in the inherent power of people, that each person has the ability to do amazing things if the opportunity is presented. Thus, Ethiopians for Obama is a collection of talented Ethiopian-Americans from California, New York, Virginia, Maryland, Oregon, Texas, Washington DC, Minnesota and states in every corner of the United States who communicate regularly and implement ideas that can further galvanized the Ethiopian-American community around the Obama message of hope and change. Moreover, Ethiopians for Obama is a diverse group that work together based on interests that are common to all and do not dwell in the differences that have divided for too long. The aim is unity of purpose for the benefit of all—a unity that bridges the chasms of ethnicity, religion, and nationality.
Ethiopians for Obama has conducted a targeted phone-banking effort in the states of Indiana and Pennsylvania . By relying on the vast volunteer base and a simple tool such as the white pages, they were able to collect hundreds of phone numbers based on common last names of Ethiopian-Americans who live in those states and makes calls on behalf of Senator Obama. One is at a loss to explain the joy that the receiving party felt when they heard their fellow Ethiopians calling to ask them to participate in the political process. There was an overwhelming level of support for Senator Obama from those who were called and a lot of folks who otherwise did not consider voting were motivated to vote as a result of the calls they received. This is how change happens, the power of one to inspire another.
Ethiopians for Obama has also traveled to multiple states to volunteer directly for the Obama campaign. Dynamic leaders such as Emebet Bekele, Yohannes Assafa, Lulit Mesfin, Mike Endale, Bizu Hodge and Jim Tufa to name a few, are constantly reaching out to their fellow Ethiopians to encourage them to be involved in the political process while they continue to do the hard work of making phone calls and traveling to different states. They realize that debating and hoping for change is not enough; while there are countless Ethiopians who have and continue to be involved politically and work selflessly to ensure our collective interests, their effort is only as successful as the people who are behind any initiative.
Ethiopians for Obama is growing by the day. The first road-trip to Ohio organized by Ethiopians for Obama was attended by three supporters and the second trip to Philadelphia was attended by six supporters. The most recent trip to North Carolina was attended by nine while those who could not make the trip stayed behind and made hundreds of phone calls over the weekend to Ethiopian-Americans in Indiana . On May 6th, Ethiopians for Obama held a victory party in Washington, DC; over 45 people showed up to support Senator Obama on a historic night. The power of one—this is how change happens, one person inspires a friend, that friend inspires a sister, that sister inspires a mother, that mother inspires a husband. Before you know it, what started as one over a year ago will grow into thousands of Ethiopian-Americans who are determined to be the change we all have been waiting for.
To join ‘Ethiopians for Obama’, click on: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ethiopiansforobama/
As we all are aware of, from May 15 – May 18 Ethiopians in the Diaspora are showing solidarity with their people and reach out to each other and move on the spirit of May 15, 2005 where Ethiopians on their vote back home shook the foundation of tyranny beyond repair forever.
On this spirit, Ethiopians in New York Metropolitan area and from New Jersey have organized a rally on May 15, 2008 on the third anniversary of our people victory over TPLF tyranny.
Since then many lives have been lost and many jailed including Teddy Afro loved by many Ethiopians for his pro-Ethiopian songs. Moreover, the killing has been exported to neighboring Somalia since December 2006 and to our Ogaden for a diversionary plot without success in the name of war on terror financed by Bush administration.
The victims of TPLF are all nationalities and we need to come together to defeat this regime and the
separate ways we go to defeat the regime though has weakened the regime there should be a united assault to give a final blow and take our liberty from the hands of homegrown fascists.
I call all Ethiopians to come on May 15, 2008 to the famous site here in New York City where people of the world gather to show their denunciation of terror and tyranny.
All Ethiopians are invited to come to the Ralph J. Bunche Park in front of Peace Form One obelisk at
First Avenue 42nd Street across the U.N headquarters and celebrate our people victory three years ago over tyranny.
The rally from 9 am to 2:30 pm is also a call for political parties to form a united front against TPLF
and narrow differences among ourselves. As you know the great obstacle of peace, TPLF, currently is busy in giving away Ethiopia’s land for Sudan in exchange of denying oppositions safe heaven to conduct their struggle.
Our struggle against TPLF can not be won while some fight and die and others look on sideline and it is
critical to hold each others hand and remove the regime who is killing and abusing our people each day.
We are also condemning the illegal occupation of Somalia and the killing of elderly, women and children
and show solidarity with fellow Somalis who are now fighting to liberate their land from TPLF forces.
Come and participate on this rally at a critical time our region and Ethiopia has been forced to after
Ethiopians rejected the brutal regime of Melese Zenawi exactly three years ago.
Meron Fitsum, center, plays Connect Four with her sister Makda, left, and brother Hayelom in their Denver home on Tuesday. Meron Fitsum, an 18-year-old high school senior, is among a record number of Daniels Scholarship winners.
Meron Fitsum has a habit of coming right to the point.
When asked how she became one of the record number of 265 Daniels Scholarship winners awarded this week, the 18-year- old high school senior tells you the story – her story, the one that intersects with the American dream.
Her parents are from Ethiopia. Fitsum was born in Sudan.
“When I was 2, my family moved from Sudan to America as refugee immigrants, all in hopes of the American dream. Since then, we’ve come across lots of people willing to help us.”
For the past four years, one of those people was Sherry Shepard, information technology director for the law firm of Holland & Hart. Shepard is a volunteer with Byrne Urban Scholars. They lined her up with Fitsum.
Although Fitsum was shy at first, the two bonded quickly over their mutual love of dance, including taking classes in hip-hop dance at the Cleo Parker Robinson studio.
“This is a family that I’ll know forever,” Shepard said Monday. “Even if they don’t have a lot, they’ll feed you forever,” she said, recalling many cups of strong Ethiopian coffee served by Fitsum’s father, Belay, who works as a valet at the Brown Palace.
“This is the only family I know where the kids argue over who’s the smartest,” she added. “And they are all smart.”
Asked who is the smartest among her and her five younger siblings, Fitsum doesn’t miss a beat.
“Me, of course,” she said laughing.
The decision letter from the Daniels Fund arrived a few weeks ago.
Her father called her and said, “OK, I’ve got the mail. Do you want me to open it?”
“Is it fat or skinny?” she asked.
“Fat,” he said.
“Open it.”
A few minutes later, when she called Shepard, who was at a conference in Las Vegas, Shepard said it was hard to tell who was screaming for joy louder, the mentor or the student.
Today, the Daniels Fund plans to announce the names of all 265 students who will receive $6.6 million of scholarships. Thanks to some good portfolio investments, that number is up from 200 scholars two years ago, said fund spokesman Peter Droege. The scholars are from Colorado, Wyoming, New Mexico and Utah.
Fitsum plans to use her scholarship to attend Saint Louis University, where she hopes to study creative writing.
Her mentor is not surprised that her protege won the scholarship.
“Every time she hears of something that has to do with leadership, she signs up for it,” Shepard said. “She takes the initiative and makes things happen for herself.”
The Daniels Fund by the numbers
The Denver-based foundation started by the late cable magnate Bill Daniels makes grants to nonprofit organizations in Colorado, New Mexico, Wyoming and Utah and on a limited basis to national programs.
70% of money paid out by the fund is given to agencies working in nine areas chosen by Daniels, including education, the homeless, the elderly and children.
30% of the fund’s annual payout is devoted to the foundation’s college-prep and scholarship program.
Geographic breakdown of the funds
* Colorado: 65 percent (50 percent in the Denver area, 15 percent in the balance of the state)
To All Ethiopians and friends of Ethiopia Living in Norway
A call for participation in the Word Wide March for Freedom, Justice and Human rights in Ethiopia.
Ato Obang Metho, the leader of Anuak Justice Council has taken the initiative and is organizing the World Wide March for freedom, justice and human rights in Ethiopia. The event will provide Ethiopians with an opportune moment to mark May 15, come together and renew their commitment to the struggle for democracy, freedom and justice in their home country. Democratic and peace-loving Ethiopians have decisively beaten the regime of the mercenary TPLF in the ballot box in the historic May 15, 2005 elections. The dictatorial regime does not have any legitimacy and does not represent the country in any way. The regime of Meles Zenawi has refused to accept the democratic and legal decision of the people as expressed in the ballot boxes and continued to impose its illegitimate rule on the country.
The anti-Ethiopian ethnocentric dictatorial regime of Meles Zenawi is in the process of plunging our country into deep crisis and chaos. It has remained defiant and is closing all the venues for the peaceful settlement of the political crisis which is its own making. Besides, there are alarming and unsettling reports of secretive agreements between the illegitimate regime of Meles Zenawi and Sudan which allows the later to grab Ethiopian land. Considering the gravity of the crisis our country is facing at the moment, we have no option but to forge unprecedented unity and stand together in defense of our county and rights.
There will be a public rally to be held in Oslo Norway as part of the world wide march for freedom, human rights and justice in Ethiopia. All Ethiopians and friends of Ethiopia are cordially invited to take part in the event and demonstrate their solid unity against repression, treason and tyranny which is jeopardizing the existence their country.
Date: Thursday the 15th of May, 2008 (15-05-08).
Place: In front of the Norwegian Parliament (stortinget).
Time: 15:00 or 3:00p.m. in the afternoon.
