Tadias Magazine

By Liben Eabisa
Published: February 5th, 2008

New York (Tadias) – We hit the Obama campaign rallies in the city this weekend in search of hot shots. We were not disappointed. When we arrived at the “Women for Obama” rally at Columbus Circle, there was a surprise waiting for us. Guess who was on the stage? Sara Haile-Mariam, an Ethiopian American, was addressing the crowd.

We also attended the rally at MTV studios in Times Square.

Sara Haile-Mariam right after she spoke at the “Women for Obama” rally
at Columbus Circle, New York. Sat, Feb 2, 2008. Photo by Liben Eabisa.

From left – Tseday Alehegn (A graduate student at Columbia University &
Editor-in-Chief of Tadias, and an enthusiastic Obama campaign volunteer),
Sara Haile-Mariam, and Zelela Menker (who stopped by to take part in the
event). Columbus Circle, NYC. Sat, Feb 2, 2008. Photo by Liben Eabisa.

Rather good view the crowd at the “Women for Obama” rally at Columbus
Circle, New York. Sat, Feb 2, 2008. Photo by Liben Eabisa.

Sara Haile-Mariam is on the left. Columbus Circle, NYC. Sat, Feb 2, 2008.
Photo by Liben Eabisa.

Tseday Alehegn with young Obama fans. Columbus Circle, NYC. Sat, Feb 2, 2008.
Photo by Liben Eabisa.

Liben Eabisa & Tseday Alehegn. Columbus Circle, NYC. Sat, Feb 2, 2008.

“Women for Obama” rally at Columbus Circle, New York. Sat, Feb 2, 2008.
Photo by Liben Eabisa.

With more Obama fans. Columbus Circle, New York. Sat, Feb 2, 2008.
Photo by Tseday Alehegn.

Times Square
We also attended the rally at MTV studios in Times Square.

An Obama rally at MTV studios in Times Square. Sat, Feb 2, 2008.
Photo by Liben Eabisa.

Times Square. Sat, Feb 2, 2008. Photo by Liben Eabisa.

Ghanaian-Born Daniel Adjei of Queens, New York, at the MTV studios rally
in Times Square holding “Latinos For Obama” sign. Sat, Feb 2, 2008.
Photo by Liben Eabisa.

Latinos for Obama. Times Square. Sat, Feb 2, 2008. Photo by Liben Eabisa.

An Obama rally at MTV studios in Times Square. Sat, Feb 2, 2008.
Photo by Liben Eabisa.

Tseday Alehegn is on the right. An Obama rally at MTV studios in
Times Square. Sat, Feb 2, 2008. Photo by Liben Eabisa.

This is New York, so it has to be original. People came with a variety
of homemade signs. Here is one with Barack Obama on the cover of
Vibe magazine. Times Square. Sat, Feb 2, 2008. Photo by Liben Eabisa.

Of course, the famous “Obama Girl”. Times Square. Sat, Feb 2, 2008.
Photo by Liben Eabisa.

An Obama rally at MTV studios in Times Square. Sat, Feb 2, 2008.
Photo by Liben Eabisa.

An Obama rally at MTV studios in Times Square. Sat, Feb 2, 2008.
Photo by Liben Eabisa.

We’ve saved the best for last. This is our favorite image. A graceful elderly
lady carrying a sign that reads: “Choose Hope Over Fear”. She represents an
energetic group at these rallies that often sings “Tell mama, vote Obama” louder
than the younger crowd. Times Square. Feb 2, 2008. Photo by Liben Eabisa.

Stay tuned for post-election coverage.