Tadias archive at Tadias Magazine

« Older

Loading Newer »

Less

Excerpts Headlines Full Length

Author Archive for Tadias

African Union Celebrates 50th Year

Published by Tadias May 23rd, 2013 in Podcast. 0 Comments

African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. (Photo: Maria Dyveke Styve/Creative Commons)

Associated Press

BY KIRUBEL TADESSE

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia — African nations this week mark the 50th year since the founding of a continentwide organization that spearheaded efforts to liberate Africa from colonial masters. Now leaders want to map out the next 50 years of political and economic integration.

Konjit Sinegiorgis was a young diplomat tasked with distributing documents to the assembled heads of state when the founding congress of the Organization of African Unity was held in May 1963. Sinegiorgis said the OAU “brilliantly” accomplished its primary task.

“Its primary mandate was to liberate Africa from the shackles of colonialism and apartheid. I think in that regard it has done brilliantly,” said Konjit, now Ethiopia’s ambassador to the African Union, the successor to the OAU.

The weeklong 50-year celebrations culminate Saturday in the Ethiopian capital where African leaders will be joined by foreign dignitaries including United States Secretary of State John Kerry. African leaders will also consider Agenda 2063, a blueprint they say will bring socio-economic and political transformation to the continent.

Kerry, who recently expressed concerns over China’s growing influence in Africa, is expected to be joined by Chinese President Xi Jinping’s special representative, Vice Premier Wang Yang, at the celebrations in the AU headquarters, a building whose $200 million constriction costs were paid by Beijing.

Ethiopian Airlines to Press Boeing for 787 Compensation

Published by Tadias May 8th, 2013 in Podcast. 0 Comments

(Photo by Gediyon Kifle/Tadias Magazine file)

The Associated Press

May 8, 2013

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia — The chief executive of Ethiopian Airlines says his company will seek compensation from Boeing for the grounding of its 787 Dreamliner planes.

Tewolde Gebremariam told The Associated Press on Tuesday his company will soon start discussions with Boeing over compensation.

By James Butty

April 29, 2013

Ethiopian Airlines over the weekend became the world’s first carrier to resume flying Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner, since it was grounded in January with battery problems.

Stella Sabiiti, an international peace and security consultant with the African Union Commission for Peace and Security, was a passenger aboard a 787 flight from Nairobi to Addis Ababa.

Sabiiti said it was smooth and gentle. She also said she likes the inside of the plane, particularly the windows which, she said, change colors with the push of a button.

“It was one of the smoothest flights I have ever been on. The takeoff was so smooth, so gentle. Mid-air, we flew very well, very comfortably, and the landing was just as smooth as the side of a little baby,” she said.

Sabiiti said she had no idea she would be flying on the Dreamliner.

“No, I didn’t know, but the whole morning I was listening to the radio, and I was following events about the Dreamliner testing its flight, and I was thinking, ‘Well, good to those people.’ And, the news was unfolding very slowly, every half hour, every hour. Eventually, I heard something like Ethiopian Airlines from Addis (Ababa) to Nairobi, and it took time to sink in. Then, I realized, ‘Oh my, that’s the flight that will take me back from Nairobi to Addis, so I’ll be on the Dreamliner,’” Sabiiti said.

The Ethiopian flight was the first since regulators grounded the Dreamliner in January after two battery warnings on two separate planes. The battery faults raised fears of a possible mid-air fire.

Sabiiti said she offered a little prayer when she learned she would be flying on the Dreamliner.

“At first, I was thankful I would be on that flight. Then, after a few hours, I realized I would on that flight. So, I prayed for myself, as well as whom else would be on that flight. And, as we were boarding, we were joking with strangers. We didn’t know each other, but we were making jokes,” Sabiiti said.

She said the jet was being highly photographed by passengers and television crews.

Sabiiti also said she likes the inside of the jet, particularly the windows which can change colors with the push of a button.

“It’s beautiful, especially it’s wide inside, and it’s quite long and it’s high. But, what I love most about it are the windows. They change colors. You just press a button and it becomes dark blue, then you press the button and it becomes light. Everything is so smooth, everything is so automatic. But, I think also the air [in the cabin] is very user friendly. You don’t feel the dryness on the plane,” Sabiiti said.
—
Related:
When will United, others will resume Dreamliner flights? (USA Today)
Ethiopian Airlines Becomes First to Resume Flying Grounded Dreamliner (Reuters)
Ethiopia flies first Dreamliner since grounding (AP)
Ethiopian Airlines Ready to Return 787 Dreamliner Service (TADIAS)
Exclusive: FAA nears decisive step in restoring 787 to flight (Reuters)
Ethiopian Airlines Grounds 787 Dreamliner

In Pictures: Ethiopian airlines 787 Dreamliner lands in D.C. (Photos: Tadias File – Aug 2012)

—
Join the conversation on Twitter and Facebook.

Photos From Bangkok: Thailand’s Only Ethiopian Restaurant

Published by Tadias April 5th, 2013 in Opinion. 0 Comments

Below is a slideshow of photos highlighting Bangkok's only Ethiopian restaurant submitted to Tadias by Abebe Hailu, a reader from San Jose, California who recently visited the eatery in Thailand.

Tadias Magazine
Reader Submission

Updated: Sunday, April 7, 2013

Food as Ambassador

Perhaps the best ambassador a nation can offer to the people of other countries is its food. No protocol, no bowing, no high-sounding words are needed, just good and honest taste. To know what a nation savors on its tables is to gain great insight regarding the heart and soul of the people of that country.

So, imagine my surprise when some Australian and Sudanese colleagues from the United Nations outpost joined me to go to a delightful little Ethiopian restaurant in the heart of Bangkok, Thailand. I’m sure they were trying to be kind since I am of Ethiopian heritage. Well, they were far more than kind. I wound up eating some of the best Ethiopian cuisine I have experienced outside of the motherland.

World Class Partners

As I said, the restaurant is small: seven tables. A very cozy and quaint place — the pleasing art, the great fixture accents, and the strong colors make it warm and inviting. The service is especially friendly and gracious. The restaurant is owned by two Ethiopians – Ambese who came to Bangkok via Virginia, U.S.A. and Taye Berhanu, who came to Bangkok directly from Ethiopia. Taye who served us is probably in his mid-twenties and very gracious and polite.

Ambese and Taye have brought their strong sense of Ethiopian etiquette and hospitality to this Asian capital where they serve the local members of the various African communities. Among them are
individuals from Ghana, Sudan, Nigeria, and Cameroon. Of course, other foreigners previously exposed to Ethiopian cuisine, are welcome guests at Ethiopia Restaurant as well when they get a hankering for Bozena Shiro, Awaze Tibes, or some other Ethiopian delicacy.

Menu from the Motherland

The menu at Ethiopia Restaurant could bring tears to the eyes (in more ways than one) to an Ethiopian starving for a taste from the motherland. That evening we began with the special Kittfo Ethiopian Beef Tartar. It was exquisite beef, very lean and finally chopped. It was served with mitmita, a spiced chili powder. What makes it so special is another spice that is especially prepared for Kittfo and made up of organic spices imported from Ethiopia. Since the beef and spice are served as is, or raw, it’s a perfect test for the skill of the kitchen. Ethiopia Restaurant passed with flying colors.

Bozeno Shiro was our next dish. A stew made primarily of ground chickpeas or broad beans, it is prepared with minced onions and garlic. Depending on regional variations, ginger, chopped tomatoes, and chili peppers can be thrown into the sauce. The chickpeas, along with cubes of lean beef, are simmered in a berbere sauce, which could best be characterized as an African barbecue sauce made up of cumin seeds, cloves, cardamom pods, and allspice, among other ingredients. The delightful dish was cooked and served on traditional Ethiopian clay dishes.

Awaze Tibes followed and I do believe it is the best I have ever had, with all apologies to cooks in the Ethiopian motherland. The dish consists of small cuts of lamb that have been marinated in herbs from the vast Ethiopian spice cabinet. It is then cooked with tomatoes, garlic, berbere sauce, and onion. The way it was served was fantastic.

An Exquisite Ethiopian Ending

Ambese and Taye ended our Ethiopian feast with the coffee ceremony. My heart was touched at how Taye carefully followed all the traditions necessary to keep the practice alive. He obviously cares deeply about Ethiopian tradition and that included the burning of traditional frankincense over a tiny charcoal stove as he prepared the brew. Of course, he prepared the coffee in the traditional Jabena pot, with its spherical base, long neck, and pouring spout, its long handle connecting to the base and the neck. The rich coffee was poured into cups of a kind you would find in any good Ethiopian coffee shop.

Needless to say, I left Ethiopia Restaurant feeling a little bit homesick. On the other hand, it was delightful to have discovered a place, however small, so deeply connected to Ethiopia and its foods and traditions. The sprawling Asian capital of Bangkok is known for its diversity; it’s nice to know that the diversity includes Ethiopia. Through Ethiopia Restaurant, Ethiopia is offering its wonderful food as an ambassador to the peoples of Asia.

Here are photos from Bangkok’s only Ethiopian Restaurant:

—
If You Go
ETHIOPIA RESTAURANT
1/22 SUKHUMVIT SOI 3 (NANA NUEA) SUKHUMVIT RODE
KLONGTOEY NUEA, WATTANA
BANGKOK, 10110 THAILAND
–
Join the conversation on Twitter and Facebook

Three Goats Org Inaugural Launch at Ginny’s Supper Club

Published by Tadias April 3rd, 2013 in Featured and Interviews. 1 Comment

The inaugural launch of Three Goat organization was held on Sunday, April 7th, 2013 at Ginny's Supper Club in New York. (photo courtesy Three Goat.org)

Tadias Magazine
By Tseday Alehegn

Updated: Monday, April 8th, 2013

New York (TADIAS) – When model and philanthropist Maya Gate Haile visited Ethiopia in November 2011 she headed to Togowichale, a small border town sitting between Ethiopia and Somalia – a place needing dire assistance where she delivered resources collected from a fundraiser she had hosted with her husband, Marcus Samuelsson, at their home in Harlem. In return for her work the people of the town gave her three goats as a token of their appreciation. Maya was sincerely touched by their gesture of thanks and vowed to continue dedicating herself to improving the health and well-being of children, women and families in the country.

“We flew from New York to Addis and from there we took a plane to Harrar then went to Jijiga and drove for five hours to Togowichale,” Maya says. “The residents in Togowichale have no clean water, there is no medical clinic, there is hardly any school for young people.” She added: “The place needs many things but what we can do is start somewhere by giving hope.”

Three Goats Organization, a New York based non-profit, has now been established to promote and support social entrepreneurial projects in various regions of Ethiopia. Programs include providing access to clean water via wells and innovative water purification systems as well as focusing on increasing retention rates and access to education for young girls.

By incorporating and designing nutrition workshops and developing recipes from local produce for balanced nutrient intake Three Goats organization aims to reduce the time spent by young girls on cooking chores, which usually keeps them away from attending school as regularly as their male peers. Children are also often pulled out of school to help their families earn income and the Three Goats’ City Food program will focus on increasing school attendance by providing food from local producers to assist struggling families to purchase food and offset inflation and high cost of living. Workshops are also being developed for farmers to assist them on how to diversify their crops. In addition, the Change Through Dialogue program offers funding for seminars, conferences, and academic workshops that focus on developing sustainable and entrepreneurial models to reduce chronic poverty as well as to provide mentoring opportunities for youth.

The inaugural launch of Three Goat organization was held on Sunday, April 7th, 2013 at Ginny’s Supper Club in Harlem.

Click here for Photos from Three Goats Org Inaugural Launch at Ginny’s Supper Club.
–
To learn more and support please click here.

Video: “HORN OF AFRICA” by THREE GOATS ORG. (ThreeGoatsTV)

–
Join the conversation on Twitter and Facebook

Ethiopia’s Two Sides of Development: Successes and Pitfalls

Published by Tadias March 15th, 2013 in Opinion and Podcast. 0 Comments

Here are two recent articles offering views of the successes and pitfalls of foreign investment in Ethiopia.

VOA News

Martha van der Wolf

March 15, 2013

ADDIS ABABA — The United Nations Development Program has released its 2013 Human Development Index. Despite recent economic growth, Ethiopia is still near the bottom of the index.

Ethiopia ranks 173 out of 187 countries in the Human Development Index 2013, unveiled by the United Nations Development Program, UNDP, on Friday.

The Index is part of the Human Development Report that is presented annually and measures life expectancy, income and education in countries around the world.

Since 2000, Ethiopia has registered greater gains than all but two other countries in the world – Afghanistan and Sierra Leone. But it still ranks close to the bottom of the Index.

However, Samuel Bwalya, an economic advisor for UNDP, says that not only the ranking is important.

“I think what matters in the index is how you’re moving, your own human development progress within the country, so you’re moving from 0.275 to 0.378, that movement is what matters,” said Bwalya. “It means that your country is making progress in human development. Now the ranking depends on how other countries are also faring.”

This year’s Human Development Report focuses on the major gains made since 2000 in most countries in the global South.

UNDP believes sub-Saharan Africa can achieve higher levels of human development if it deepens its engagement with other regions of the South.

But those countries must overcome many challenges, such as low life expectancy, high levels of inequality and the growing threat for environmental disasters that could halt or reverse the recent gains in human development.

Bwalya says that government policies are central to human development in Ethiopia:

“The most important is to continuously commit to two policy arenas: the economic program in the country is robust and the government should have continuous commitment to development,” he explained. “The second is that it should continue the social protection program that has been so important in reducing poverty.”

While the Human Development Report and Index celebrate improvements across the developing world, a hard fact remains – 24 out of the 25 lowest ranked countries are on the African continent.
—-
Related:
Why Are We Funding Abuse in Ethiopia? (The New York Review of Books)

By Helen Epstein

In 2010, the Ethiopian government began moving thousands of people out of the rural villages where they had lived for centuries to other areas several hours’ walk away. The Ethiopian government calls this program the “Commune Center Development Plan and Livelihood Strategy” and claims it is designed to bring scattered rural populations closer to schools, health clinics, roads, and other public services. But the Commune Center program has been marked by a string of human rights abuses linked to government attempts to clear huge tracts of land for foreign investors. According to testimony collected by Human Rights Watch and other groups over the past two years, the relocations have involved beatings, imprisonment, torture, rape, and even murder. In many of the new “villages” the program has created, the promised services do not exist. Deprived of the farms, rivers, and forests that once provided their livelihoods, many people fear starvation, and thousands have fled to refugee camps in Kenya and South Sudan.

Such mistreatment by the government is nothing new in Ethiopia, an essentially one-party state of roughly 90 million people, in which virtually all human rights activity and independent media is banned. But what makes this case particularly outrageous is that the Ethiopian government may be using World Bank money—some of which comes from US taxpayers—to finance it. If so, this violates the Bank’s own rules concerning the protection of indigenous peoples and involuntary resettlement. In response to complaints from human rights groups, the Bank’s internal watchdog recently conducted its own review of the Commune Center program—commonly known as villagization in Ethiopia—which confirmed the human rights allegations and recommended that the Bank carry out a full investigation of its activities in Ethiopia.

Tewodros Hagos: Winner of the First ‘Ethiopia Creates’ Art Prize

Published by Tadias February 20th, 2013 in Art and Featured. 0 Comments

Painting by Tewodros Hagos from his 2013 U.S. exhibition at the Little Ethiopia Cultural and Resource Center in Los Angeles, California. (Image: Faces from the streets of Ethiopia, acrylic on canvas )

Tadias Magazine
Art News

Updated: Thursday, February 21st, 2013

Los Angeles (TADIAS) – Last year, Negist Legesse, also known as Nikki, director of the Little Ethiopia Cultural and Resource Center in Los Angeles asked her friend, commercial director and fine artist Lori Precious, to co-create an art competition for Ethiopian artists in Ethiopia. The first place winner would receive a trip to L.A., an exhibition of their artwork and a cash award.

“I was immediately intrigued since I had traveled to Ethiopia a couple of times and had taken note of some interesting contemporary art, including a visit to artist Elias Sime’s studio in Addis Ababa, (who had a 2009 solo show at Santa Monica Museum of Art and is in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art),” Lori said in a statement announcing the first winner of the prize. “I said yes and ‘Ethiopia Creates’ was born.”

Lori said then launched a website and made radio announcements in Ethiopia. “Nearly a year went by and many submissions were received,” she added. “I then selected a group of judges who I knew to have impeccable taste and a sharp eye for new talent.” The judges included Alitash Kebede, owner of Alitash Kebede Gallery in LA, Bennett and Julie Roberts, co-owners of Roberts Tilton Gallery in Culver City, and painter Laura Owens.

The inaugural award went to Tewodros Hagos, whose haunting portraits of faces from Ethiopia wowed the group. “The judges viewed all the work collected via photographs,” Lori said. “The verdict was unanimous. Tewodros Hagos won first place in a landslide.”

As the first winner of the prize, Tewodros, who is a graduate of Addis Ababa University’s art school, participated in a week plus residency in Los Angeles earlier this month, and the first American exhibition of his work was held at the Little Ethiopia Cultural and Resource Center (LECRC) from February 10th to 16th, 2013.

Tewodros also spent time with inner city kids where he gave after school art lessons. According to organizers, a portion of the sales of Tewodros’ art from the Little-Ethiopia exhibition goes to Artists for Charity (AFC) in Addis Ababa. AFC was founded by Ethiopian American artist Abezash Tamerat and supports 18 HIV positive orphans who live and study together.

Organizers said they hope to expand the residency program in California next year to include more workshops and displays of the artist’s work in local galleries.
—
Join the conversation on Twitter and Facebook.

Black History Month: NYC Exhibition on the African Diaspora in India

Published by Tadias January 26th, 2013 in Events. 0 Comments

The Schomburg Center in New York will host a five-month exhibition entitled "Africans in India" from February 1 - July 6, 2013. (Images from the show courtesy of the Schomburg Center)

Tadias Magazine
Events News

Published: Saturday, January 26, 2013

New York (TADIAS) – In celebration of Black History Month the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture will host a five-month exhibition highlighting the history of Africans in India, which is scheduled to open for the public on February 1st.

“The exhibition will feature the extraordinary achievements of Africans who made their mark on Indian history,” the Schomburg Center said in a press release. “At the Africans in India preview, on January 30th, 2013, Her Excellency Ambassador Nirupama Rao of India will give remarks.”

This historical showcase, curated by Dr. Sylviane A. Diouf, curator of Digital Collections at the Schomburg, and Dr. Kenneth X. Robbins, collector and co-editor of African Elites in India: Habshi Amarat, is the first of its kind that retraces the lives and achievements of the many talented and prominent Africans in India.

“Since the 1400s, people from Ethiopia, Eritrea, Somalia, and adjoining areas, have greatly distinguished themselves in India. The success was theirs but it is also a strong testimony to the open-mindedness of a society in which they were a small religious and ethnic minority, originally of low status,” says Dr. Sylviane A. Diouf. “ As foreigners and Muslims, Africans ruled over indigenous Hindu, Muslim and Jewish populations.”

Besides the presence of written documents, Africans have been immortalized in the rich paintings of different eras, states, and styles that form an important component of Indian culture.

“Although they were a common sight for centuries, the Africans who were an integral part of the history and culture of the Indian subcontinent have not received, in the present, the recognition they deserve,” the announcement said. “This groundbreaking exhibition brings out of obscurity the lives and achievements of some of the talented and prominent Sidis of yesterday and inscribes their unique story in the fascinating history of the global African Diaspora.”

Related Programs:
First Fridays at the Schomburg
Friday, February 1 at 6 p.m.
Featuring DJ Rheka playing classic Bhangra and Bollywood

Curator’s Talk with Dr. Sylviane A. Diouf
Tuesday, February 12 at 6:30 p.m.
Join Curator Diouf on a tour of the exhibition

Talks at the Schomburg: Dr. Kenneth X. Robbins and Dr. John McLeod
Thursday, March 21 at 6: 30 p.m.
Robbins and McLeod will discuss the history of Africans in India

Bengali Harlem
Saturday, April 6 at 6:30 p.m. with Vivek Bald
Bald will discuss his book Bengali Harlem and the Lost History of the South Asian American. Presented in collaboration with afrolatin@forum
Click here to learn more at the exhibition website.
—
Related Article
New Exhibition Highlights the History of Africans in India (TADIAS)

Below are images from the show courtesy of the Schomburg Center.

—
Join the conversation on Twitter and Facebook.

Novelist Maaza Mengiste Writes Script for ‘Girl Rising’ Film

Published by Tadias January 9th, 2013 in Featured and Interviews. 1 Comment

Maaza Mengiste (Photo courtesy of the 10 x 10 project)

Tadias Magazine
By Tseday Alehegn

Updated: Thursday, January 10, 2013

New York (TADIAS) – Last week we highlighted an upcoming documentary entitled Girl Rising, which is scheduled for release in Spring 2013. The feature-length film displays the power of access to education in the life of a girl residing in a developing nation. Each girl’s story is told by a talented writer from her native country. The script writer for the segment on Ethiopia is Maaza Mengiste, author of the critically acclaimed novel Beneath the Lion’s Gaze. In preparation for the documentary, Maaza spent time with a young girl from a village outside of Bahir Dar.

Below is our interview with Maaza Mengiste.

TADIAS: Please tell us about how you got involved with the film?

Maaza Mengiste: I was living in Rome when Richard Robbins, the director of the film, contacted me about the project. I learned more about it then spoke further with two of the producers, Martha Adams and Alex Dionne. I was skeptical at first about whether this could really happen, but soon, I was on a plane to Addis, then a smaller plane to Bahir Dar, then on a very shaky Land Rover through mountain roads to Yilmana Densa to visit Azmera and her family.

The main focus of the 10×10 campaign is to show audiences how educating one girl can impact her entire family and her community and make positive changes. Each of the 10 segments in the 10×10 film highlights a country and the biggest obstacles preventing girls from getting their education. It’s different in each country and in Ethiopia, the biggest issue is forced early marriage. This film is different from so many of those charity programs or other documentaries we see. It’s not about the tragic lives of people in poor countries. This film is about how these young girls took their own first steps in making their lives better. They aren’t asking for charity. They only want the right to fulfill their potential and go to school. The idea of working on a project that told stories of how young girls were changing their own lives, rather than waiting for adults, fascinated me.

TADIAS: Can you also tell us a bit about your script and character?

Maaza: This is a documentary film, but Richard gave me full freedom to create what I wanted based on the time I spent with Azmera and her family. I talked to her and found her to be painfully shy, like a typical abesha girl. But something else was there also, a quiet strength and a stubbornness I saw when she played with her cousins. I also witnessed the intense love her family has for her. She is adored. I was interested to put this picture next to the image of a young girl forced to marry a stranger when she wasn’t even a teenager. But I had a chance to talk to her mother and other family members and the story that emerged helped me to write my script and find a focus of how to write about their lives.

TADIAS: The 10×10 site also features a book club focused on your novel Beneath the Lion’s Gaze as well as articles and policy briefs on Ethiopia. Can you tell us more?

Maaza: Each of the writers on the project (there are 10) has a specially designed book club tool kit available on the 10×10 website. That tool kit gives you step-by-step instructions on how to host your own book club, how to invite people, how to facilitate discussions, what questions you can ask, and even has an in-depth interview with the writer. It’s a wonderful way to get involved with the 10×10 project beyond the film.

TADIAS: What do you see as the primary challenge for girls seeking access to education in rural Ethiopia?

Maaza: It was heartbreaking to see how hard young girls were trying to go to school and get their education. They are intelligent, they are eager, they are determined, but they don’t have the simple resources to attend school. They are needed to work at home and take care of family or bring in extra income. I think the primary challenge involves finding ways for families to be able to send their daughters to school and still survive financially. It wouldn’t take much, and there are good organizations helping, but more needs to be done and I hope this film raises that awareness. I hope the film shows the world that these young Ethiopian girls have had the courage to fight for their future, and now they want the ability to continue living their dream of going to school. I am so very proud of each of them, and of Azmera and her family.

TADIAS: Thank you for sharing with our audience!

Maaza: Thank you, Tadias!
—-

Watch the trailer:

–
Related:
Learn more about ‘Girl Rising’ Film + Campaign (10 x 10)
—
Join the conversation on Twitter and Facebook.

PM Hailemariam Marks 100 Days in Office

Published by Tadias January 5th, 2013 in Podcast. 0 Comments

Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn was sworn into office on September 21, 2012. (Getty Images)

Deutsche Welle

On 21 September 2012 Hailemariam Desalegn was sworn in as Ethiopia’s prime minister. He was regarded as a compromise candidate and many Ethiopians expected more political freedom. 100 days on, hope is fading.

A few days before Ethiopia’s new prime minister, Hailemariam Desalegn, was sworn in, the Ethiopian government pardoned 2,000 political prisoners.

Desalegn’s inauguration coincided with the Orthodox New Year which falls in September. At the same time the Ethiopian government started negotiations in Kenya with the Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF), a separatist group based in the eastern part of the country.

The Ethiopian government classifies the armed wing of ONLF as “terrorists”. When the new prime minister hinted at the prospect of peace talks with arch rival Eritrea, many Ethiopians believed they were finally entering a new era of political sunshine.

The 47-year-old engineer and father of three daughters, is considered moderate and affable, compared to Meles Zenawi, Desalegn’s charismatic predecessor. Zenawi ruled the country with an increasingly iron fist following the bloody 2005 elections.

A technocrat, Hailemariam Desalegn was a former provincial governor, foreign minister and deputy prime minister. He was also one of the closest confidants of Zenawi. Since he comes from one of Ethiopia’s smallest ethnic groups, the Wolayta, many saw Desalagn as the best compromise candidate in the midst of political and economic infighting between the dominant Amhara, Oromos and Tigreer ethnic groups.

2012 in Review: Ten Arts & Culture Stories

Published by Tadias December 25th, 2012 in Art and Featured. 2 Comments

The late artist Afewerk Tekle speaking at Stanford University on March 7, 2004. (Photo: Tadias Magazine File)

Tadias Magazine
By Tadias Staff

Updated: Wednesday, December 26, 2012

New York (TADIAS) – In 2012 we lost Ethiopia’s most famous painter, Maitre Artiste Afewerk Tekle, who died last Spring at the age of 80 and was laid to rest at the cemetery of the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Addis Ababa on April 14th. Speaking about his life-long dedication to the fine arts, Afewerk Tekle once said: “At the end of the day, my message is quite simple. I am not a pessimist, I want people to look at my art and find hope. I want people to feel good about Ethiopia, about Africa, to feel the delicate rays of the sun. And most of all, I want them to think: Yitchalal! [It's possible!]” Our coverage of Afewerk’s passing was one of the most shared articles from Tadias magazine this year: (In Memory of Maitre Artiste Afewerk Tekle: His Life Odyssey).

Below are other arts and culture stories that captured our attention in 2012.

Marcus Samuelsson’s Memoir ‘Yes, Chef’

Marcus Samuelsson released his best-selling memoir Yes, Chef back in June. From contracting tuberculosis at age 2, losing his birth mother to the same disease, and being adopted by a middle-class family in Sweden, Marcus would eventually break into one of the most exclusive clubs in the world, rising to become a top chef with a resume including cooking at the White House as a guest chef for President Obama’s first State Dinner three years ago. Since then, Marcus has morphed into a brand of his own, both as an author and as owner of Red Rooster in Harlem. Earlier this year, Tseday Alehegn interviewed Marcus about his book.

Watch: Tadias interview with Marcus Samuelsson

Dinaw Mengestu Named MacArthur ‘genius’ Fellow

Ethiopian American novelist and writer Dinaw Mengestu was named a MacArthur genius Fellow in September. The Associated Press reported Dinaw’s selection along with the full list of 22 other winners. Dinaw is the author of The Beautiful Things that Heaven Bears and How to Read the Air. In addition to the two novels, he has written for several publications, including Rolling Stone, Jane Magazine, Harper’s, and The Wall Street Journal. According to MacArthur Foundation, the “genius grant” is a recognition of the winners “originality, insight, and potential” and each person will receive $500,000 over the next five years. Below is a video of Dinaw discussing the award.

Ethiopia at Miss Universe 2012

Helen Getachew (Photo credit: Miss Universe)

After years of absence from the Miss Universe pageant, Ethiopia graced the global stage this year represented by 22-year-old Helen Getachew. The competition was held in Las Vegas on December 19, 2012. Women from over 80 countries participated in the 61st annual contest. The new Miss Universe is Miss USA Olivia Culpo, a 20-year-old beauty queen from Rhode Island and the first American to claim the coveted title since 1997. Olivia was crowned Miss Universe 2012 by Miss Universe 2011 Leila Lopes of Angola. Over the next year Olivia will hit the road on behalf of her cause: HIV/AIDS prevention as mentioned on her official pageant profile.

A Prodigy Reviving Ethiopian Jazz & A Rock Band from Ethiopia Called Jano

Samuel Yirga (Photo courtesy of Worldisc)

Two distinctly different Ethiopian musical acts emerged in 2012 that are sure to dominate the entertainment scene in the coming year. Samuel Yirga (pictured above) is a U.S.-based pianist from Ethiopia whose debut album Guzo has won critical acclaim. Here is how NPR described the artist and his work in its recent review of his new CD: “A 20-something prodigy, Yirga is too young to have experienced the Ethio-jazz movement of the early 1970s, but he has absorbed its music deeply — and plenty more as well. With his debut release, Guzo (Journey) Yirga both revives and updates Ethiopian jazz.” Likewise, the new Ethiopian rock band Jano is also influenced by legendary musicians of the same era, but as their producer Bill Laswell put it: They don’t join the ranks of Ethiopian music, they break the rules.” Below is the latest music video teaser by Jano.

Teddy Afro Abroad

Teddy Afro pictured during a surprise party thrown for him at Meaza Restaurant in Falls Church, Virginia following his performance at Echostage in Washington D.C on Friday, November 23rd, 2012. (Photo: By Matt Andrea for Tadias Magazine)

In 2012 Teddy Afro gave us Tikur Sew, which is undoubtedly the most talked about music video of the year in our community. And Teddy’s current world tour is winning him new international support outside of his loyal Ethiopian fan base. (Click here to watch a highlight of Teddy’s growing popularity on the global stage by China Central Television – CCTV)

Two Ethiopian American Bands Make a Splash: Debo & CopperWire

Debo Band is an 11-member Boston-based group led by Ethiopian-American saxophonist Danny Mekonnen and fronted by vocalist Bruck Tesfaye. (Courtesy Photo)

In its thumbs-up review of Debo band’s self-titled first album released this year, NPR noted: “The particular beauty of Debo Band is that you don’t have to be an ethnomusicologist to love it: It’s all about the groove. Debo Band transforms the Ethiopian sound through the filter of its members’ collective subconscious as imaginative and plugged-in 21st-century musicians…The swooning, hot romance of Yefikir Wegene bursts up from the same ground as the funky horns of Ney Ney Weleba. From that hazy shimmer of musical heat from faraway Addis, a thoroughly American sound emerges.” Similarly, another Ethiopian American musical ensemble that made a splash this year is the sci-fi trio ‘CopperWire’ that produced the futuristic album Earthbound. The hip-hop space opera takes place in the year 2089 featuring three renegades from another world who hijack a spacecraft and ride it to Earth, and eventually land in Ethiopia. Watch below CopperWire’s music video ET Phone Home.

Fendika Dancers’s First Solo American Tour

Melaku Belay and Zenash Tsegaye of Fendika Dancers (Courtesy photo )

After thrilling New York audiences at Lincoln Center in summer 2011, members of the Addis Ababa-based musical troupe, Fendika, returned to the East Coast for their first solo tour in 2012 with stops that included New York, Washington, D.C, Boston, Hartford, Connecticut and Smithfield, Rhode Island.

Mahmoud Ahmed, Gosaye Tesfaye and Selam Woldemariam at the Historic Howard Theatre

Mahmoud Ahmed performs at Howard Theatre in Washington, D.C. on Saturday, May 26th, 2012. (Photo by Matt Andrea)

Mahmoud Ahmed and Gosaye Tesfaye performed at the historic Howard Theatre in Washington, D.C. during a Memorial Day weekend concert on Saturday, May 26th, 2012. It was the first time that Ethiopian music was featured at the iconic venue, which re-opened in April following a $29 million renovation. The event was organized by Massinko Entertainment, and also included an appearance by guitarist Selam Woldemariam whose collaborative concerts with Brooklyn-based musician Tomas Donker at Summer Stage in New York was part of the biggest entertainment stories that we covered this year.

Journalist Bofta Yimam Nominated for Regional Emmy Awards

Bofta Yimam is an Ethiopian American reporter currently working for Fox 13 News in Memphis, Tennessee. (Courtesy photo)

Last but not least, Ethiopian American Journalist Bofta Yimam who is a reporter for Fox 13 News in Memphis, Tennessee, was nominated this year for Regional Emmy Awards by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (Nashville/Mid-South Chapter) for her journalism work. The winners will be announced on Saturday, January 26th, 2013 at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center in Nashville where the ceremony will be telecast live beginning at 8:00 PM. Below is a video of Tsedey Aragie’s interview with Bofta Yimam.

–
Related:
2012 in Pictures: Politics, London Olympics and Alem Dechasa
—
Join the conversation on Twitter and Facebook.

Meet Helen Getachew: Miss Universe 2012 Contestant From Ethiopia

Published by Tadias December 7th, 2012 in Featured. 0 Comments

Helen Getachew of Ethiopia, 22, is a contestant at the 2012 Miss Universe pageant. (Photo credit: Miss Universe)

Tadias Magazine
By Tigist Selam

Updated: Saturday, December 8, 2012

New York (TADIAS) – 22-year-old Helen Getachew will represent Ethiopia at the 2012 Miss Universe competition, which is scheduled to take place on December 19th at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas, where the welcome party for the candidates is already underway.

Helen arrived in the United States a week ago. And according to organizers she attended a reception thrown on her behalf in D.C. last weekend (her first overseas public event) and she is already off to Nevada where she is prepping for the big show.

Organizers said Helen was selected to participate in the international contest on October 12th following a runway exhibition held at Radisson Blu Hotel in Addis Ababa in front of a group of judges, representing both the local fashion industry and global modeling agencies. “The event was infused with a fashion show and live entertainment, with guests in attendance from the [diplomatic corps], media, and fashion industries,” the press release said, highlighting that Ethiopian Airlines is Helen’s official transport sponsor.

The statement added: “It’s very exciting to have Ethiopia back competing at this event since the country has not been represented for the past few years.”

Last year, more than one billion TV viewers from across 190 countries witnessed the crowning of Leila Lopes from Angola as Miss Universe 2011.

According to the pageant’s website, public voting has already begun for the 2012 competition at: www.missuniverse.com.
—
For latest updates, you can visit Miss Universe Ethiopia’s Facebook page.

Photos: Helen Getachew Represents Ethiopia at 2012 Miss Universe Contest in Las Vegas, NV

Helen Getachew in her own words: “I would enjoy working for a nonprofit organization, but my dream in life is to create one myself.” (Missuniverse.com)

Helen Getachew. (Courtesy photo)

22-year-old Helen Getachew will represent Ethiopia at the 2012 Miss Universe competition. (Courtesy photo)
—
Related:
Photos: Miss Universe Ethiopia Fundraiser at Bati Restaurant in Brooklyn
Spark Communications Acquires License for Miss Universe Ethiopia
—
Join the conversation on Twitter and Facebook.

Mississippi to Ethiopia: Understanding ‘Brown Condor’

Published by Tadias December 7th, 2012 in History. 0 Comments

Col. John Charles Robinson poses for New York cameras on May 18, 1936, after his return from the Ethiopian War. The Gulfport, Mississippi native is wearing the insignia of the commander of the Imperial Ethiopian Air Force. (Photo: Courtesy Potomac Books/The Sidney Rushing Collection)

By KAT BERGERON — Special to the Sun Herald

One more thread to unravel the mystery of the “Brown Condor” is now on national bookshelves.

This forgotten Mississippi Coast hero, a daring aviator who survived a dog fight with the son of Italian dictator Benito Mussolini, encouraged other blacks to fly when it was taboo in Jim Crow America.

He helped change a ragtag Ethiopian military into a force against fascism, itself a form of the racism the Brown Condor faced in his own country.

Before the latest biography, enough was known of Col. John C. Robinson, born in Gulfport’s Big Quarter in 1905, to pique the interest of Mississippi writers and researchers who produced a book and newspaper articles and conducted an academic symposium.

Yet, to most Americans, even those enthralled by military and black history, the Mississippian who was once the best known black pilot in the world is an unknown.

Phillip Thomas Tucker hopes his “Father of the Tuskegee Airmen: John C. Robinson” will bring more awareness. The 329-page biography was published earlier this year by Potomac Books.

“The catch-22 with the Robinson story is that nobody knows about it,” Tucker said in a recent phone interview. “You mention the name and it doesn’t ring any bells. This book was written to shed light on what really happened. The Brown Condor was an early aviation pioneer and a war hero.”

Click here to read more at sunherald.com.

Community Forum on Mental Health – Saturday December 15th

Published by Tadias December 6th, 2012 in Events, Featured and Health. 0 Comments

Speakers at 'Community Forum on Mental Health' held in Washington, DC on August 25, 2012. (Courtesy photo)

Tadias Magazine
By Tsedey Aragie

Published: Thursday, December 6, 2012

Washington, DC (TADIAS) – The issue of mental health and how we deal with it in our community has once again come to the forefront following a string of tragic incidents over the past year, including suicides and murders, that have saddened and shocked many families.

This past August I hosted a community forum in Washington, DC to learn from these tragedies and explore solutions. The gathering resulted in establishing an advocacy-group that was tasked to conduct research, come-up with needs assessment survey, and create outreach programs geared towards collaborating with organizations that work with professionals in the behavioral science fields, including educational institutions, as well as student associations.

I will be moderating a follow-up conversation on the topic next weekend as we continue the discussion surrounding the hidden mental illness crisis affecting members of the Ethiopian and Eritrean communities here in the U.S. The meeting is scheduled for Saturday December 15th at Watha T. Daniel-Shaw Neighborhood Library in D.C. We have some great speakers, but your feedback is going to be very valuable.

For those of you who live outside Washington, you can still partake via a conference call (see info below) or follow the discussion live online.

Conference Call access: 213.226.0400, PIN# 939807
—
If You Go:
Community Forum II- Mental Health
Saturday December 15th
2-5pm
Shaw Library
1630 7th Street, NW Washington D.C. 20001
Watch a Live Stream of the event at the scheduled time at:
www.ustream.tv/channel/filmstockinc
Follow us on twitter @ MyLoveInAction
—
Related:
Interview With Dr. Welansa Asrat About Mental Health Taboo in the Ethiopian Community
—
Join the conversation on Twitter and Facebook.

Science Blog: Ethiopians, Tibetans Thrive in Thin Air Using Different Genes

Published by Tadias December 6th, 2012 in Health. 0 Comments

Photo: Ethiopian runners train in high altitude. (Selamta Magazine)

Science Blog

Scientists say they have pinpointed genetic changes that allow some Ethiopians to live and work more than a mile and a half above sea level without getting altitude sickness.

The specific genes differ from those reported previously for high-altitude Tibetans, even though both groups cope with low-oxygen in similar physiological ways, the researchers report. If confirmed, the results may help scientists understand why some people are more vulnerable to low blood oxygen levels caused by factors other than altitude — such as asthma, sleep apnea, heart problems or anemia — and point to new ways to treat them, the researchers say.

Living with less

Lower air pressure at high altitude means fewer oxygen molecules for every breath. “At 4000 meters, every lungful of air only has 60% of the oxygen molecules that people at sea level have,” said co-author Cynthia Beall of Case Western Reserve University.

To mop up scarce oxygen from thin air, travelers to high altitude compensate by making more hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying component of human blood. But high hemoglobin comes with a cost. Over the long term, excessive hemoglobin can increase the risk of blood clots, stroke, and chronic mountain sickness, a disease characterized by thick and viscous blood.

“Altitude affects your thinking, your breathing, and your ability to sleep. But high-altitude natives don’t have these problems,” said Beall, who has studied high altitude adaptation in different populations in Ethiopia, Peru and Tibet for more than 20 years. “They don’t wheeze like we do. Their thinking is fine. They sleep fine. They don’t complain of headaches. They’re able to live a healthy life, and they do it completely comfortably,” she added.

Click here to read more at scienceblog.com.

In UAE, Illegal Migrant Workers From Ethiopia and Philippines Rush to Seek Amnesty

Published by Tadias December 5th, 2012 in Featured and News. 0 Comments

(Image credit: blottr.com)

Tadias Magazine
News Update

Published: Wednesday, December 5, 2012

New York (TADIAS) – Hundreds of amnesty seekers in the United Arab Emirates are rushing into the Philippine consulate and the Consulate-General of Ethiopia on the first day of a two-month amnesty program for illegal residents.

According to Khaleej Times, one of UAE’s English daily newspapers, more than 200 amnesty seekers have reached the Philippine Overseas Labour Office (POLO), located at the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai.

No official figures have been released regarding the number of Ethiopians that have come forward.

A Filipino woman named Cherry R. told the publication that she resigned from her job upon the demands of her company when she ran into trouble with several banks for delinquent accounts. “I wanted to leave the UAE but I was informed by a friend, who went to check with the police and the immigration on my behalf, that two banks had imposed a travel ban. Even at the time my father died, I could not go home. This amnesty is a great opportunity for me to go home or to legitimize my status,” she said.

“At the Ethiopian Consulate-General, Fananesh A. said she has been illegally staying in the UAE for five years, and though she wanted to go home, she could not go back due to travel ban from banks. “With this amnesty, I am looking forward to seeing my family again.”

The report added that her friend Abenet S. was absconding from her employer, which stopped her from leaving the country. “My father died and that day I cried for days because I could not go home. I felt I was put in a cage. Now is my time to go.”

Click here to read the full story.
—
Related:
New conditions drawn up for Ethiopian domestic workers headed to UAE (7DAYS Dubai)
In Memory of Alem Dechassa: Reporting & Mapping Domestic Migrant Worker Abuse (TADIAS)
—
Join the conversation on Twitter and Facebook.

How Old is Haile Gebrselassie?

Published by Tadias December 1st, 2012 in Podcast. 0 Comments

Questions about Haile Gebrselassie's age have come to the fore once more. (AP Photo/Stephen Chernin)

By Matt Fitzgerald | Competitor.com

His passport says Ethiopian legend is 39, but there’s reason to believe otherwise.

Every morning, Haile Gebrselassie trains with a select group of runners in the Entoto Hills east of the Ethiopian capitol of Addis Ababa. It’s been his routine for many years. One morning in February 2008, Haile’s group, whose composition changes a bit from day to day, included Hirpasa Lemi, husband of Berhane Adere, a multiple world champion on the track and on the roads. Also present — as an observer — was Matt Turnbull, an Englishman who now works as the elite athlete coordinator for the Competitor Group’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series.

After meeting up, the 10 or 12 runners comprising that day’s group separated into smaller packs, each of which went off to do its own workout. Ninety minutes later, everyone reconvened back where they had started. The only non-professional runner in the group, Lemi was proud to have held his own.

“Not bad for an old man,” he said, beaming. Then, turning to Turnbull, Lemi asked, “How old do you think I am?”

“I don’t know — 50,” Turnbull joked.

“Forty-one,” Lemi said. “Same age as Haile!”

Everyone laughed. Everyone except Gebrselassie, whose passport states his date of birth as April 18, 1973, making him officially 34 years old, almost 35, at the time. Lemi knew otherwise. He had grown up with Gebrselassie in the Arsi Province. Like most rural Ethiopians, Lemi could not prove his own exact date of birth, but he knew it was approximately 1967, and he remembered that Gebrselassie had been small when he was small, that Haile had hit puberty when he hit puberty, and so forth.

Lemi was not alone in this knowledge. The extreme “rounding down” of Gebrselassie’s age was the worst-kept secret in the Ethiopian running community. That’s why everyone laughed when Lemi made reference to it. Everyone except Haile.

The discrepancy between Gebrselassie’s stated age and his true age had no real significance before this incident. He was inarguably the greatest runner in history, and the murkiness of his age did not color his achievements one way or the other. But seven months after this episode, Gebrselassie broke his own marathon world record in Berlin, running 2:03:59. If Gebrselassie is even 4½ years older than his official age, instead of the six-plus years that Lemi insinuated, then the fastest marathon at the time was run by a 40-year-old man.

History’s first sub-2:04 marathon is a great accomplishment in itself. But if it was truly run by a Masters athlete, when the recognized Masters world record is 2:08:46, then Gebrselassie’s performance undoubtedly stands as the single greatest running feat of all time — a performance that destroys our existing beliefs about the effects of age on running capacity. And Gebrselassie deserves credit for that. Ironically, however, he doesn’t want it.

Click here to read more at ESPN.

The Washington Post on the Ethiopian American Group “Artists for Charity”

Published by Tadias November 30th, 2012 in Featured. 0 Comments

Abezash Tamerat is the founder of the nonprofit group "Artists for Charity." (Photo: AFC)

The Washington Post

By Tamika L. Gittens

When Abezash Tamerat, 31, an Ethiopian American artist, established her nonprofit group, Artists for Charity, in 2002, it was to help save a rape crisis center on the verge of losing funding.

But a year later, the focus of her group changed.

While visiting Ethiopia to learn more about where she came from, Tamerat met her young cousin, who was homeless and HIV positive. She tried placing him in various facilities, but they all had either reached capacity or turned him away because of his condition. When she eventually found a home for him, she noticed a bigger problem: Numerous children were battling similar struggles, once taken in by relatives only to be abused or abandoned because of their disease.

Tamerat returned to the United States with a greater sense of awareness and commitment to help Ethiopia. She continued having art events and, in 2005, Artists for Charity opened the Children’s Home in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Photos: In Ethiopia, a Close-Up for the Gelada

Published by Tadias November 26th, 2012 in Featured. 0 Comments

Times photographer Damon Winter describes a trip to Ethiopia's Simien Mountains and an encounter with the gelada. (Photo: Flickr)

The New York Times

By Damon Winter

I was in Ethiopia last November for a monthlong assignment for The Times on art in Africa. The final leg of our trip sent us to Ethiopia, where we took a quick detour to the Simien Mountains, full of deep gorges and intricate mazes of canyons. The mountains are home to the gelada, sometimes called bleeding heart baboons because of a red patch on the chest of the males. (They are actually not baboons, though they are closely related.) They live exclusively on the short, tough grasses that grow on the Simiens’ slopes.

I guess the gelada are so used to visitors that they hardly notice people anymore. They move in large bands from one patch of grass to another, and you can walk alongside the group and watch a complete range of social behavior unfold right in front of you. You can see the delicate dance between male and female that defines their social structure, and watch the alpha males defend their territory and their harem from aggressors.

On my last morning there, I found one band grazing in a small field of grass near a cliff edge. After watching for about an hour in the field, I wandered over to the edge of the cliff and sat down to take in the view. Within about 20 minutes, the entire band of geladas had shifted positions and encircled me. It was as if I was just a part of the landscape.

Click here to view the slide show at The New York Times.
—
Related:
An Art Critic in Africa: Aksum and Lalibela
—
Join the conversation on Twitter and Facebook.

Teddy Afro in DC: ‘Tikur Sew’ Concert on Black Friday

Published by Tadias November 17th, 2012 in Events and Featured. Closed

Teddy Afro is slated to perform live at Echo Stage in Washington, D.C. today, November 23rd. (Courtesy photo)

Tadias Magazine
Events News

Updated: Friday, November 23, 2012

Washington, DC (TADIAS) – The day following Thanksgiving Day in the United States is the busiest shopping day of the year, but if you live near D.C. you are also lucky enough to enjoy a Teddy Afro concert today. Teddy is scheduled to perform live at Echostage tonight, as part of his current world tour entitled Wede Fiker with Abogida Band and in celebration of his famous song Tikur Sew.

Organizers say you can pick up advance tickets in Washington D.C. at Habesha Market and Carry-out as well as at Dukem Ethiopian Restaurant. For Virginia residents tickets are available at Skyline — Tenadam, Bati, Kera and Awash markets. And in Maryland, visit Arat Kilo Market.

—
If You Go
Teddy Afro LIVE
November 23rd, 2012
At Echo Stage
Doors Open at 9:00
2135 Queens Chapel Road NE
Washington, DC 20018
For groups and VIP reservations: call 201.220.3442
Organised by: KMF, Massinko, and Addis VIBE
—
Related:
The Person Behind Teddy Afro’s Music Video ‘Tikur Sew’
—
Join the conversation on Twitter and Facebook.

Review of Pianist Samuel Yirga’s Album

Published by Tadias November 9th, 2012 in Featured and Reviews. 0 Comments

Samuel Yirga plays Ethiopian standards with a voracious talent that helps him savor each musical flavor. (Photo courtesy of the artist)

Art Talk

WBUR 90.9 (Boston’s Public Radio News Station)

By Milo Miles

Although he’s only been playing for 10 years, Yirga is quite the sponge. His mix of folk vernacular and jazz improvisations in vintage Ethiopian tunes most recalls a similar folky fluency in South African pianist Abdullah Ibrahim, who likewise has no use for categories of high and popular art. Yirga ranges around even further on Guzo [his debut album] with his reworking of “I Am the Black Gold of the Sun,” originally recorded in 1971 by the group Rotary Connection. Yirga revitalizes the graceful beauty of the tune without going lush or sentimental. All that dates the track is the corny words, and those are handled with understatement by singers Nicolette and Mel Gara.

I didn’t expect Guzo to be one of the stronger arguments for the album format I’ve heard in quite a while, but it is. Yirga finds his way into Ethiopian standards, displays his flair for jazz over solo and ensemble pieces, and performs effortless homages to vintage soul, holding everything together with voracious talent that helps him savor each musical flavor. This is much more impressive when Yirga develops momentum and unity over the course of 11 tracks that show how much more he is than his parts.

Be sure to check out Yirga’s website for extra music and videos, particularly a vibrant live recording in London. Those who want to hear him as part of a band should explore his work with the group Dub Colossus. And anyone who wants to know more about Ethiopian music in general should grab the recent anthology The Rough Guide to the Music of Ethiopia, which includes classics from the Golden Age as well as Samuel Yirga and other adventurous moderns. While the Golden Age of Ethiopian music is in the past, a new one may be beginning.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THIS STORY.

Scientific American: Last 500 Ethiopian Wolves Endangered by Lack of Genetic Diversity

Published by Tadias November 8th, 2012 in Podcast. 0 Comments

Photo: James Hopkirk via Flickr. Used under Creative Commons license.

Scientific American

By John R. Platt

The last wolves in Africa face a difficult road if they are going to survive. Just 500 Ethiopian wolves (Canis simensis) remain in the mountains of the country for which they are named. The animals now live in six fragmented populations located hundreds of kilometers apart from one another; three of these populations have fewer than 25 wolves each. According to a study published last month in Animal Conservation, the Ethiopian wolf now suffers from low genetic diversity and a weak flow of genes between packs. As we have seen with other rare species such as Florida panthers, Tasmanian devils and great Indian bustards, low genetic diversity can result in inbreeding, impaired birth rates and the inability to adapt to diseases or other ecological threats. The danger for Ethiopian wolves is not theoretical—rabies outbreaks in 1991–92 and 2003 each killed several hundred wolves.

Continue reading at Scientific American.

Washington Post: Parking Attendant Pleads Guilty in Theft of $400,000

Published by Tadias November 2nd, 2012 in Podcast. 0 Comments

National Air and Space Museum, Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia. (Photo: Smithsonian)

The Washington Post

By Mary Pat Flaherty, Published: November 2

A parking attendant who was part of a scheme that stole at least $400,000 in lot fees from the Smithsonian Institution’s aircraft museum in Chantilly pleaded guilty Thursday to theft of public money.

Freweyni Mebrahtu, 45, of Sterling is the second person to admit pocketing the $15 parking fee paid by thousands of visitors to the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center from October 2009 to July 2012, according to the plea she entered in federal court in Alexandria.

Friends and Supporters React to Reeyot Alemu’s Media Award

Published by Tadias October 26th, 2012 in Featured, News and Profiles. 2 Comments

Elias Wondimu, second from left, accepted the award on behalf of Reeyot Alemu at the International Women's Media Foundation's annual Courage in Journalism awards luncheon on October 24, 2012 in New York. (Photo: Award recipients, from left, Asmaa al-Ghoul, Zubeida Mustafa and Khadija Ismayilova/by Stan Honda/IWMF)

Tadias Magazine
By Tadias Staff

Updated: Monday, October 29, 2012

New York (TADIAS) – Several years ago in Addis Ababa, when a young, idealistic woman named Reeyot Alemu, who was working as a high school English teacher, began contributing part-time to local independent newspapers and writing mostly opinion articles that were critical of various government policies, she knew that she could potentially upset those in power. Reeyot, however, had no idea that her courage would one day earn her prestigious international recognition, albeit while in Kality prison.

Reeyot, now 31, is currently serving a five-year term on terror charges, and was among four women who where honored last week by the International Women’s Media Foundation for their courageous work in journalism. Reeyot, a former columnist for the the publications Awramba Times (now in exile and online) and the Amharic weekly Feteh (now blocked), was given the 2012 “Courage in Journalism” award at a ceremony held in Manhattan on Wednesday, October 24th.

“When I nominated Reeyot for the Award, I wanted to show the face of courage in her, so that girls in our country will not be discouraged from becoming a voice to the voiceless,” said Elias Wondimu, who accepted the award on her behalf and read a letter penned by her for the occasion.

“When I became politically aware, I understood that being a supporter or member of the ruling party is a prerequisite to living safely and to get a job,” Reeyot wrote in a letter sent from prison. “I knew I would pay the price for my courage and was willing to pay the price.”

Mohammed Ademo, a New York-based freelance journalist, who is the Co-founder and Editor-In-Chief of OPride.com, as well as a graduate student at Columbia University, attended the luncheon and covered the ceremony for the Columbia Journalism Review.

“I thought the event was great. The courageous journalists honored here today inspire all of us who are in the business of storytelling,” Ademo told Tadias Magazine. “These are but few of those brave souls who are committed to exposing corruption, informing the public, and holding autocratic regimes accountable, often at a great personal peril.” Ademo continued: “This award means so much to journalists like Reeyot Alemu, who are silenced for simply speaking truth to power.”

In his widely publicized interview with Voice of America last month, Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn took a hardline stance on the subject, strongly defending the continued imprisonment of a number of journalists. “Our national security interest cannot be compromised by somebody having two hats,” PM Hailemariam said, echoing the official claims, which accuses the prisoners of being “double-agents” for terrorist organizations. “We have to tell them they can have only one hat which is legal and the legal way of doing things, be it in journalism or opposition discourse, but if they opt to have two mixed functions, we are clear to differentiate the two,” the PM told VOA’s Peter Heinlein.

“How on earth can we compare a person who criticizes a government’s policy through writing and accuse them of being terrorists?” Elias asked.

Ademo said: “Reeyot’s only crime is carrying out her journalistic responsibility, being a voice for the voiceless. I wish her good health, perseverance, and peace of mind.”

Elias added: “Due to lack of proper training, our journalists are not and can not be perfect, but the way to remedy this should not be criminalizing their perceived mistakes, but to correct and educate them.”

Reeyot’s former colleague, the award-winning exiled journalist Dawit B. Kebede – Managing Editor of Awramba Times, said, for him, the award is personal. “I am very happy for Reeyot and for many reasons,” Dawit said in a phone interview. “But the number one reason is because Reeyot deserves it. This award is an important recognition not only of Reeyot’s personal struggles, but it is also a way to inspire young people to understand the unfairness of silencing those with critical voices.” Dawit added: “It also encourages those that are incarcerated along with her, including my friend Wubishet Taye, Deputy Editor of Awramba Times, and Eskinder Nega.”

Dawit pointed out that Wubishet had applied for pardon at the same time as the recently released two Swedish journalists, Johan Persson and Martin Schibbye, but was not granted similar clemency. “In my opinion, it was the most discriminatory and shameful pardon process,” Dawit said. “As an Ethiopian it is embarrassing to bypass your own people because they happen not to be backed by powerful Western influence. So the foreigners receive forgiveness, but not the Ethiopians.”

Reeyot Alemu, recipient of the 2012 Courage in Journalism Award. (Photo: International Women’s Media Foundation)

Regarding Reeyot, Mohamed Keita, Africa Advocacy Coordinator for the New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), said this Ethiopian is now part of an exclusive club of extraordinary women whose life stories are seen as role models for young people around the world. “With the IWMF award, the world’s leading women journalists are embracing Reeyot Alemu as one of their own,” Keita said. “The Courage in Journalism award validates Reeyot’s legitimate right to write critically about her government and its policies, as she did, and recognizes not only the injustice of her imprisonment but her improbability as a terrorist suspect.”

For former judge Birtukan Midekssa, who is currently the Eleanor Roosevelt Fellow at Harvard University Law School with a joint appointment at W.E.B. Du Bois Institute, Reeyot is both a friend and an inspiration.

“It took me only a short while to get fascinated by her defiant spirit and her determination to be true to herself — both as journalist and as a responsible citizen — after I came to know my good friend Reeyot,” Birtukan said. “It is obvious that she did not commit any offence that could lead to lock her up except saying no to the menace of EPRDF government to silence her journalistic voice while it intensifies its forceful coercion against Ethiopian citizens.” She added: “She fiercely opposed the unacceptable authoritarianism which pervades the political sphere; she criticized the officials for incarcerating political prisoners including myself; she shed light on unaccountable and irresponsible transactions of the government.”

Birtukan said it is particularly striking to her that Reeyot knew in advance what she was getting into. “But she chose to bear the consequence instead of refraining from freely expressing herself,” she said. “Though it is enormously painful for me to see her young life confined by illegitimate use of government power.”

Birtukan added: “Her persistence, strength, courage and the international recognition she earned as a result, lead me to have more faith in Ethiopian youth that they will take charge of the destiny of our nation to eventually lead it to free and prosperous life.”

Government officials maintain all the jailed journalists have broken the law and are guilty of the crimes under which they were convicted.

Meanwhile, IWMF noted it’s concerned about Reeyot’s health. “Recently, she has fallen ill; in April of this year she underwent surgery at a nearby hospital to remove a tumor from her breast,” the organization said.
—
Related:
L.A. Times November 1, 2012: Reporter jailed in Ethiopia among women journalists honored in Beverly Hills, California.
Azerbaijan, Gaza, Ethiopia Women Win Media Awards (AP via ABC News)
Portraits Of Courage: Female Journalists Honored At International Women’s Media Foundation Awards (The Daily Beast)
—
Click here to join the conversation on Facebook.

Colors of the Nile Film Festival to Launch in Ethiopia

Published by Tadias October 19th, 2012 in Events and Featured. 0 Comments

The film "Restless City" is one of the movies featured at the upcoming Colors of the Nile International Film Festival (CNIFF) taking place in Addis Ababa from November 7th to November 11th. (Photo: Still from "Restless City")

Newstime Africa

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – The inaugural Colors of the Nile International Film Festival (CNIFF) will run in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from 7-11 November 2012, introducing the best of African cinema to African audiences. The festival will screen 58 titles, all of which will be African, East African or Ethiopian premieres. Films in competition were submitted from Algeria, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Ivory Coast, Mali, Morocco, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, and Tunisia.

“We’re very proud of our lineup,” says CNIFF president Abraham Haile Biru, a two-time Best Cinematographer winner at FESPACO for Darrat (Dry Season) and Abouna (Our Father). “The titles show that a new wave of modern African cinema is coming of age; they present a new vision of the continent and its creativity.”

‘Ethiopia: Inspiring Journey’ A Coffee Table Book by Esubalew Meaza

Published by Tadias October 15th, 2012 in Featured and Reviews. 0 Comments

Image courtesy of infoAddis Publishing.

Tadias Magazine
By Tadias Staff

Published: Monday, October 15th, 2012

New York (TADIAS) – If you live in the East Coast, you may have noticed a new book for sale at various Ethiopian stores and restaurants called Ethiopia: Inspiring Journey by Esubalew Meaza – a 180-page collection of photographs and descriptions of historical places, people, rare animals, cultural and religious ceremonies from different parts of the country.

Esubalew, the book’s author and photographer, is based in Alexandria, Virginia, and says he was motivated because of the shortage of similar books written from an Ethiopian perspective.

“I did the book because of my desire to promote Ethiopia’s tourist attractions, but during my research I found that most such books are produced by outsiders who lack the subtle understanding of Ethiopian culture and language,” Esubalew (also known as Esu) said in an interview. “I will give you an example, I was once reading a post by a blogger who had visited Ethiopia, specifically Nech Sar National Park near Arba Minch. I was amused by his description of a “Crocodile Market.” He was correct in a sense that he was literally translating Azo gebeya, which for Ethiopians means where the crocodiles gather. But for the readers of the blog-post, however, it sounded like a place where people buy crocodile meat, which was completely wrong.” He added, laughing, “I have never seen an Ethiopian eat Azo. So I thought it was my duty to correct this kind of misunderstanding.”

Esu, who is currently an IT project manager for the U.S. Department of Defense and a father of two, said he took the photos between 2005 and 2011. “I traveled back to Ethiopia in 2002 for the first time in 17 years but did not start the project until 2005,” Esu said. “I was a high school student when I moved to the United States so it was an incredible feeling for me to reconnect with the country, and I still keep going back.”

The publication is endorsed, among others, by Mr. Habte Selassie Tafesse, one of the pioneers of the Ethiopian tourism industry, who wrote: “the book is a perceptive, lively and a faithful photographic rendering of Ethiopia’s cultural, historical and physical features.”

Esu noted that some of his favorite sections of the book highlight Ethiopia’s hidden wildlife treasures including red jackal or Simien fox and the mountain nyala, as well as the Addis Ababa lions, which DNA tests recently confirmed to be genetically unique.

Esubalew Meaza at Sof Omar Cave in Bale. (Courtesy photo)
—-
You can learn more and back order the book on Amazon. You may reach the author at Ethiopia@infoaddis.com.

Many of D.C.’s Ethiopian Cabbies Left Behind Professional Careers at Home

Published by Tadias October 13th, 2012 in Featured. 0 Comments

Many of D.C.'s Ethiopian cab drivers left behind professional careers in their home country. (Photo: A D.C. cab gives someone a ride / Flickr)

Radio WAMU 88.5

This story was produced as part of Latitudes, an occasional hour-long radio program from WAMU 88.5 that takes listeners into the everyday lives of people around the world.

The ranks of D.C.’s taxi drivers are filled with Ethiopian immigrants. Many of them were professionals in their former lives, and when it comes to learning the rules of the game in the U.S., it can be a challenge.

Negede Abebe and Mechal Chame sit in Abebe’s cab in Georgetown, talking about how they came to the U.S., what they did before and how they became cabbies. Abebe received asylum, and Chame won a Visa lottery to get to America.

Abebe was an economist in Ethiopia, working on trade and business issues for the government and for an international organization. So when he got to the U.S., the first thing he did was look for jobs in his field.

“I tried a lot and couldn’t find any,” he says, adding that it was incredibly frustrating. Because he couldn’t get hired, he decided to go back to school. In 2008, he graduated with his MBA from Trinity University in Northeast D.C.

“I started driving a cab because … after I graduated in 2008 with an MBA I couldn’t find a job,” he says. “I’m still paying my student loan driving a cab.”

Chame can relate. He was a civil engineer in Ethiopia, and he couldn’t even get an in person interview in the U.S., in spite of his qualifications. He remembers once he tried to get a job as a real estate appraiser.

“It was a telephone interview, so I was talking to a lady on the other end. She told me I have a heavy accent,” Chame says. “I said, ‘What? What does my accent have to do with anything? I’m not going to be your customer service representative or your marketer. The only thing you need from me is just go out, take a physical observation of property and give you a report.’ She said, ‘I’m sorry I can’t do that.’”

In the end, he worked as a store clerk and a security guard before Becoming a cab driver.

Mohamed Ly came to the U.S. from Mauritania and started out doing odd jobs. Now, he connects immigrants with companies looking for bilingual staff. But these companies sometimes balk at hiring someone with an accent, he says. Abebe’s and Chame’s stories sound familiar, he adds

Photos From California: Ethiopians in Bay Area Celebrate Meskel

Published by Tadias October 1st, 2012 in Events. 0 Comments

Lines of men and women formed around the Demera during the celebration of Meskel in Oakland, California on Sunday. (Photo by Mark Anderson)

Oakland North

Ethiopians from around the Bay Area came to Medhane Alem church in Oakland on Sunday to celebrate Meskel… During the late afternoon celebration, crowds gathered in the soft glow of the afternoon sun to eat injera, recite prayers, and dance around a replica of the True Cross, which was lit on fire soon after sunset….Today, the holiday is as much an occasion for the Ethiopian diaspora to celebrate their roots as it is a community event to raise funds for traditional religious institutions like the Medhane Alem church, and an occasion to spend time with friends and family.

Read the the full story and see a photo slideshow by Mark Anderson at Oakland North.

Stranded Ethiopian Migrants Return From Yemen

Published by Tadias September 25th, 2012 in News. 0 Comments

Hundreds of Ethiopian migrant workers who have been stranded in Yemen for months were returned to Ethiopia on Tuesday. Thousands more remain stuck in nearby countries. (Photo: Reuters / File)

VOA News

Marthe Van Der Wolf

September 25, 2012

ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA — Almost 300 stranded Ethiopian migrants returned on Tuesday from Yemen. Thousands more remain stuck in nearby countries, though, after they went abroad illegally for economic reasons.

A charter flight by IOM, the International Organization for Migration, carried 275 Ethiopian migrants back to Addis Ababa on Tuesday morning. These migrants had crossed the borders illegally and were stranded in Yemen.

IOM assists with the return and reintegration of migrants worldwide, and has helped more than 2,000 Ethiopians to return voluntarily from Yemen since March.

Yemen itself was not the destination for most. Demissew Bizuwork of the IOM said most were trying to reach Saudi Arabia.

“Many would like to travel to the Middle East, especially Saudi Arabia, and other Middle East countries. Most people, when we interview them, they would like to cross, because Yemen is very close to the Horn of Africa, so they would like to cross through Yemen to Saudi Arabia and other Middle East countries,” said Bizuwork.

Addis Ababa shelter

The returnees on the charter flight on Tuesday were brought to a shelter close to the airport in Addis Ababa upon arrival. Women, children, elderly and vulnerable migrants are accommodated in the shelter for a day or two. Demissew said it’s better for the returnees to rest in the shelter for a couple of days, before going back home.

“When we bring people directly from the airport, we bring them here so that they can settle here. These people lost everything. We provide them with accommodation, food, medical assistance as well,” said Demissew. “We provide them some reintegration assistance, some money so that they at least when they come to their families they can do something. And we also provide them with transportation up to their destination.”

Hopes for a better economic future lead many Ethiopians to leave their country. But for most migrants, the reality in Yemen is opposite from what they were told before departure. Smugglers and human traffickers convince Ethiopians that life in the Middle East is much better, said Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Dina Mufti.

“There are some push factors and one of the major push factors is actually the people who are involved in the illegal human trafficking,” said Mufti. “They deceive the minors. They have targeted the rural areas, where people are not familiar with what is happening in the rest of the world. The deal with the minors and the youngsters, they target them, they promise them something that is not there.”

Returness discuss experiences

Yohannes is one of the returnees at the shelter. He is in his twenties and comes from the Tigray region in the north of Ethiopia. He left his job as a merchant six months ago in hopes of making more money. But the trip ended badly, as he was detained in Yemen.

“Its a very difficult journey. They beat you and they don’t take care of you,” he said.

Gobeze is another of the migrants at the shelter. He is in his twenties, has a wife and three kids in the Wollo province, but decided to leave Ethiopia in December. Although he already had a job as a weaver, he hoped to make more money in the Middle East. But the journey only cost him money, said Gobeze.

“Initially I paid 4,000 birr. But they were hanging me by my arms and I was suffering so I had to ask my family for another 15,000 to save my life,” he said.

Rising tide of migrant Ethiopians

Yohannes and Gobeze are just two of the thousands of Ethiopians experiencing the hardship of illegal migration. But the number of Ethiopians crossing over to Yemen has been rising in recent years. Statistics of the United Nations refugee agency show that more than 103,000 Ethiopian and Somali migrants arrived in Yemen in 2011, up from 53,000 in 2010.

The Ethiopian government has formed task forces and is working with various organizations to inform people about the dangers of illegal migration, said Mufti.

“The government has recently been aware of the fact that the gravity of the illegal immigration, the human trafficking is felt. Because it has a social consequence, and economic consequence, and psychological consequence as well. Now what is happening is to try things from the grass root, to go to the grass root level and create an awareness on the part of the citizen that these human traffickers are doing damage to the country.”

The IOM charter flight on Tuesday was the third and last flight in September. Many more Ethiopians in Yemen are waiting to go home, said Demissew.

“There are thousands of people stranded, there are about 4,000 people in the border town. Our center accommodates about 350 people. It was initially built to accommodate maybe 150, 200 people. But there are many more people,” said Demissew.

The next flight returning illegal migrants to Ethiopia is expected in October.
—
Read more news at VOA.

Artists for Obama Portfolio Set Includes Julie Mehretu, Frank Gehry and More

Published by Tadias September 12th, 2012 in Art. 0 Comments

President Barack Obama and his daughters, Malia, left, and Sasha, watch on television as First Lady Michelle Obama takes the stage to deliver her speech at the Democratic National Convention, in the Treaty Room of the White House, Tuesday night, Sept. 4, 2012. (Photo by Pete Souza / White House)

Tadias Magazine
Art Talk | Election 2012

Published: Wednesday, September 12, 2012

New York (TADIAS) – President Barack Obama’s reelection efforts are getting help from some of America’s most renowned artists, including Ethiopian American painter Julie Mehretu. Mehretu is one of nineteen artists whose work is featured in a portfolio of a limited edition print-set called “Artists for Obama,” which was created in collaboration with Gemini G.E.L., a Los Angeles based art workshop and publishing house.

Organizers have announced that September 24th is the initial New York presentation of a nationwide offering of the special collection. “The evening will be an intimate reception for a maximum of 150 guests, including a number of the artists whose work appears in the portfolio,” the announcement said.

Artists participating in the fundraiser include John Baldessari, Ed Ruscha, Richard Serra, Bruce Nauman, Claes Odenburg, Chris Burden and Frank Gehry.

Per The Los Angeles Times, “Organizers said the portfolio is being offered in exchange for a $28,000 donation to the Obama campaign and the Democratic National Committee. They said 150 portfolios will be up for sale, for a potential fundraising total of $4.2 million. All proceeds will go toward the Obama campaign and the Democratic National Committee, according to organizers.”
—
If You Go:
Monday, September 24
7:00–9:00 PM
535 West 24th Street – 3rd Floor
New York, New York 10011

Portfolio on exhibit through Election Day. Click here to view the Artists for Obama portfolio. Minimum donation for reception: $300 per ticket, $500 per couple, payable to the Obama Victory Fund. Attendance is limited and RSVP is required. RSVP at artforobama@joniweyl.com 212-249-3324.
—-
Related video:
At convention, Obama asks for time to win U.S. revival

Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

—

Ethiopia Looks to a Future Without Meles Zenawi

Published by Tadias September 4th, 2012 in News. 0 Comments

Larger than life posters bearing the late PM's photographs were on display all over Addis Ababa for the State funeral this past weekend. (Photo by Marie Claire Andrea for TADIAS)

VOA News

ADDIS ABABA — Ethiopia is starting to look to the future, following the death of Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, who was buried after a state funeral on Sunday.

Life is returning to normal in Ethiopia’s capital after more than two weeks of mourning for longtime ruler, Meles Zenawi.

Abi Hailemichael works in a barbershop in the Bole neighborhood of Addis Ababa. Like many Ethiopians, he says Meles’ work for the country must not be forgotten. “While we reflect on the diligent and tireless work he did for the nation, we have a responsibility to carry out his good plans,” he said.

Meles sparked rapid economic development during more than 20 years in power.

Many wonder what will become of the country now that he’s gone.

Meles’ deputy Hailemariam Desalegn is due to replace the prime minister, but has yet to take the oath of office.

Foreign Ministry Spokesman Dina Mufti says Hailemariam is officially in control. “The council has already decided that the deputy prime minister will take charge immediately because this is provided in the constitution. In the absence of the prime minister, he is the acting prime minister. He is now in charge of all national affairs,” he said.

The question is whether Hailemariam can garner the kind of broad support that made Mr. Meles an icon.

Hailemariam is not Tigray, another challenge he faces. That ethnic group controls most of the country’s institutions, including the military.

Rumors in the capital say the ruling party is considering sidelining him. Dina Mufti says this is not true. “So-called internal squabbles or rivalries within the party, no. This is a non-starter, there is not. This is a very solid party,” he said.

Meles’ had little tolerance for the opposition. His government frequently jailed journalists and activists who voiced dissent.

Medhane Tadesse, an independent anayst, said Ethiopia’s leaders are unlikely to change that anytime soon. “In the long-term, gradually, yes. In the short-term, no, because the government might behave more like the same, if not very repressive, because of the lack of confidence. They do not know the waters they are entering now,” he said.

Meles Zenawi had a definite vision for Ethiopia’s future. Always seeing the big picture, he was known to plan the country’s development years in advance. So even after his death, the policies he put in motion are expected to continue to transform the country, for better or for worse.
—
Related:
Former PM Meles Zenawi Laid to Rest (AP)
Photo Journal From Addis Ababa: Nation Bids Farewell to Meles (TADIAS)

Haile Wants to Rule Athletics and Country

Published by Tadias August 1st, 2012 in Featured and Podcast. 0 Comments

Ethiopian Olympic gold medal winner Haile Gebrselassie carries a London 2012 Olympic Games torch between Gateshead and South Shields in north east England on June 16, 2012. (Reuters)

Business Day

ETHIOPIAN long-distance running legend and businessman Haile Gebrselassie wants to live forever: his head is buzzing with ideas, none of them modest.

Gebrselassie wants to run the Olympic marathon in Rio de Janeiro 2016, at the age of 43, to take the Games to Africa and to be his country’s president.

His permanent smile briefly made the listener think he may be joking, but “Gebre” insisted he was serious. “For me is not enough. I am still doing not only athletics: I am in other sports as well,” he told reporters on the fringe of London 2012.

The man regarded as one of the best long-distance runners in history, an Olympic champion in the 10.000m in Atlanta 1996 and Sydney 2000 and a four-time world champion, is as shy of words as he is of the way ahead.

“(I am involved in) other activities, business. In future I want to be involved in politics.”

VOA Amharic: Legal Scholar on the PM’s Absence & Succession Plan (Audio)

Published by Tadias July 28th, 2012 in Podcast. 0 Comments

VOA Amharic's Tizita Belachew interviews law professor Alemayehu Gebre Mariam about the absence of Prime Minister Meles Zenawi from office and what happens if he is unable to govern? The Prime Minister, pictured above, has not been seen in public for over one month. Meanwhile, authorities have said little about his whereabouts, except that he is taking "sick leave" and remains in power while he deals with an unspecified illness at an undisclosed location. (Photo: EPA)

Listen:

—

US Magazine Pics: Will Smith & Jada Pinkett in Ethiopia For Charity Water

Published by Tadias July 10th, 2012 in Podcast. 0 Comments

Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith traveled to Ethiopia with charity: water on July 6, 2012 to visit the organization's projects in the country. (US Magazine)

US WEEKLY
Celebrity News By Zach Johnson

On July 6, 2012, the spouses of 14 years traveled to Ethiopia with charity: water to see the impact of their efforts. Joined by top fundraisers, The Smile Generation and Authentic Jobs, the actors spent two days in Tigray, the northernmost region in Ethiopia, visiting various communities and schools.

Soccer: Ethiopia Aiming to Boost the Women’s Game

Published by Tadias July 2nd, 2012 in Podcast. Closed

Ethiopia's national women's team, the Lucy, qualified for the African Championship in Equatorial Guinea last month after beating Tanzania 3-1 on aggregate. (BBC)

By Durosimi Thomas
BBC Sport, Addis Ababa

The Ethiopian Football Federation (EFF) has ruled that all Premier Division clubs should form a women’s team in order to compete next season.

Ethiopia’s national women’s team, the Lucy, qualified for the African Championship in Equatorial Guinea earlier this month after beating Tanzania 3-1 on aggregate.

“We don’t have an existing women’s league at the moment but the national team is doing well right now,” the EFF president Sahilu Gebre Mariam told BBC Sport.

“We have to find a way to develop the women’s game and from next season the league will kick off.”

Ethiopian Convictions Raise Concern in Washington

Published by Tadias June 27th, 2012 in News. 0 Comments

The defense lawyer for 24 people found guilty of terrorism in Ethiopia, Abebe Guta, talks to reporters on June 27, 2012 after a court in Addis Ababa found his clients guilty on charges of terrorism. (Photo: AFP)

VOA News

June 28, 2012

The United States says it is “deeply concerned” about the Ethiopian government’s conviction of 24 people, including several journalists and opposition members, on terrorism related charges.

Journalist Eskinder Nega and opposition member Andualem Arage were among those found guilty Wednesday of charges including the encouragement of terrorism and high treason.

The men, 16 of whom were convicted in absentia, could face life in prison under Ethiopia’s harsh anti-terror legislation. But prosecutors on Wednesday suggested jail terms of five years to life when they are sentenced next month.

State Department Victoria Nuland says such convictions raise “serious questions” about the intent of Ethiopia’s anti-terror laws, which critics say are used to stifle dissent.

Rights group Amnesty International also condemned the conviction, saying the men were found guilty on “trumped up” charges.” The group says freedom of expression is being “systematically destroyed by a government targeting any dissenting voice.”

The defendants were accused of having ties to an outlawed political party called Ginbot Seven, which the government has labelled a terrorist group. Some were also accused of trying to incite unrest by writing about the anti-government protests that swept North Africa last year.

Ethiopia’s government denies using anti-terror laws passed in 2009 to clamp down on opposition figures and journalists, saying their arrests have nothing to do with their reporting or political affiliations.

Rights groups say more than 150 opposition politicians and supporters have been detained since last year on terrorism-related charges.
—-
Related:
Ethiopia Convicts 24 of Terrorism (VOA News)
Journalist Eskinder Nega, 23 Others Convicted on Terrorism and Treason Charges (AP)
Ethiopian blogger convicted of plotting with rebels (Reuters)

Tikur Retold: ‘Why I am in Awe of Teddy Afro’s Music Video’

Published by Tadias June 19th, 2012 in Opinion. 0 Comments

Teddy Afro’s new music video Tikur Sew has generated varied reaction on the Internet forums and elsewhere. Below is an opinion piece inspired by the video. The author, Teddy Fikre, is Founder and Editor of Browncondor.com.

Opinion
By Teddy Fikre

The next revolution was sang by Teddy Afro and directed by Tamirat Mekonen; this weekend, 65 of our people wrote a revolution on the back of Busboys and Poet napkins.

Black. It is a color often disabused. It is a hue seldom given credit. For too long, black has been seen as a curse. Even by her own people, black has been a color of death and a the perfection of misery. Black has been given a bad rap, instead of being treated as royalty, black has been abused as the color of disease. This pernicious disease of the mind; we live in a world where black is prostituted as the essence of debauchery while other colors are praised as the hue of God’s perfection. But black is the mother of all colors and the children of all hues, without black there can be no white, black is what you get when you fuse the colors of the rainbow. Black is perfect. Black is me.

It is for this reason that I am in awe of Teddy Afro’s “Tikur Sew” music video. Most don’t understand it yet, but what Teddy Afro is singing about is not merely a retelling of Adwa, Teddy Afro is chanting the melody of a black revolution. Never in my lifetime did I think I would witness a sea of Ethiopians in a soccer stadium—30,000 strong—singing “Tikur Sew” and being proud to say “I am black”. Yet, one song by Teddy Afro and a corresponding video by Tamirat Mekonen has revolutionized black and now we stand in awe and love our blackness. This is the happiest moment of my life because black has been raised from poverty to prosperity. Teddy Afro repainted the canvass of the world with tikur and managed to burn into the psyche of Ethiopians and black people as a whole the true beauty of black.

Nearly 60 years ago, Thurgood Marshall changed the glide path of humanity when he had the audacity to challenge the mendacity of “Seperate but Equal”. The most powerful means he turned to when he challenged this pernicious law was a study his team conducted of the evils of racism. They turned to black children less than 10 years old and gave them two dolls. One doll was white and the other was black; all the black children immediately gravitated to the white dolls while they abused the black dolls. The depravity of bigotry was engrained in the minds of these black children that the color black represented all the ills of the world while white was the personification of good. The irony of all ironies was that these children were fed into their spirits the negative light of black by their very own parents. When I say that racism only exists because it is espoused and propagated by black folk I don’t say it out of hyperbole—the biggest obstacles in the way of black folk are black folk themselves. The Klu Klux Klan has nothing on rappers like Soulja Boy and gangster rappers when it comes to destroying black hope.

Now you know why Teddy Afro’s Tikur Sew is all powerful. Teddy Afro has become our Thurgood Marshall, he is dispelling the idea that black is evil from the mind of our children. I hope in due time we will stop wearing black to funerals and only wear black to our celebrations. In due time, we will stop referring to dark skinned Ethiopians as “koolies” and accept them as the closest thing to the color of God. In due time, we will not be repulsed as a people when the winner of Miss Ethiopia is from Gambella and accept her as the truest sense of Ethiopianism. This is a revolution my friends, one fired without a single bullet and started with eskista instead of dead bodies piling up in Bole and beyond.

It was for this reason that I organized “I am Tikur” event at Busboys and Poets this weekend. I had a vision of retelling Tikur and showing to the world that black is beautiful and that we should be proud to say we are black. Even though I got endless emails and text messages saying “I am not black, we are special”, for the most part the vast majority of the responses I received were positive. My people, children of Ethiopia old and young alike, started to change their Facebook status updates with “I am Tikur” and made the “I am Tikur” poster their profile pictures. Endless tweets were sent with #IamTikur and by the time the event at Busboys and Poets launched, a sea of our people and others who love our mother Ethiopia came out to celebrate our blackness and oneness with the African Diaspora and African-Americans.

The 2012 Sheba Film Festival

Published by Tadias June 4th, 2012 in Events. 0 Comments

The 9th Annaul Sheba Film Festival will take place at the Faison Firehouse Theatre in Harlem and at the JCC Manhattan from June 7th to June 19th, 2012. (Photo credit: Harlem Bespoke)

Tadias Magazine
Events News

Published: Monday, June 4, 2012

New York (TADIAS) – The Sheba Film Festival in New York opens this week. “For me it’s always a learning process not only in terms of interacting with the filmmakers, but also educating the public about the diversity of the Ethiopian Diaspora,” says Beejhy Barhany, who runs the annual program. “Every year is a whole different experience and perspective.”

Beejhy is also the founder and director of BINA, an NYC-based foundation that promotes the history and culture of Ethiopian Jews. In a recent interview with TADIAS, she mentioned that her organization is already looking beyond this week to the 10th anniversary festival in 2013. “We’re planning a much bigger event,” Beejhy said. “We want a diverse group of filmmakers to participate not only from Israel but also from Ethiopia and the Diaspora.”

Regarding selections for the Sheba Film Festival Beejhy says “The movies do not necessarily have to be related to Ethiopian Jews. It could be on any topic.”

The 2012 Sheba Film Festival starts on Thursday, June 7th at the Faison Firehouse Theatre in Harlem with the screening of Jacques Faitlovitch and The Lost Tribes. Faitlovitch, who died in 1955, was a Polish-born researcher with a keen interest in Ethiopian Jews, and is credited for his efforts to make them part of the global Jewish community.

A documentary about the Polish traveler Jacques Faitlovitch (above) is one of the films that will be shown at the 2012 Sheba Film Festival. (Reproduction photo by Moti Milrod)

According to the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, Faitlovitch was born in Lodz, Poland, in 1881, and visited Ethiopia for the first time in 1904. He had traveled there on a grant from Baron Edmond de Rothschild to “look for black Jews.” On his first arrival to Ethiopia he is said to have impressed Emperor Menelik with his Amharic, which he had apparently studied at the school for oriental languages at the Sorbonne in Paris, gaining him much access on his repeated trips to the country as he traversed the Ethiopian highlands on horseback.

“His good contacts with senior Ethiopian officials gained him two government jobs,” Haaretz notes. “In 1942 Faitlovitch was appointed Inspector General of the Ethiopian Ministry of Education, and two years later he became an adviser at the Ethiopian Embassy in Cairo, a job he held for two years. It was an odd position for a Jew: representing a Christian African power in a Muslim capital, Haaretz wrote after his death.”

Faitlovitch, however, was neither the first Westerner, nor Jew, to have made personal contact with the Ethiopian Jewish community. The former goes to the Scottish explorer James Bruce, who claimed to have visited the Beth Israel in 1769, while the latter belongs to Faitlovitch’s own teacher, Prof. Joseph Halevy, who made the journey to Ethiopia a century after Bruce.
—

If You Go
The 9th Annual Sheba Film Festival
Jacques Faitlovitch and The Lost Tribes
Thursday, June 7th, 2012 at 7:00 PM
Faison Firehouse Theatre in Harlem
6 Hancock Place, New York NY 10027
(West 124th Street between St. Nicholas and Morningside Avenue)
Admission: $12
Directors: Maurice Dorès, Sarah Dorès
59 minutes 2012, French w/ English subtitles
More information at www.binacf.org.

Ethiopia’s Muslims Charge ‘State Interference’ in Mosque Affairs

Published by Tadias June 1st, 2012 in Podcast. Closed

Ethiopia's Muslims have been protesting 'state interference' in their affairs for the past six months. Could government accusations of Muslim extremism risk greater tension? - CS Monitor reports. (Photo: Main entrance of Anwar Mosque in Addis Ababa from Ethio Muslims Online's Famous Mosques in Ethiopia)

The Christian Science Monitor

By William Davison, Correspondent

ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA – Protests at mosques in religiously-diverse Ethiopia have stretched into their sixth month as Muslims object to what they see as unconstitutional government interference in their affairs.

Since December, worshipers at Friday prayers nationwide have been criticizing the state’s alleged attempts to impose the al Ahbash, a moderate sect of Islam, on the community via an unrepresentative, politicized Islamic Supreme Affairs Council. Officials deny any interference.

The protest movement in most major cities among the nation’s 30 to 40 million Muslims – about one-third of Ethiopia’s population – has been largely peaceful and contained to mosque compounds.

Upcoming Ethiopian Summer Festivals Celebrating Culture, Family & Sports

Published by Tadias June 1st, 2012 in Events, Family and Featured. 0 Comments

The 2012 Ethiopian Festival in Downtown Silver Spring, Maryland will be held on July 22, while the Second Ethiopian Heritage Festival is schedule from July 27 to 29 at Georgetown University campus. (Photo: ethiopianfestival.org)

Tadias Magazine
Events News

Published: Friday, June 1, 2012

New York (TADIAS) – There are several upcoming Summer festivals for the Ethiopian community to enjoy. The Ethiopian Heritage Society is hosting its second Annual Ethiopian Heritage Festival in D.C. at Georgetown University campus from July 27th to July 29th.

Organizers of the annual Ethiopian Festival in Silver Spring, Maryland have also announced the launch of their new event website.

The 29th Annual Ethiopian Soccer Tournament organized by ESFNA will take place in Dallas this year from July 1st to July 7th, and another tournament in D.C. hosted by the newly formed AESAONE (All Ethiopian Sports Association ONE) is scheduled for the same week.
—-
If You Go:
The Second Ethiopian Festival at Downtown Silver Spring
Second Annual Ethiopian Heritage Festival in D.C.
The 29th Annual Ethiopian Soccer Tournament in Dallas
Ethiopian Soccer Tournament in D.C.

Video: Ethiopia Powers on With Controversial Dam Project

Published by Tadias June 1st, 2012 in News and Podcast. 0 Comments

Ethiopia is building the largest hydro-electric dam in Africa. The country says the project could transform its economy. But neighboring Egypt and Sudan are fearful that their water supply is under threat. However, Ethiopia says it will use machines to monitor and ensure the flow of water is stable. (CNN)

By Victoria Eastwood and Nima Elbagir, CNN

Watch:

Nejat Makes it to National Spelling Bee Contest

Published by Tadias May 31st, 2012 in Family. 0 Comments

Nejat Alkadir during the third round of the National Spelling Bee, Wednesday, May 30th, 2012, in Oxon Hill, Maryland. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Tadias Magazine
News Update

Published: Thursday, May 31, 2012

New York (TADIAS) – Remember Nejat Alkadir? She is the seventh-grader — and a first-generation Ethiopian American — who won the 72nd annual Winston-Salem Journal Regional Spelling Bee in North Carolina back in March.

Now she is competing in the National Spelling Bee.

Below is her profile from the competition website:

Speller No. 183, Nejat Alkadir

Sponsor: Winston-Salem Journal

Age: 13

Grade: seventh grade

School: Ledford Middle School, Thomasville, North Carolina

Nejat likes to spend her spare time knitting, crocheting and making lanyards. Her parents immigrated from Ethiopia, and at school Nejat herself excels in language arts. She learned how to read at age 3-1/2 and then taught her brother and sister to read. At home, Nejat enjoys watching Korean shows and dramas, and she likes to listen to Korean music from SHINee. Her favorite game is Scattergories, and her favorite food is lasagna. Nejat hopes to someday pursue a career as a pediatrician.

We wish Nejat all the best!
—
Related:
First Generation Ethiopian American Wins North Carolina Spelling Bee (Winston-Salem Journal)

President Obama’s Favorite Albright Story: Her Conversation With ‘An Ethiopian Man’

Published by Tadias May 31st, 2012 in News and Podcast. 0 Comments

President Obama congratulates former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright after presenting her with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in the East Room of the White House in Washington on May 29, 2012. (Getty Images)

Tadias Magazine
By Tadias Staff

Published: Thursday, May 31, 2012

New York (TADIAS) – During a ceremony held at the White House on Tuesday awarding the Presidential Medal of Freedom to several American political and cultural icons including Madeleine Albright (the 64th U.S. Secretary of State and the first woman to hold that position) President Obama related an anecdote from the remarkable and inspiring story of a child refugee from Czechoslovakia who lost her grandparents in the Holocaust, but rose to become America’s top diplomat.

“This is one of my favorite stories,” Obama said. “Once, at a naturalization ceremony, an Ethiopian man came up to her and said, ‘Only in America can a refugee meet the Secretary of State.’ And she replied, ‘Only in America can a refugee become the Secretary of State.’”

Albright currently serves as a Professor of International Relations at Georgetown University’s Walsh School of Foreign Service.

Watch as Secretary Albright talks about her proudest accomplishments in the service of her adopted country:

—
Join the discussion on Facebook.

Saudi Billionaire’s Ethiopia Gold Mine Has 128 Tons Ready

Published by Tadias May 30th, 2012 in News. 0 Comments

The Okote site in Ethiopia’s Oromia region has more than 550 tons of gold, of which 73 tons may be ready for extraction within 24 months, according to National Mining Corp. - a company majority-owned by Ethiopian-born Saudi billionaire Mohammed al-Amoudi. (Photo: Live Trading News)

Bloomberg News
By William Davison

May 30, 2012

National Mining Corp., a closely held company majority-owned by Saudi billionaire Mohammed al-Amoudi, said it has 128 tons of gold ready to be mined at its Okote project in south Ethiopia.

“With very little exploration work and by undertaking a definitive feasibility study the reserve could be turned into a big mine,” the Addis Ababa-based company said in a statement e- mailed today.

Entertainment for Memorial Day Weekend: Mahmoud in DC & Teddy Flamingo in NYC

Published by Tadias May 25th, 2012 in Events. 0 Comments

Memorial Day Weekend 2012: Mahmoud Ahmed will make an appearance at the iconic Howard Theatre in Washington, D.C. this weekend and Teddy Flamingo will entertain the crowed at the Queen of Sheba Ethiopian Restaurant in New York.

UPDATE: Click here to view photos from the concert at the Historic Howard Theatre

Tadias Magazine
Events News

Published: Friday, May 25, 2012

New York (TADIAS) – There is plenty of Ethiopian entertainment for Memorial weekend on the East Coast. Mahmoud Ahmed and Gosaye Tesfaye are scheduled to perform at the historic Howard Theatre in Washington, D.C., while Teddy Flamingo jams the oldies at Queen of Sheba Restaurant in New York.
—

If You Go:
Queen Of Sheba NYC
Presents Teddy Flamingo
Memorial Day Weekend
Spinning all your favorite oldies but goodies
SATURDAY MAY,26TH 2012
650 10TH Ave bet 45th and 46th street
To RSVP PLEASE CALL 212.397.0610
—

The Howard Theatre
Saturday, May 26, 2012
620 T Street, NW,
Washington, DC 20001
Doors Open: 10PM – 3AM
Tickets: $35 in advance
Bottle service in private booth
Call: 202.629.6138 or 571.242.9348
Parking available
General Info: 202-340-1111 or 201-220-3442
—
Related:
This Weekend in Global Music: Mahmoud Ahmed, Skah Shah, and More (Washington City Paper)

Video: Abebe Gelaw Interrupts PM Zenawi’s Speech | Ethiopian Activists Protest G8 Summit

Published by Tadias May 19th, 2012 in Featured and News. 2 Comments

Prime Minister Meles Zenawi's speech on food security given on the sideline of the G8 summit at the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington, DC on Friday, May 18, 2012 was interrupted by a protest from journalist Abebe Gelaw. (Click here to watch the video).

Ethiopian Activists Protest G8 Summit (VOA News)

Nico Colombant

May 19, 2012

THURMONT, Maryland – As U.S. President Barack Obama finished meetings with leaders from the Group of Eight leading industrialized nations and African heads of state at the Camp David retreat in Maryland, demonstrations erupted in nearby towns. The protesters involved regulars of the Occupy movement as well as anti-government Ethiopian activists.

Several hundred Ethiopian activists came from across the United States to protest meetings involving Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, who has been in power since 1991. The United States is a major aid contributor to Ethiopia, whose leader has been accused of restricting freedoms, including those of the media.

Read more and watch video at VOA News.
—
Activists Urge Obama to Reassess Ethiopia Partnership Over Rights Record (AP)

Photo: Nico Colombant/VOA

By KIRUBEL TADESSE

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia — Rights groups are asking President Barack Obama to re-evaluate the U.S.-Ethiopia relationship over allegations the leader of the East African nation is becoming increasingly repressive.

The requests came just before Obama on Friday announced $3 billion in private-sector pledges to help feed Africa’s poor. The U.S. is a major contributor of aid to Ethiopia.

The Solidarity Movement for a New Ethiopia and the Oakland Institute asked Obama in a Thursday letter to “reassess the terms” of U.S. aid to Ethiopia during weekend talks with Prime Minister Meles Zenawi.

Meles is one of four African leaders invited to discuss food security at Camp David. The longtime leader has been accused of restricting freedoms and the media. Some in Ethiopia see him as a dictator.

The Committee to Protect Journalists said in a Wednesday letter to the White House it was concerned that Ethiopia had charged 11 independent journalists under sweeping anti-terror laws.

“Since 2011, under the guise of a counterterrorism sweep, the government of Ethiopia has brought terrorism and anti-state charges against 11 independent journalists, including blogger Eskinder Nega, who may face life in prison for his writing about the struggle for democracy,” CPJ Executive Director Joel Simon said in the letter. “Such policies deter reporting on all sensitive topics, including food security.”

CPJ called on Obama to “encourage Prime Minister Meles to end his repressive practices.”
—
Press Advocates: Obama Should Talk Freedom at G8 (VOA News)

Photo: Getty Images

By Ricci Shryock

May 17, 2012

Press freedom advocates are calling for President Barack Obama to address limitations on journalists who report on food insecurity when he meets with four African leaders at the G8 Summit on Saturday.

The group is set to discuss solutions to food crises on the continent. But Mohamed Keita, the Africa Advocacy Coordinator for the Committee to Protect Journalists, said government censorship is part of the problem.

“We believe that such practices harm the domestic and international response to such crises and ultimately undermine the ability of everyone to assist millions starving,” Keita said.

Mr. Obama will hold a working lunch with the presidents of Ghana, Tanzania, and Benin, as well as the prime minister of Ethiopia, during the summit at the Camp David presidential retreat in the U.S.

Keita said Tanzania, Ghana and Benin “are countries where the press is relatively free to operate. They are not working under intense censorship. They are not denied access to sensitive areas.”

But he said the situation in Ethiopia is different. He said the government there has been guilty of hindering reporting on past and present food crises.

“Ethiopia is continually affected by drought and food crises and unfortunately the government prevents journalists access to sensitive areas,” Keita said. “They are prevented from using the word famine when they report about these crises. They are

Okule Buli helps her five-year old daughter Jamila sit up in her bed in the Intensive Care Unit of a medical center run by Medecins Sans Frontiers in Kuyera, Ethiopia, 02 Sep 2008 (File photo AFP)
prevented from taking photographs of obviously malnourished children.”

“This has an impact on the ability of aid groups to scramble to raise funds to assist” in a timely manner, he added.

Keita acknowledged Ethiopia has made economic strides in reducing poverty and improving infrastructure, but he said hunger remains a chronic problem. And he said government statistics about food insecurity and hunger cannot be relied upon.

Since 2011, the Ethiopian government has used its sweeping anti-terrorism laws to bring charges against 11 journalists.

LISTEN: Committee to Protect Journalists’ Mohamed Keita talks to Ricci Shryock about Press Freedom.
—-
Obama Announces $3 Billion in Private Sector Pledges to Help Feed Africa

President Barack Obama is preparing to host four African leaders, including Prime Minister Meles Zenawi of Ethiopia, for G8 session on food security at Camp David this weekend. (Photo by Pete Souza, White House Photo, 5/4/12)

VOA News

May 18, 2012

U.S. President Barack Obama has announced a new global partnership to involve the private sector in improving food security in Africa, as wealthy nations struggle with shrinking budgets.

President Obama announced the effort in Washington Friday, as leaders of the Group of Eight leading industrialized nations (the United States, Britain, Germany, France, Italy, Japan, Canada and Russia) prepared to hold their annual economic summit at the Camp David presidential retreat outside the U.S. capital.

Mr. Obama said that 45 companies, from major international corporations to African companies and cooperatives, have pledged more than $3 billion toward the new effort to help boost agriculture. But Mr. Obama insisted that the private sector commitments are not intended to replace aid, saying the United States will continue to make “historic investments” in development. He said the U.S. has a “moral obligation” to lead the fight against hunger and malnutrition.

“Some have asked in a time of austerity whether this alliance is just a way for government to shift the burden onto somebody else. I want to be clear. The answer is no,” said President Obama.

Mr. Obama said the pledges from the private companies, along with contributions from donor countries, are aimed at boosting farmers’ incomes and helping 50 million people lift themselves out of poverty over the next 10 years.

The U.S. president addressed African leaders from Ethiopia, Ghana and Tanzania during the speech in Washington, which he said will be the first three countries to undertake the effort. African Union chair and president of Benin, Thomas Boni Yayi, was also present for the speech and will take part along with his fellow African leaders in what Mr. Obama described as a “special” G-8 session Saturday devoted to the food security challenge.

Weekend of High-Level Diplomacy

Following the speech, President Obama welcomed new French President Francois Hollande to the White House for their first one-on-one meeting. Mr. Hollande, who was sworn in this week, has called for a change in Europe’s current focus on austerity to address the eurozone sovereign debt crisis.

Speaking to reporters following the meeting, President Obama said much of his discussion with President Hollande centered on the situation in the eurozone. Mr. Obama said they both agreed that it is an issue of “extraordinary importance” not only to the people of Europe but also to the world economy.

The austerity pact has led to a political standoff in cash-strapped Greece, where voters rejected political parties that agreed to harsh budget cuts in exchange for financial assistance.

Mr. Obama and Mr. Hollande will be joined at Camp David by German Chancellor Angela Merkel, the prime mover behind the Eurozone austerity treaty, plus the leaders of Canada, Britain, Italy, Japan and Russia. Russian Prime Minister Dmitri Medvedev is attending in place of President Vladimir Putin.

U.S. National Security Advisor Tom Donilon told reporters Thursday the leaders of the Group of Eight nations are expected to discuss global oil markets, energy and climate, the transition in the Middle East and North Africa and the eurozone debt crisis during the two-day summit.

Mr. Hollande will also play a central role in the two-day NATO summit that will begin Sunday in Mr. Obama’s hometown of Chicago. The new French president has pledged to remove all his country’s troops from Afghanistan by the end of this year — two years before all NATO troops are scheduled to leave.

Donilon says the meeting of the alliance is an opportunity to discuss the transition of Afghan forces taking the security lead from international forces. He notes the talks will build on progress made and plans the president talked about in a recent visit to Afghanistan.

“Chicago is a critical milestone in the next step towards a responsible ending of this war, towards our achieving, very importantly, our goals in this effort in Afghanistan and really kind of the execution of the strategy that the president laid out in his speech at Bagram,” said Donilon.

He says President Obama will meet with Afghan President Hamid Karzai on the sidelines of the talks Sunday. He says there are no plans at the moment to hold a private meeting with Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari.

Islamabad closed supply routes to NATO nearly six months ago to protest U.S. airstrikes that mistakenly killed 24 Pakistani troops near the Afghan border.

Pakistani officials demanded an unconditional apology for the deadly NATO air strikes. But Washington only offered condolences and Islamabad retaliated by cutting off NATO ground supply routes. The U.S. withdrew as much as $3 billion of promised military aid, as relations with Pakistan deteriorated.

Editorial: Ethiopia Honors Dr. Catherine Hamlin with Honorary Citizenship

Published by Tadias April 29th, 2012 in News, Opinion and Profiles. 11 Comments

Australian-born Dr. Catherine Hamlin, who is known for her work with childbirth injury patients, has lived in Ethiopia for over 50 years. (Photo credit: Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital)

Tadias Magazine
Editorial

Published: Sunday, April 29, 2012

New York (TADIAS) – Ethiopia’s recent conferring of an honorary citizenship on Dr. Catherine Hamlin, founder of the Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital, is a well-deserved recognition for a remarkable woman who has spent a better part of her life in the service of her adopted home. According to The Ethiopian News Agency (ENA), Prime Minister Meles Zenawi vested the honorary citizenship at a ceremony held at his office in Addis Ababa on Thursday, April 26th. Meles announced: “Dr. Hamlin was awarded the citizenship for serving the fistula patients for more than five decades by establishing a fistula hospital in the country.”

“When we first arrived we were rather taken with the country because we saw our eucalyptus trees,” Dr. Hamlin, had told Tadias Magazine a few years ago in an interview recounting her memories of arriving in Ethiopia in 1959. The Australian native initially traveled there on a three-year government contract to establish a midwifery school at the Princess Tsehay Hospital. “I felt very much at home straight away because the scenery seemed very familiar to us,” she said. “We got a really warm welcome so we didn’t really have culture shock.”

Until her journey to Ethiopia, Dr. Hamlin, a gynecologist, had never met a fistula patient. “We had read in our textbooks about obstetric fistula but had never seen one,” she admitted. After arriving in Ethiopia with her husband Dr. Reginald Hamlin – a New Zealander who was also an obstetrician and gynecologist – she was warned by a colleague “the fistula patients will break your heart.”

Obstetric fistula is a childbirth injury that affects one out of every 12 women in Africa and approximately three million women worldwide. In developing nations where access to hospitals in remote areas are difficult to find, young women suffer from obstructive labor which can otherwise be successfully alleviated with adequate medical support. Unassisted labor in such conditions may lead to bladder, vaginal, and rectum injuries that incapacitate and stigmatize these women. Most patients are ousted from their homes and isolated from their communities.

Dr. Hamlin described the professional environment in the country as one where they “worked in a hospital with other physicians who were trained in Beirut and London.” However, as the only two gynecologists on staff they found it difficult to get away even for a weekend. For the first 10 years of their work with the hospital Reginald and Catherine Hamlin took weekend breaks at alternate times so as to have at least one gynecologist on call at all times, barely managing to take a month off each year to travel to the coast in Kenya. It is during their time at Princess Tsehai hospital that they first encountered fistula patients.

Since surgeries to cure fistula were not considered life-saving, few operating tables and beds were available for such patients at Princess Tsehai Hospital. Fistula patients were also not welcome and were despised by other patients and it wasn’t long before Reginald and Catherine decided to build a hospital designed to help these women, some of whom traveled hundreds of miles to seek treatment.

Speaking of her late husband, Hamlin noted, “When he saw the first fistula patient he was really overwhelmed. He devoted his whole life to raising money to help these women. He was a compassionate man and if he took on anything he would take it in with his whole heart and soul. He worked day and night to build the hospital.” The dream was realized in 1974 and soon the Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital received 1 to 10 fistula patients at its doorstep on a daily basis. Women who heard about the possibility of being cured traveled to the Capital from distant villages across the country. Today the Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital is a state-of-the-art, full-service medical facility entirely dedicated to caring for women with childbirth injuries.

Asked what her greatest satisfaction has been in this endeavor, Dr. Hamlin responded “It is in knowing that I am working somewhere where God has placed me to work. And I think that we gained more by living [here] and working with these women than we lost by leaving our own countries.” She fondly speaks of her late husband and his infinite compassion for his patients and his attachment to the country. “He loved the whole of Ethiopian society and when he was dying in England it was his final wish to return and be buried in Ethiopia,” she stated.

Dr. Hamlin equally enthused about her ‘home away from home’, emphasizing the joy she feels in seeing a happy, cured patient and her continued enjoyment of the landscape of Ethiopia and its people. Amidst her busy life she had found time in the “early hours of dawn” to write down the story of her life in her book The Hospital by the River, which was a bestseller in Australia. Her humble personality is evident as she replies to our inquiries about her past nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize by saying she didn’t know about it. Indeed along with being nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 1999 she has also been awarded the Haile Selassie Humanitarian Prize in 1971, the Gold Medal of Merit by Pope John Paul in 1987, and an Honorary Gold Medal from the Royal College of Surgeons in England in 1989. In 2003 she was nominated as an Honorary Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and she was the co-winner of the 2009 Right Livelihood Award.

At the ceremony last week, she said: “Although I was not born in Ethiopia, I love the country very much.”

We welcome Dr. Catherine Hamlin’s induction as a fellow Ethiopian!

Tirfi Beyene Breaks Paris Records, Tiki Gelana & Yemane Adhane Win in Rotterdam

Published by Tadias April 16th, 2012 in News. 0 Comments

Tirfi Beyene of Ethiopia holds her trophy after winning the women’s race at the 36th Paris Marathon, Sunday April 15, 2012. (Thibault Camus / Associated Press )

By Associated Press

PARIS — Kenya’s Stanley Biwott and Ethiopia’s Beyene Tirfi won the Paris marathon in record times on Sunday.

Biwott won in 2 hours, 5 minutes, 11 seconds, according to provisional times from the race organizer, beating the old mark of 2:05.47 set by Kenyan Vincent Kipruto in 2009.

Tirfi, who was third in 2010, dominated the women’s race in 2:21.40 to surpass Ethiopian Astede Bayisa’s mark of 2:22.02 from two years ago.

Ethiopian & Lebanese Reactions to the Death of Alem: Memorialized Discussion Between Two Activists

Published by Tadias April 14th, 2012 in Opinion. 0 Comments

This piece (published in The Huffington Post) is a memorialized discussion between two activists -- one Ethiopian and one Lebanese -- brought together by the recent suicide of Alem Dechesa-Desisa. Kumera Genet is an Ethiopian American from Austin, while Khaled Beydoun is an attorney from Detroit, Michigan -- home of the United States most concentrated Lebanese American community. Both reside, and live, in Washington, D.C. -- which boasts the nation's most populous Ethiopian community. (Photo: Alem Dechassa - family photograph from The Guardian video)

The Huffington Post

By Kumera Genet and Khaled A. Beydoun

Alem was a 33-year-old Ethiopian domestic worker in Lebanon, who committed suicide on March 14. A video showing her employer, Ali Mahfouz, brutally beating her outside of Beirut’s [Ethiopian] Consulate, went viral on March 9 — five days before her death.

Below are Genet’s and Beydoun’s immediate responses to the video and Alem’s death, and a discussion about how these events impacted their respective worlds as Ethiopian and Lebanese Americans.

In Memory of Maitre Artiste Afewerk Tekle: His Life Odyssey

Published by Tadias April 11th, 2012 in Art and Featured. 52 Comments

Ethiopia's most famous painter Maitre Artiste Afewerk Tekle, who died last week at the age of 80, was laid to rest at the cemetery of the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Addis Ababa on Saturday, April 14th. (Photos: Afewerk Tekle speaking at Stanford University on March 7, 2004 / Tadias Magazine File photographs)

Tadias Magazine
By Tadias Staff

Updated: Saturday, April 14, 2012

New York (TADIAS) – The last time Tadias Magazine interviewed Maitre Artiste Afewerk Tekle was on March 7th, 2004, following his appearance as a Keynote Speaker at Stanford University’s Pioneers Forum organized by the Stanford Ethiopian Student Union. There are few moments as electric as when Afewerk Tekle walked through the crowded auditorium to give an insider’s view of his accomplishments and life adventures. Elegantly clad in the sheer white of the Ethiopian national costume, Maitre Artiste Afewerk let his artistic mind captivate the audience as he took his red-bordered netela to demonstrate the various ways that one can wear the shawl for different public occasions, including as a graduation gown. He received a thunderous applause as he concluded his brief demonstration.

“At the end of the day, my message is quite simple,” he told the diverse audience from the university and the larger Bay Area Ethiopian community. It was the first time since the mid-1960’s that he had formally traveled to the United States to talk about his award-winning artwork.

“I am not a pessimist, I want people to look at my art and find hope,” he said. “I want people to feel good about Ethiopia, about Africa, to feel the delicate rays of the sun. And most of all, I want them to think: Yitchalal! [It's possible!]”

Speaking about his life-long dedication to the fine arts, Maitre Afewerk Tekle instilled in his audience the importance of using art to inspire people, to uplift nations and to create an optimistic view of life. “What we do today must reflect today’s life for tomorrow’s generation and pave the way for the future generation,” he said. “Art is in every fabric of life.”

Afewerk Tekle was born in the town of Ankober in Ethiopia on October 22nd, 1932. Having grown up in an Ethiopia battling fascist Italian forces, Afewerk was acutely aware of the destruction of war and the need to rebuild his native home. Intent on acquiring skills that would allow him to contribute to Ethiopia’s restoration, the young Afewerk settled on pursuing his studies in mining engineering.

His family and friends, however, had already recognized his inner talent in the arts. Around town he was know for his drawings on walls using stones, and for possessing a curious and ever reflective mind. Despite his natural gravitation to the art world, at the age of 15 Afewerk was chosen to be sent abroad to England to commence his engineering studies.

Maitre Afewerk recalled being summoned by Emperor Haile Selassie to receive last-minute advice prior to his departure. “To this day I cannot forget his words,” the Maitre said pensively. “The Emperor began by counseling us to study, study, and study.” he told the audience. “He told us: you must work hard, and when you come back do not tell us what tall buildings you saw in Europe, or what wide streets they have, but make sure you return equipped with the skills and the mindset to rebuild Ethiopia.” Maitre Afewerk later confided that this sermon rang in his head each time he was tempted to seek the easy life, free from the responsibility of rebuilding his nation and uplifting his people.

As one of the earliest batch of African students admitted to exclusive boarding schools in England, Afewerk faced culture shock and the occasional strife caused by “English bullies.” Yet he remained steadfast in pursuing his studies. He especially excelled in courses such as mathematics, chemistry and history, but it was not long before his teachers discovered his art talent.

With the encouragement of his mentor and teachers, Afewerk decided to focus on refining his gift and enrolled at the Central School of Arts & Crafts in London. Upon completion of his studies he was accepted as the first African student at the prestigious Faculty of Fine Arts at Slade (University of London). At Slade, Afewerk focused on painting, sculpture and architecture.

Upon returning to Ethiopia, Maitre Afewerk traveled throughout the country, to every province, staying at each location for a period of up to three months, immersing himself in the study of his surroundings and absorbing Ethiopia’s historical and cultural diversity. He pushed himself to become an Ethiopian artist with world recognition.

Maitre Afewerk Tekle speaking at Stanford University in California on March 7, 2004. (Photo: TADIAS Archive)

“I had to study Ethiopian culture,” the artist said, “because an important ingredient of a world artist is to have in your artwork the flavor of where you were born.” He added, “My art will belong to the world but with African flavor.”

Above all, Maitre Afewerk worked diligently in the hopes of using his artwork as a social medium with which to highlight the history, struggles and beauty of his native home. Although he was educated abroad, he fought against what he called “the futile imitation of other artists’ works, Western or otherwise.”

With the message of rebuilding Ethiopia still ringing in his ears, Maitre Afewerk quickly decided to relinquish the ministerial post assigned to him upon completion of his university studies, and opted instead to devote his full attention to painting and exhibiting his artwork both at home and abroad.

At age 22, Afewerk Tekle held his first significant one-man exhibition at the Municipality Hall in Addis Ababa in 1954. He followed up his success by conducting an extensive study tour of art in Italy, France, Spain, Portugal and Greece, paying particular attention to collections of Ethiopian illustrated manuscripts as well as acquiring skills in stained-glass artwork.

Returning home he was commissioned to create religious art for St. George’s Cathedral. He also worked on some of the first sculptures depicting Ethiopian national heroes. His designs and inspirations were soon printed on stamps and national costumes. Most notably, he conceptualized and designed the elaborate stainedglass window artwork in Africa Hall at the headquarters of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa.

With the income and savings he acquired by selling his artwork Afewerk designed his own 22-room house, studio and gallery, which he nicknamed ‘Villa Alpha.’

By 1964 Maitre Afewerk had held his second successful exhibition, thereafter followed by his first show abroad in Russia, the United States and Senegal. Touring African nations at a time when parts of the continent was still under the yoke of colonialism, Afewerk Tekle used his paintings to spotlight the struggle, naming his artwork with titles such as Backbones of the African Continent, Africa’s Heritage, and African Unity. The theme of African independence and the interrelationship of African cultures are indelibly etched in Maitre Afewerk’s creations.

“Your brush can be quite stronger than the machine gun,” he said “I wanted to show how you can write Africa through your artwork, what it means to have liberty, to have your fellow humans completely equal.”

Many art critics have tried, time and time again, to label and categorize his work as having either European or African influence, and sometimes even both. He told us, however, that “you should be free and liberated in your thoughts and style. Your art should speak to you in your hidden language.”

Maitre Afewerk noted that 10% of his work is considered religious art while at least 50% echoes Ethiopian influence. But there is room for him to explore and develop his own style that speaks to his inner muse.

Today, Maitre Afewerk’s art is known and celebrated throughout the world, and indeed he has achieved his dream of becoming an Ethiopian artist with world recognition. He has uplifted Ethiopia, and at the same time his art has been infused into the daily life of his community and fellow citizens.

Around the time that Afewerk Tekle came to speak at Stanford, his art projects around Addis were hard to miss — depicting heroes such as world champion athlete Haile Gebresellasie. At the bottom corner of the artworks there was an Amharic phrase that said it all: Yitchalal!.
—
Click here to learn more about Afewerk Tekle.

Celebrating Women’s History Month: Interview with Julie Mehretu

Published by Tadias March 30th, 2012 in Profiles. 6 Comments

Julie Mehretu is an artist best known for her large scale abstract paintings and drawings. She lives and works in New York City. (Photo Credit: ©Sarah Rentz)

Tadias Magazine
By Tseday Alehegn

Updated: Friday, March 30, 2012

New York (TADIAS) – Julie Mehretu is one of the most celebrated contemporary artists in the United States, and one of two Ethiopian-born artists whose work is part of the permanent collection at the Museum of Modern Art. Julie, who currently lives and works in New York, has received numerous international recognitions for her work including the American Art Award from the Whitney Museum of American Art and the prestigious MacArthur Fellow award. She had residencies at the Core Program at the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston (1998–99), the Studio Museum in Harlem, New York (2001), the Walker Art Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota (2003), and the American Academy in Berlin (2007).

Julie was born in Addis Ababa in 1970 and immigrated to the United States with her family in 1977. Speaking about her upbringing Julie tells Tadias: “I was then raised in East Lansing, Michigan, where my father was professor of economic geography at the university and my mother a montessorian for young children.” Julie completed her undergraduate studies at Kalamzoo College and her MFA at RISD. “I was always drawing and painting since very young,” she said. “My parents always encouraged me to draw and pushed us to think differently.” She added: Although, it wasn’t until I was in graduate school that I really thought it could be possible to make a life as an artist. I think it is super important to realize that given a privileged circumstance you can craft a life like you can an object or a picture, with deep intention and vision.”

What does she most enjoy about her work? “Making art is difficult and intense work that consumes all of me,” Julie said. “Even still, I am so grateful and privileged that I am able to spend my time dedicated to painting and making art.”

In celebration of Women’s History Month, we asked Julie who her female role models are. “My mother, Doree Mehretu, my sister Neeshan Mehretu and my partner Jessica Rankin,” she shared, adding a few practical tips for young women who want to follow in her footsteps: “Work hard, don’t hesitate, and trust your intuition. Take deep care of your work and it will take care of you.”
—
Correction:
We have updated this story and made the following correction: Mehretu is one of two Ethiopian artists whose work is part of the permanent collection at MOMA. The other artist is Skunder Boghossian.

Click here to watch Video of Julie Mehretu from Art 21 Season 5 Preview.

Celebrating Women’s History Month: Interview with Nini Legesse

Published by Tadias March 26th, 2012 in Featured and Profiles. 20 Comments

Nini Legesse is the founder of the Virginia-based Wegene Ethiopian Foundation. (Courtesy photo)

Tadias Magazine
By Tseday Alehegn

Published: Monday, March 26, 2012

New York (TADIAS)- Nini Legesse was one of the fourteen community leaders from the East African Diaspora that were honored at the White House as “Champions of Change” last month. Her organization Wegene Ethiopian Foundation provided, among other services, financial support to build an elementary school in Abelti-Jimma, Ethiopia. The White House said: “These leaders are helping to build stronger neighborhoods in communities across the country, and are working to mobilize networks across borders to address global challenges.”

Below is our Q & A with Nini Legesse.

TADIAS: Please tell us about Wegene Ethiopian Foundation. What inspired it?

Nini Legesse: I founded Wegene in 2000 with similarly inspired friends who like me had left their home country in their teenage years. We felt morally obligated to give back. Even though my friends and I feel grateful for the security, opportunity, education and better life that we enjoy in our adoptive country, the United States, we wanted to assist those who have less opportunities in Ethiopia. The goal of Wegene is to enable hardworking, poor families to meet their daily needs and send their children to school in a sustainable way.

We also have Wegene Kids Club. The club raises funds through bake sales, movie nights, crafting, and other various activities in order to create awareness and reach out to Ethiopian American youth. In addition to our projects in Ethiopia, the Wogene Kids Club also volunteers by feeding and distributing clothing to the homeless in the Washington, D.C. area. One of Wegene’s unique features is that it is 100% volunteer based. As a result, our overhead cost is near to nothing, because everyone involved is donating their time, money, and other in-kind donations.

TADIAS: What do you most enjoy about your work?

NL: My work for Wegene is more of a mission and it’s something that I’m very passionate about. It is meaningful and intensely rewarding. Also, I’m grateful that Wegene has created an opportunity to cultivate social ties to my home country and to make a difference in someone’s life at a personal level. This work offers me fulfillment and civic satisfaction beyond imagination. I think we each have to realize our human potential for compassion and love. I see our world as a generous place where we reach out to others as we move through life. It doesn’t matter if our contribution is large or small; doing what we can to positively affect the life of a single person provides immense gratification. I also work full time as a patent examiner at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. I have been working at this job since 2001.

TADIAS: In a celebrating Women’s History Month, who are your female role models?

NL: I have numerous. One of my role models is Dr. Catherine Hamlin. I admire her lifetime devotion and mission to treating childbirth-related injures of disadvantaged women in Ethiopia. I’m amazed at how humble and loving she is. Her book, The Hospital by the River, is one of my favorite books. My other role model is Mrs. Marta Gebre-Tsadick, the founder of Project Merci. Marta is a remarkable woman. It is incredible what she and her husband have created. They built a school and hospital and established agricultural development programs. To me, she is a woman who has become a force of nature. Lastly, but equally as important, my mother and each of my six sisters have been my role models especially because I am the youngest child in my family.

TADIAS: Please tell us more about yourself (where you were born, grew up, school and how you developed your passion for your work).

NL: I was born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. My parents are Mrs. Kebrework Senke and Dejazmach Legesse Bezou. I have five sisters and two brothers. Now I lost one of my sisters to Lou Gehrig’s disease. I came to the United States at the age of 17. The school that I attended in Ethiopia was Nazareth School, of which I have many good memories. I received my undergraduate degree from Berea College in Kentucky and my Master’s Degree in Industrial Technology from Ball State University in Indiana. I am happily married to Eskinder Teklu for over 17 years and I have three wonderful children ages 16, 15, and 11. I have many relatives and friends I love and adore. In addition to a lot of new friends I have made each year, I am lucky that I also still have my kindergarten friends actively involved in my life. In my spare time, I love to read, listen to music, write poems, watch movies, decorate, help my kids with their school projects, garden, and do craftwork.

TADIAS: What are some practical tips you can give for young Ethiopian women who want to follow in your footsteps?

NL: It’s okay to fail, as long as you learn from your mistakes and avoid making the same mistakes again. There is no single problem that can’t be solved through determination. Understand that hard work will pay off. The main thing is to find your purpose in life. Find something that gives your life meaning.

TADIAS: Is there anything else you would like to share with Tadias readers that we haven’t asked you?

NL: I just want to thank all of your readers for taking their valuable time to read about me and the Wegene Ethiopian Foundation. My heartfelt thank you to Tadias magazine for the opportunity given to me to share about my passion.
—
For more information about Wegene, visit their website at www.wegene.org. Stay tuned for more highlights celebrating Ethiopian women role models and change agents.

Video: Photo slide show of Wegene’s School Project in Abelti, Jimma – Ethiopia

—
Related Women’s History Month Stories:
Interview with Birtukan Midekssa
Interview with Artist Julie Mehretu
Interview With Model Maya Gate Haile
Interview with Sahra Mellesse
Interview with Lydia Gobena
Interview with Author Maaza Mengiste
Interview with Grammy-nominated singer Wayna
Interview with Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu
Interview with Journalist Fanna Haile-Selassie
Interview with Dr. Mehret Mandefro

Ethiopia to Accelerate Land Commercialization Amid Opposition

Published by Tadias March 24th, 2012 in News. 0 Comments

A controversial resettlement program in Ethiopia is the latest battleground in the global race to secure prized farmland and water. (PBS)

Bloomberg News/Business Week

By William Davison

Ethiopia’s government said it plans to clear land and provide infrastructure for investors to accelerate a commercial farming drive in the west of the country, amid opposition to the plans that left 19 people dead.

More than 100,000 hectares (247,105 acres) of land in the Gambella and Benishangul-Gumuz states on the border with Sudan will be targeted in a process managed by the Agriculture Ministry’s Agricultural Investment Support Directorate, its director, Esayas Kebede, said in an interview on March 21.

Click here to read the full story.
—
Related:
WATCH: Ethiopia – A Battle for Land and Water (PBS)

Watch Ethiopia: A Battle for Land and Water on PBS. See more from PBS NewsHour.

Ali Mahfouz Charged with Contributing to the Death of Alem Dechasa

Published by Tadias March 23rd, 2012 in News. 0 Comments

In this YouTube video grab taken from the Lebanese Broadcasting Corporation International, Ali Mahfouz, right, speaks to LBCI reporters. The video became public on March 8, 2012. (LBCI)

The Daily Star

March 23, 2012

A judicial source told The Daily Star that Mahfouz was charged Thursday, adding that he is not currently in custody.

By Annie Slemrod

March 24, 2012 01:51 AM

The Guardian

By Rachel Stevenson

Beirut – Ethiopia is lobbying Lebanon to investigate fully the death of an Ethiopian housemaid who killed herself after being beaten on the street in Beirut.

Below is a slideshow from the vigil for Alem Dechassa in Washington D.C. on March 15, 2012.

Celebrating Women’s History Month: Interview with Lydia Gobena

Published by Tadias March 23rd, 2012 in Featured and Profiles. 13 Comments

Lydia Gobena is an Intellectual Property attorney and a partner at the law firm Fross Zelnick Lehrman & Zissu in New York. She is also the owner of the jewelry line, Birabiro. (Courtesy photo)

Tadias Magazine
By Tseday Alehegn

Updated: Saturday, March 24, 2012

New York (TADIAS)- Our next interview for Women’s History Month features Lydia Gobena, a partner at Intellectual Property law firm Fross Zelnick Lehrman & Zissu and a designer who recently launched her own jewelry line, Birabiro. As a legal professional Lydia has represented diverse international clientele including those in the sports, fashion, architectural, engineering, music, and pharmaceutical sectors. She launched her own jewelry line at the end of 2011.

Below is our Q&A with Lydia Gobena.

TADIAS: Please tell us more about yourself and your interest in a legal career.

Lydia Gobena: I was born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and moved to the U.S. when I was 2 years old. I grew up in Northern Virginia, where I graduated high school, and received a B.A. at the University of Toronto in Philosophy and History. After college, I worked in retail and at a law firm for a year and then studied law at the University of London, School of Oriental and African Studies (“SOAS”), receiving an LL.B. While working at the law firm, I realized that I enjoyed the intellectual aspects of the law. I was particularly interested in comparative law, having traveled extensively as a child. The program at SOAS appealed to me as it enabled me to take the more traditional legal courses while also studying different legal systems in Africa and Asia. After completing my law degree in London, I received an LL.M. at Georgetown University Law Center in International Law. I joined Fross Zelnick Lehrman & Zissu, an intellectual property boutique, in 2000 as an associate in the International Group. I became a partner in December 2005. I counsel and advise clients on international trademark, industrial design, copyright, and unfair competition issues. I have represented a diverse international clientele, including well-known fashion and apparel brands, a luxury goods company, a leading provider of engineering and architectural software, one of the world’s largest music and entertainment companies, leading pharmaceutical companies and beverage and sports brands.

TADIAS: You have recently also launched a jewelry design business called Birabiro. Can you tell us a bit more about this venture?

LG: I have enjoyed making beaded necklaces since I was a child. I started silversmithing in 2001, initially out of necessity. I love large rings and bracelets but could not find ones to fit my small fingers and wrists. While I have been making jewelry for friends and family over the years, I decided to launch my own jewelry line, which can now be viewed and purchased at birabiro.com, in order to make the designs available to a larger audience.

My love of jewelry most definitely came from my mother, who collects unique pieces from around the world. I love large, bold pieces of an artistic nature and this aesthetic is reflected in my line. Jewelry for me is an expression of who I am, and I am happy that I can share my creative expression with people outside my everyday circles.

TADIAS: Who are your female role models?

LG: In terms of career, I would have to say that my mother and her friends inspired me to pursue a challenging career. They were university-educated women in Ethiopia in the 60s/70s, who worked fulltime but yet managed to have a family. This career/life balance is something that I strive to have today, with a full-time career, a developing side business and a family life. I also have a number of female colleagues and clients at work, who have also helped guide my legal career. With respect to jewelry and style, my role models tend to be women, who push the boundaries when it comes to adornment. I was also inspired by my late sister, a fantastic artist, who had a unique worldview and aesthetic.

TADIAS: What are some practical tips you can give for young women who want to follow in your footsteps? (Both in law and in the arts).

LG: Find mentors at all stages of your career: I have had male and female mentors throughout my career and I actively seek them out to guide me in my professional life. I believe that it is particularly important, as a woman, to have female mentors, because they have been where you are and are good sounding boards when you need advice.

Follow your dreams: Many years ago, when reading The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, I came across the following quote that has guided me in my life and career “…[W]hen you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.” In other words, desire, determination, dedication, and, above all, belief in your dreams, coupled with hard work, will enable you to achieve your goals. Be a mentor: Just as others have guided you, it is important to help others in their journeys. You will learn and grow from the experience of mentoring as well.

TADIAS: What are some ways you have personally chosen to overcome the hurdles that you may have faced as a woman executive?

LG: I am fortunate to work at a law firm where being a minority woman was irrelevant as I am judged based solely on my work product. Thus, I do not believe that I have faced significant hurdles in my current work environment because of my gender or color. To the extent there have been any during my career, I have tried to ignore them and focus on trying to be the best in my field (a byproduct of how I was raised). Initially, I faced hurdles because I took an untraditional route in my legal career. It took a fair amount of networking to secure my first IP job. However, my perseverance paid off. You have to realize that disappointment is a part of life. However, you need to use it to your advantage: You may not necessarily win every case, or get every client that you pitch, but each of these experiences can make you into a better lawyer and individual.

TADIAS: What would like to share on Women’s History Month with Tadias readers?

LG: It is OK to march to the beat of your own drum. My approach to my legal career was not traditional; neither was my path to being a jewelry maker. At the end of the day, you just have to love what you do.
—-
Stay tuned for more highlights celebrating Ethiopian women role models and change agents.

Celebrating Women’s History Month: Interview with Maaza Mengiste

Published by Tadias March 21st, 2012 in Featured and Profiles. 10 Comments

Maaza Mengiste is a writer based in New York City. (Photo credit: Miriam Berkley)

Tadias Magazine
By Tseday Alehegn

Updated: Thursday, March 22, 2012

New York (TADIAS) – Maaza Mengiste is the author of the critically acclaimed novel Beneath the Lion’s Gaze. She was born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and graduated with an MFA in Creative Writing from New York University. Maaza is also the writer for the Ethiopia segment of the “Ten by Ten” project, a feature film that tells the stories of 10 extraordinary girls from 10 developing countries around the world. These stories, written by a female writer from the girl’s country and narrated by a celebrated actress, describe a unique personal journey of triumph and achievement against incredible odds.

Maaza ‘s book Beneath the Lion’s Gaze has been translated into several languages and her work has appeared in The New York Times, BBC Radio 4, The Granta Anthology of the African Short Story, and Lettre International, to name a few. She is a Fulbright Scholar who has also received fellowships from the Emily Harvey Foundation, the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts, the Prague Summer Program, and Yaddo. She teaches at NYU and lives in New York City.

Below is our Q & A with Maaza Mengiste:

TADIAS: What would you like to share about Women’s History Month with Tadias readers?

Maaza Mengiste: As I continue my reading and research and learn more about Ethiopian history, I’ve become increasingly aware of how significant women have been throughout that history. Can we talk about Ethiopian history without mentioning Saba or Zewditu or Taitu or so many of the women whose names aren’t in history books but in their families’ memories? I’m so proud of all the heroines, famous and unsung. My hope is that somewhere, there is a writer putting some of their stories down on paper.

I think it’s hard to consider Women’s History Month and consider Ethiopian women without thinking of what’s happening to domestic workers across the Middle East. In particular, the horrible and tragic death of Alem Dechassa. I still don’t have the right words to describe how I feel. I swing between so many emotions, most of them degrees of sorrow and anger. I think as women and as Ethiopians, we are each other’s sisters. In 10×10 film, through Azmera’s story and those young girls in her school who are saying ‘no’ to forced marriage and supporting each other to study hard, I’m hopeful of the potential we unleash when we band together. If we can reach even one woman trapped in an abusive household, if we can give her a place to tell her story and a place to turn for help, then maybe, in some small way, Alem’s death will not have been futile. It is a horrible price to pay, and one that I hope no other woman chooses, thinking it is her only way out of a terrible situation. It’s wonderful to see people, men and women, coming together to do something as a result of Alem’s death. I know events are happening in many places and social media is spreading the word and it’s great.

TADIAS: What do you enjoy most about being a writer?

MM: Most of the time, writing is hard work. It requires hours of solitude and many, many weeks and months and years of conceptualizing, writing, then revising again and again. It can often be the most difficult thing I’ve ever done, but it is also the most rewarding. One of the most rewarding aspects of my current life, as a writer with a published book, is the opportunity to meet so many people with incredible life stories. Writing demands that I am alone most of my days, but being able to interact with so many whose lives in some way echo those of my characters, or to connect with people who worked in Ethiopia or are students of Ethiopian history, has been a wonderful experience.

TADIAS: You are the writer for the 10×10 segment on Ethiopia. Can you share with us a bit more about your work on this project?

MM: The 10×10 documentary is a film focused on girls’ education as a means to positively impact a community and a country. The producers and director chose 10 countries and looked at the biggest obstacle to girls’ education in those countries. For Ethiopia, that issue was forced early marriage. I had the opportunity to meet Azmera, a young girl from a village outside of Bahir Dar. She was going to be married at age 12, but reported this to her teachers and the marriage was stopped and she was allowed to continue school. My role in the documentary was to spend time with Azmera and her family, which included her mother and grandmother and her aunts, uncles and cousins, and get to know her and learn more about her life. Then, I would write a script based on my time with Azmera and the director would take that and use it to shoot the documentary.

What I realized through this process was that, contrary to so many stories we hear about cruel parents forcing children into these marriages, Azmera comes from a loving, caring family. They adore her. Her mother was doing her best to make the right decisions for her child. She began to understand the physical and psychological damages inflicted on young girls when they’re married too young, and she was determined that her daughter finish school and improve her life. What was important to me as a woman, as an Ethiopian and as a writer was to convey this mother’s love but also talk about the thousands of young girls who are not as lucky as Azmera. The experience has been life-changing, I’m excited to see the finished film, which will be released sometime in 2013. But most important, I am so grateful for the kindness Azmera and her family extended to me and their willingness to let me into a small part of their lives. We will continue to stay in touch.

TADIAS: Who are your female role models?

MM: My grandmother and my mother. I learned kindness from one and stubbornness from the other, and it’s good to have both in this world, I’ve found.

Tadias: What challenges have you faced as a writer and how did you overcome those hurdles at work or life in general?

MM: Maybe the hardest thing is to maintain the daily discipline of writing, no matter what. It is often a juggling act between work, family and writing. Sometimes one outweighs the other, but the most important thing is that every day, I’ve spent some time focused on my writing.

TADIAS: What are some practical tips you can give for young women who want to follow in your footsteps?

MM: There will be many, many people who will find many, many reasons to discourage you from writing or from the arts. But the best advice I’ve ever received was from one of my aunts, who told me that no one lives with your decisions except you. So no matter what you want to do, do it well. Practice discipline. Be fearless. And be kind to people.

TADIAS: Please tell us more about yourself (where you were born, grew up, school and how you developed your passion for your work?)

MM: I was born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia but came to the U.S. when I was a child. I’ve grown up in the States but maintained ties to Ethiopia through family, friends and my work. I got my Masters in Fine Arts at New York University and I teach creative writing there. I developed my passion for my work by reading writers I admire. My passion for reading came much earlier than my passion for writing. I still love to read, I read every day, and that’s continuing to help me become a stronger writer.

TADIAS: Thank you so much and Happy Women’s History month from all of us at Tadias!
–
Stay tuned for more highlights celebrating Ethiopian women role models and change agents.

Watch: Maaza reading from “Ten by Ten” (The story of Azmera, a young girl from Bahir Dar)

—
‘Girl Rising’ Film & Campaign Coming in 2013 (TADIAS)

Marcus Samuelsson Opens Ginny’s Reminiscent of Harlem Speakeasys

Published by Tadias March 21st, 2012 in Reviews. 0 Comments

Ginny’s Supper Club is located downstairs inside the Red Rooster Restaurant at 310 Lenox Avenue (125th Street), in New York. Phone: (212) 792-9001.

Tadias Magazine
By Tadias Staff

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

New York (TADIAS) – Last night we listened to live Cuban jazz and salsa at Ginny’s Supper Club — the new speakeasy lounge below Red Rooster, and enjoyed the cocktail menu of shrimp & walnut along with drink classics such as Harlem Mule and Rooster Colada — names hailing from Harlem’s renaissance in the 30′s.

Following Red Rooster’s success in Harlem, Chef, Author and Owner Marcus Samuelsson launched Ginny’s Supper Club this past Monday, March 19th. Grub Street profile of Ginny’s proclaims: “Harlem just keeps getting buzzier” and highlighted the cocktail & relishes menu. New York Times describes Ginny’s as “rich with mellow evening atmosphere that evokes the Cotton Club and other uptown hotspots of yore.” The bar and 120-seat lounge has the vibe from Harlem’s Golden Age, and Ginny’s customers are as culturally diverse and elegantly stylish. We thoroughly enjoyed the live music.
—-
Related:
Ginny’s Supper Club Looks Back in Harlem (The New York Times)
Harlem’s Red Rooster: A rare diversity in dining (AP via Seattle PI)
What to Eat at Ginny’s Supper Club (New York Grub Street)
–
Cover image: Photo by Tadias Magazine.

Celebrating Women’s History Month: Interview with Wayna

Published by Tadias March 20th, 2012 in Featured and Profiles. 25 Comments

Woyneab Miraf Wondwossen (Wayna ) - is an Ethiopian-born American singer and songwriter. (Courtesy photo)

Tadias Magazine
By Tseday Alehegn

Published: Tuesday, March 20, 2012

New York (TADIAS)- Our next highlight for Women’s History Month series features Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter Wayna. The Ethiopian-born artist moved to the U.S. when she was a toddler and grew up in the suburbs of D.C. After graduating from the University of Maryland where she double majored in English and Speech communication, Wayna worked for three years as a writer at the Clinton White House before launching her music career. Her debut album ‘Moments of Clarity’ was released in 2004. Five years later, she was nominated for Best Urban/Alternative Performance at the 2009 Grammy Awards. Wayna is currently back on tour and gearing up for another album. In honor of Billie Holiday’s birthday Wayna will be performing at the Blue Note in New York on April 6, 2012.

Below is our Q & A with Wayna.

TADIAS: What do you most enjoy about your work?

Wayna: I most enjoy writing and performing when it’s in the zone — and by that I mean the moment when you lose yourself in what you’re doing and something special happens that’s beyond you. It’s like all your daily thought and effort at honing your craft goes out the window, and you really let go in front of a crowd or in a writing session, and something better than you comes out. It’s awesome. I usually don’t sleep after days like those.

TADIAS: Who are your female role models?

Wayna: My late aunt, Yeshie Immebet Emagnu. She was a real pioneer — one of the first women to graduate from Addis Ababa University and one of the first Ethiopian graduate students to come to the States on a scholarship at a time when very few women, Black people and/or immigrants were earning advanced degrees. They urged her to study Education, because that was one of the few programs acceptable for women at the time, but her interest was in Political Science. So without her funder knowing, she enrolled in both programs and completed two masters in the amount of time allotted for one. At the end of her studies, she had to fight for them to honor the second degree. I admire that self-determination, and all while being very young and very far away from your family and all that’s familiar. I hope she passed a little bit of that down to me.

TADIAS: What challenges have you faced as a female artist? How did you cope?

Wayna: Sometimes, people will welcome your opinions about vocals or what you’re going to wear, but not about which drum sound you want in the song or how you want the video edited. Because I’m executive producing my albums, I have to be involved in all kinds of decisions, and it was striking to me in the beginning how frequently people thought they could talk me out of my opinions or how often they assumed the good choices were someone else’s — something I don’t see a lot of male artists or producers encountering. In fact, it seems like women at every level of success in the industry still experience this, no matter how accomplished. So I had to learn very early on to trust my instincts and to not look for validation for everything. I more than welcome input, and I take advice that feels right, but at the end of the day, its my call, and I am comfortable with that and with accepting whatever comes as a result.

TADIAS: What are some practical tips you can give for young females who want to follow in your footsteps?

My best advice for young women pursuing music is to really find themselves personally and creatively and to figure out what absolutely unique thing it is they have to give, whether it’s the story they’re telling or something about their voice or their background or the way they play. Above all, it should be unique and honest. That takes experimentation and trying things out of the comfort zone, and not protecting our ego. You can’t grow and inspire anybody if you’re not willing to be vulnerable. So everyday try to give yourself the gift of imperfection and to dig a little deeper into who you are. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it, because at the end of the day, none of this is really even about how well we do what we do, it’s about who we’re become along the way.

TADIAS: Please tell us briefly about yourself (where you were born, grew up, school and how you developed your passion for your work?)

Wayna: I was born in Addis Ababa, I immigrated with my mom to the U.S. when I was a toddler and grew up in the suburbs of D.C. I graduated from University of Maryland and worked for 3 years as a writer in the Clinton White House. I stayed there because I felt like I owed it to my family, who made a lot of sacrifices to raise me in the States and give me the best opportunity at a stable life and “a real job.” But one thing I was always clear on, from as early as I can remember, was that I wanted to sing. It took a while before I was willing to risk disappointing my family to make music my main goal, but once I did, I found that it came as no surprise to anyone and that everybody was really excited and pulling for me.

TADIAS: Is there anything else you would like to share with Tadias readers that we have not asked you about?

Wayna: My third album is the culmination of a tremendous amount of musical and self-exploration, coming off the biggest highs and challenges of my career and the birth of my daughter. I was determined to make something honest and unique, so I got out of my element and went to Toronto, where a friend had encouraged me to come and jam with some musicians. These guys were from all over the world and understood every genre of music from habesha to arabic to reggae to rock. A year later, we’re putting the finishing touches on the LP, ‘Freak Show,’ a blend of african and reggae-infused soul mixed with alternative rock. I am going to be offering some of these songs for free soon and playing them live at the Blue Note Friday April 6th at 12:30am, so please join us if you’re in NYC and/or follow me on Twitter @waynamusic or find me on Facebook, so you can hear and have the new material. I hope you love it as much as I do.

TADIAS: Thank you so much and Happy Women’s History month from all of us at Tadias!

Wayna: Thank you Tadias, for all your support over the years.
–
Video: In honor of Billie Holiday’s birthday Wayna performed in NYC on April, 6, 2012

Photo Slideshow: Wayna at “The Shrine” in Chicago on Thursday, February 16, 2012

Honoring Congressman Donald Payne: A Friend of Africa

Published by Tadias March 18th, 2012 in News. 0 Comments

Overview of the funeral for Congressman Donald Payne at the Metropolitan Baptist Church in Newark, New Jersey on Wednesday, March 14th, 2012. (Photo: The Star-Ledger)

Tadias Magazine
Tadias Staff

Sunday, March 18, 2012

New York (TADIAS) – Mourners, friends and well-wishers paid their final respects to Congressman Donald Payne on Wednesday, March 14th as family members and dignitaries, including members of the Ethiopian Diaspora, gathered for his funeral at the Metropolitan Baptist Church in Newark, New Jersey.

Congressman Payne, who was elected in 1988 as New Jersey’s first black representative, was also one of Africa’s passionate advocates. As AP noted: “He took a particular interest in foreign policy involving Africa, and at the time of his death he was the top Democrat on the Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health. He sponsored legislation to help relieve famine in Darfur and championed funding for treatment of HIV and AIDS, malaria and other diseases abroad.”

Soon after his death was announced, President Barack Obama ended a press conference with a tribute to Payne and condolences to his family. Payne was “a wonderful man who did great work both domestically and internationally,” Obama said. “He was a friend of mine. And so my heart goes out to his family and to his colleagues.” At the funeral Attorney General Eric H. Holder read a letter from President Barack Obama to Payne’s family.

Former President Bill Clinton led the string of eulogies given at the funeral. “Don Payne believed that peace was better than war, he believed it was better to build than to break. Better to reconcile than to resent,” said Clinton, adding that he loved Payne. Clinton said, “He finished his course and God had said well done.” At the end of his speech, Clinton said Payne was “a good and faithful servant” to which the entire church erupted in applause.

You can view photos from Congressman Donald Payne’s funeral at The Star-Ledger.
—
Source: Tadias, pool report and AP.

Video: Remembering US Representative Donald Payne (MSNBC)

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Tomas Doncker’s New CD Blends Ethiopian with R&B and Urban Sounds

Published by Tadias March 6th, 2012 in Art and Reviews. 0 Comments

Tomas Doncker (center) with Selam Woldemariam (left) performing during Doncker's tour launch party on December 1, 2011 in New York. (Photo by Kidane Mariam for Tadias Magazine)

Tadias Magazine
Art Talk | Review

Updated: Wednesday, March 7, 2012

New York (TADIAS) – Tomas Doncker’s new album entitled Power of the Trinity blends Jazz, R&B, Ethiopian beats, reggae and urban sounds, reflecting the diverse borough where he grew up in Brooklyn, New York. The CD, produced in collaboration with some of the best known Ethiopian musicians, is also a traveling musical featuring dance performers from the United States and Africa.

“The CD is what I like to call a global soul meditation and how I feel that we are all connected,” Doncker said in an interview. “I grew up in Brooklyn NY, in Crown Heights and I attended St. Ann’s school from 1st grade until the 12th grade.” He added: “Crown Heights at that time was a very dangerous neighborhood. Lots of gangs and violence, but we still managed to maintain a sense of community, at least among the families on my block.”

Receiving a scholarship to attend St. Ann’s made it possible for Doncker to meet people from diverse backgrounds and learn about other cultures. “It changed my life and helped to mold me into the artist that I am today,” he said. “My mother was my first role model, and she was a musician as well.”

Doncker said his latest album is inspired by a play named for Emperor Haile Selassie. “I was asked to score a play called Power of the Trinity by NYC Playwright Roland Wolf and in my research I realized that collaborations with this particular group of artists would really capture and enhance the feeling that I was looking for,” Doncker said. “The process of producing this CD and working so closely with these artists was one of the most rewarding artistic experiences of my life.”

Among others, the CD features guitarist Selam Woldermariam, whom Doncker dubs “The Jimi Hendrix of Ethiopia.”

“I call him the Jimi Hendrix of Ethiopia because Americans understand what I am talking about that he’s got some unique guitar talent,” Doncker said.

The following interview was taped follwing his CD release and tour launch party last December.

Watch:

Click here to join the conversation on Facebook.

Protecting Ethiopian Women in the Middle East: Advocacy Task Force Initiative

Published by Tadias March 2nd, 2012 in Events and News. 2 Comments

Continuing reports of employer abuse and suicides by Ethiopian women in the Middle East has prompted outrage among Ethiopians worldwide. (Photo: Ethiopian domestic workers attend church services in Beirut, Lebanon. Getty Images)

Tadias Magazine
Events News

Published: Friday, March 2, 2012

New York (TADIAS) – In honor of Women’s History Month, the Ethiopian Social Assistance Committee in New York City is hosting a forum this weekend to highlight the plight of female migrant domestic workers in the Middle East. The issue received widespread news coverage last year when an Ethiopian nanny in Libya, who had suffered abuse and severe burns at the hands of her former employers, was exposed by a CNN reporter. Her story elicited heated reactions from Ethiopians worldwide, putting the spotlight on thousands of others who continue to toil under dangerous conditions in various countries in the region.

“The abuse of domestic workers is a human rights issue, which needs an in-depth understanding, and a strategic solution within and beyond the Ethiopian community,” ESAC said in a press release. “This travesty is still prevalent and we are asking that you join us and our panel of experts to work towards eliminating this issue by advocating, creating awareness and justice for the victims and or their families.”

The organization said it hopes to launch an initiative to build an advocasy task force in New York City. “The task force will include volunteers from various professions in our community. Our primary goal will be to engage respective governmental and non-governmental representatives and other international organizations in NYC to support domestic workers and hold employers accountable,” ESAC stated. “We are seeking volunteers for the task force.”
–
If You Go:
March 3, 2012, 7pm – 10pm
828 2nd Avenue
New York City
WWW.ESANYC.ORG

Video from Ethiopian Social Assistance Committee (ESANYC)

A Tale of Two Chefs: Marcus and Roblé Ali

Published by Tadias March 1st, 2012 in Featured and Podcast. 0 Comments

In recent years a growing number black chefs like Roblé Ali and Marcus Samuelsson have entered the culinary industry.

By Alex Kellogg and Alyse Shorland

(CNN) – Marcus Samuelsson and Roblé Ali are two different chefs.

Samuelsson, 41, is an established name amongst foodies and the proprietor of Red Rooster, a renown Harlem restaurant.

Ali, 27, is an up and coming chef and animated reality-show star who works full time as an established caterer.

Samuelsson has made a name for himself embracing his identity as both a black chef and a Swedish immigrant to the United States, but younger chefs like Ali find themselves pushing back against being known simply as a “black chef.” Ali, who’s still building his brand, was frustrated when a blog author unexpectedly labeled him a “hip-hop chef.”

Read more at CNN.com.
—
Related Video:

Obama’s Third State of the Union Address: Fanna Haile-Selassie Reports

Published by Tadias January 25th, 2012 in News. 0 Comments

President Barack Obama delivers his State of the Union address on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2012. (AP Photo/Saul Loeb, Pool)

WSIL TV

By Fanna Haile-Selassie & Ben Jeffords

It’s President Barack Obama’s third official State of the Union speech, and a lot has changed since he campaigned on hope.

“Three years ago, he said he would like to see us not have red states and blue states, but have the United States. Unfortunately, I think it’s gone just the opposite way. We are more red and more blue than we’ve ever been,” says Larry Weatherford, an Obama sympathizer.

“It’s not just him. This is one of the great fallacies, everybody blames the president. It’s the Congress that does this stuff, he just signs it into law or whatever. He’s got to find a way to make them knuckleheads work with each other,” explains voter Randy Sherman.

Depending on who you talk to, that division in Congress is the fault of entrenched political parties, the leadership failures of President Obama, or even outside influence on Congress. But what seems to be the same, is the public’s doubt whether or not the political system can even be changed.

Click here to watch the video.

State Of The Union 2012: Obama Delivers Address (LIVE VIDEO & UPDATES)

Yared Tekabe Uses Molecular Imaging for Early Detection of Heart Disease

Published by Tadias January 25th, 2012 in Featured, Health and Profiles. 11 Comments

Dr. Yared Tekabe runs studies in cardiovascular disease detection and prevention at Columbia University. (Photo: Tekabe at his office at William Black building in upper Manhattan - Courtesy photograph)

Tadias Magazine
By Tseday Alehegn

Published: Wednesday, January 25, 2012

New York (TADIAS) – In Spring 2009, we featured Dr. Yared Tekabe’s groundbreaking work on non-invasive atherosclerosis detection and molecular imaging, which was published in the American Heart Association´s journal, Circulation. As in most chronic heart disease conditions, the plaque that accumulates in blood vessels is usually not detected until it leads to serious, and often fatal, blockages of blood supply such as during an episode of heart attack or stroke. Having received a $1.6 million grant from the National Institute of Health Tekabe’s research focused on the use of novel molecular imaging techniques to identify sites of inflammation that can help us with early detection of atherosclerosis.

In 2010, his work was highlighted in Osborn & Jaffer’s review entitled “The Year in Molecular Imaging,” noting that Tekabe and colleagues had developed a tracer that imaged RAGE — a receptor for advanced glycation end products, which is implicated in a host of inflammation-related diseases including artherosclerosis, cancer, diabetes and alzheimer’s. Tekabe’s group, along with his colleague Dr. Ann Marie Schmidt, holds a patent for this RAGE-directed imaging technology.

Tekabe’s lab also used similar imaging technology to detect RAGE in mouse models who had artifically-induced ischemia (restriction of blood supply) in their left anterior descending coronary artery, which is the main supplier of blood to the left ventricle. When blood supply is restored (reperfusion), the sudden change may also cause further inflammation and tissue damage from impact. By being able to trace RAGE and pathways of inflammation using molecular imaging techniques, Tekabe has demonstrated that the highest RAGE expressing cells were the injured heart muscle cells undergoing programmed cell death.

Tekabe’s research in myocardial ischemic/reperfusion injury showed that RAGE could be traced in areas of inflammation in a non-invasive manner in live mouse subjects. The findings were presented at the 2011 World Molecular Imaging Congress scientific session, and was published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology in January 2012. An editorial entitled ‘Visualizing the RAGE: Molecular Imaging After MI Provides Insight Into a Complex Receptor” accompanied Tekabe’s article, and emphasized that Tekabe’s research “continues to provide a solid foundation and proof of concept” that non-invasive imaging of RAGE following induced myocardial ischemia “is feasible” in live subjects.

Tekabe’s findings also have important implications for future antibody therapy formulations that can be used to treat RAGE-related chronic conditions. Tekabe hopes to translate his studies on mouse models to larger mammals and eventually to humans. Molecular imaging studies such as the one Tekabe has undertaken are critical in prevention of chronic cardiac conditions and could potentially decrease the number of sudden deaths from heart attack as it may allow physicians to make early and life-saving diagnoses.

When asked if there was anything else that he’d like to share with our readers, Dr. Tekabe replied, “Oh yes, since childhood, apart from my research, I’ve always wanted to involve myself in an Ethiopian movie, acting as the main character. Like in a love story. I hope to do this someday.”
—

Tseday Alehegn is Co-Founder & Editor-in-Chief of Tadias Magazine.

Ethiopians Sweep Men’s and Women’s Marathon in Record Times in Houston

Published by Tadias January 17th, 2012 in News. 0 Comments

Tariku Jufar (above) won the men's marathon and Alemitu Abera was the victor in the women's race, while the men's half-marathon title went to Feyisa Lelisa and Belaynesh Oljira won the women's half marathon.

By Associated Press

HOUSTON — Ethiopian runners turned Houston into their own personal showcases on Sunday, sweeping the full and half marathons in record times.

Tariku Jufar won the men’s marathon in 2 hours, 6 minutes and 51 seconds, eclipsing the previous best time of 2:07.04 set last year by Ethiopia’s Bekana Daba. Jufar is the fourth straight men’s champion from the African nation, and the fourth straight runner to win in a record time.

The 27-year-old Jufar shaved almost two minutes off his previous personal best, less than three years after he was seriously injured in a car accident while training. He earned his first victory in a marathon last November, winning in Beirut, following a second-place finish in Istanbul in October.

“I’m very glad to run this course,” Jufar said through an interpreter. “I’m also comfortable with the weather, as well. I’m glad I could achieve what I achieved.”

Alemitu Abera won the women’s race in 2:23.14. The previous record was 2:23.53, set by Ethiopia’s Teyba Erkesso in 2010.

Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Photographer Gediyon Kifle

Published by Tadias January 16th, 2012 in Featured, History and Interviews. 2 Comments

The crowd at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial in Washington, D.C on Sunday, January 15, 2012. (Photo by Gediyon Kifle)

Tadias Magazine
By Tadias Staff

Published: Monday, January 16, 2012

New York (TADIAS) – This year marks the first MLK day celebration since the unveiling of the new memorial at the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

We followed up with photographer Gediyon Kifle who has been documenting the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial project for over a decade.

“I have worked on the project for 12 years photographing everything from the design competition to the dedication by President Obama,” Gediyon told TADIAS in a recent interview. “I was initially hired to document the submitted design competitions — that’s how my relationship with the foundation started.” Gediyon added: “It has been a great privilege to witness the process with my own eyes through three presidents including President Clinton and President Bush.”

The MLK memorial features a 30-foot granite sculpture, located near Washington, D.C.’s Tidal Basin between the Jefferson and Lincoln memorials. It includes a crescent-shaped inscription wall containing 14 excerpts from some of Dr King’s most memorable speeches.

According to the park’s web site: “The memorial is envisioned as a quiet and receptive space, yet at the same time, powerful and emotionally evocative, reflecting the spirit of the message Dr. King delivered and the role he played in society.”

The monument has also been a point of controversy with conflict topics ranging from the memorial’s location at the National Mall and giving a Chinese sculptor the contract, to Dr. King’s facial expression as depicted on the statue. The most recent criticism came from author Maya Angelou who protested an inclusion of an incorrectly paraphrased quote, which the poet said makes the civil rights leader sound ‘arrogant.’ Interior Secretary Ken Salazar announced a change will be made regarding the latter complaint shortly.

(Photo of Gediyon Kifle by David Sharp)

For Gediyon the most memorable moments were photographing the people who had either known Dr. King or were inspired by him. “Congressman John Lewis specifically,” he said, referring to the civil rights legend from Atlanta, Georgia. “Every time he speaks it feels like you are in that zone, at that moment, he has a way of expressing and talking about it and it feels like he is speaking about an incident that happened yesterday.” He added other figures: “People like Jesse Jackson who was there with him, and Ambassador Andrew Young. And there is the family, his children, his sister, and his wife before she passed away, hearing them speak and photographing them gives you a sense of closeness to his legacy.”

“I have tremendous respect and admiration for the people who made this happen,” Gediyon said. “A small group of them, they raised 120 million dollars, and built a memorial for a peacemaker placed near presidents and military heroes. That’s a big accomplishment that some thought would never materialize.”

Gediyon was born in Ethiopia and came to the United States with his family when he was 10 years old. “Ever since then I have pretty much lived on the East Coast. I attended East Tennnessee State University and studied Mass communication. I did not study photography,” he said. “But I paid my way by doing photography work. It all began with my mother giving me a Canon camera when I was ten years old. I give my mother credit for giving me my first toy. There has never been a dull moment since then.”

Regarding his experience with the MLK project, Gediyon said: “When you take a break and think about it, the historical magnitude of the work kind of jolts you. I mean an ordinary man being honored with a memorial between Lincoln and Jefferson. Can you imagine that? Can you imagine being in his skin, a person who was being poked from every side. And he was saying ‘be patient.’ He was 39 years old when he died. He was ahead of his time!”

Below is a slideshow of recent photos of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial courtesy of Gediyon Kifle.

Forbes: Africa’s Most Successful Women – Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu

Published by Tadias January 5th, 2012 in Featured and Profiles. 0 Comments

Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu (left), pictured at the 2011 Africa Awards for Entrepreneurship ceremony held in Nairobi, Kenya on December 8th, 2011. (Courtesy photo)

Forbes Magazine
By Mfonobong Nsehe

January 5, 2012

Every now and then, I profile outstanding African women who’re making giant strides in business, politics, technology, entrepreneurship and leadership on the continent and elsewhere around the world. This week, I profile the spectacular Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu, an Ethiopian entrepreneur and the founder of SoleRebels, a thriving eco-sensitive footwear brand that pundits hail as Africa’s answer to brands such as Nike, Reebok and Adidas.

Bethlehem is relentlessly pursuing her dream of building an international footwear brand right from the heart of Ethiopia. And she’s making significant progress. SoleRebels has opened up a retail outlet in Taiwan and has franchise proposals for Canada, Italy, Australia, Israel, Spain, Japan and the United States among other countries. In a recent interview with Tadias Magazine, Bethlehem estimated that revenues from Sole Rebels retail operations will hit the $10 million mark by 2016. Considering the exceptional success she’s achieved in less than 8 years, she’ll probably exceed her estimations.

Read the full article at Forbes.com.

2011 Kwanzaa-Genna Holiday Celebration: Special Appearance by Miss Africa USA

Published by Tadias December 24th, 2011 in Events. 2 Comments

Miss Africa USA 2011, Ghyslaine Tchouaga of Cameroon (right), is the guest of honor at this year's Kawnaza-Genna holiday celebration on Monday, December 26, 2011 in Washington, D.C. (Photo credit: Miss Africa USA by DJ Photography)

Tadias Magazine
Events News

Source: Little Ethiopia DC & African Heritage

December 24th, 2011

Washington, D.C. – Little Ethiopia DC and African Heritage is pleased to announce the 8th annual joint holiday celebration of Genna (Ethiopian X-mass) and Kwanzaa, a nonreligious holiday honoring the legacy of African American life, to be held on Monday, December 26th in Washington, D.C.

This year’s activities include a special appearance by the current Miss Africa USA, Ghyslaine Tchouaga of Cameroon, and traditional performances by the African Heritage Dancers and Drummers, as well as food, drinks, music and a candle lighting ceremony. Almaz Tilahun from Ethiopia will perform the Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony while Thomas an African American trained dancer will perform the unique traditional Ethiopian shoulder dance “Iskista.”

Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration with each day of the week dedicated to one of seven principles: Umoja (unity); Kujichagulia (self-determination); Ujima (collective work and responsibility); Ujamaa (cooperative economics); Nia (purpose); Kuumba (creativity); and Imani (faith). All are based on values prevalent in African cultures. “The objective of the event is to establish unity and a working relationship among two diverse communities – Ethiopian and African Americans – whose long relationship dates back to 1808 with the establishment of the Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem, New York. Formal diplomatic relations between Ethiopia and America commenced in 1903.

When the fascist Italian military power occupied Ethiopia in 1935 during World War II, to avenge its defeat 40 years earlier in Adwa, the African American community in Washington DC, New York and other cities organized in large numbers to raise funds in defense of Ethiopia. In his 1954 visit to the United States, Emperor Haile Selassie expressed his gratitude for the support given by the Black community to the people of Ethiopia in their heroic battle against the Italian occupation.

The Emperor invited two Washingtonians, Duke Ellington, the jazz king who grew up in the Shaw/ U Street neighborhood and Professor Leo Hansberry who started the first African Studies department in Howard University. Hansberry collaborated with Dr. Melaku Beyan, the first Ethiopian to graduate from Howard University in creating the African Studies department. The Emperor gave both Ellington and Hansberry the Ethiopian Medal of Honor.

After Emperor Haile Selassie was deposed by a military dictatorship the Congressional Black Caucus led by Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm strongly supported Ethiopians in America to be given Extended Voluntary Departure Status from 1977 up to 1982 until the situation in the homeland improved.

Our joint celebration is an effort to strengthen the value, unity and diversity among people. We can continue to build a relationship of respect and mutual inclusion in everything we do by working, praying, dancing, eating, singing, celebrating together.
—
If You Go:
Kwanzaa Celebration 2011
Monday, December 26th
1320 Good Hope Road
Washington D.C., SE
7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Phone:202.255.1400
—
Related:
Photos: 2011 Kwanzaa-Genna Holiday Celebration

Video: Nation to Nation Networking (NNN) Fourth Annual Award Gala

Published by Tadias December 22nd, 2011 in Events. 1 Comment

The Nation to Nation Networking (NNN) Fourth Annual International Diaspora Award Dinner was held on Thursday, October, 13, 2011 at Three West 51st Street in New York City. (Watch the video below)

Tadias Magazine
By Tadias Staff

Published: Thursday, December 22, 2011

New York (TADIAS) – The Nation to Nation Networking (NNN) gala dinner this past October brought together individuals and organizations from a diverse set of cultural and national backgrounds who worked in the fields of science, education, health care, media, and development programming. We take this opportunity to thank NNN for its foresight and dedication to build bridges across cultures.

Ms. Abaynesh Asrat, Founder & President of Nation to Nation Networking (NNN) formed the organization with a focus on result-oriented programs including: creating awareness about significant roles that can be played by the Diaspora, providing youth & family services for immigrant communities, organizing multicultural programs, and developing locally sustainable projects in line with the Millennium Development Goals.

Tadias Magazine is proud to have been one of the award recipients during the gala dinner, and we celebrate the accomplishments of fellow honorees. Award recipients included Ms. Fay Bennet Lord, former Chair of the United Nations Global Concerns Committee and MC for the evening; Ms. Tania Leon, Composer and founding member of the Dance Theatre of Harlem; Dr. Arline Lederman, vice President of the Board of Solar Cookers International; Dr. Padmini Murthy, Chair of the Women’s Rights Committee of the American Public Health Association; and Elkhair Balla, Investment Banker, Social Entrepreneur and Founder of B Holding Group among others. Dr. Dessima M. Williams, Permanent Representative of Grenada to the United Nations spoke at the beginning of the night’s program and emphasized the importance of recognizing and nurturing young talent.

Below is a summary clip from the evening’s program:

Watch: Nation to Nation Networking Fourth Annual Award Gala

The Bronx Savors Its Second-Place Marathoner

Published by Tadias December 7th, 2011 in News. 0 Comments

Buzunesh Deba, an Ethiopian immigrant and Bronx resident, finished second among the elite women in the New York City Marathon [last month]. (David Gonzalez/The New York Times)

The New York Times

By DAVID GONZALEZ

Buzunesh Deba enjoyed the South Bronx on Friday at a lot more leisurely pace than the last time she was there. Granted, that was during the New York City Marathon, where she was on the way to a second-place finish among the elite women. This time, she was savoring the praise and love of students and fans at a luncheon in her honor at Hostos Community College.

Though she is originally from Ethiopia, she and Worku Beyi, her husband and trainer, now live in the Bronx, where they can practice at Van Cortlandt Park. The fact that she almost became the first New Yorker to win the marathon — she trailed the winner by only four seconds — was enough to inspire Julio Pabon, a local businessman and sports entrepreneur, to organize the party.

Watch: Homecoming Reception For New York Marathon Winners at Queen of Sheba Restaurant

Watch: Firehiwot Dado & Buzunesh Deba take the top-two spots at 2011 NYC Marathon

The Simpsons Episode Well-Received by Ethiopians On Social Media

Published by Tadias December 1st, 2011 in Reviews. 11 Comments

Last month's episode of "The Simpsons" experiencing delicious Ethiopian cuisine at an imaginary restaurant in Los Angeles was popular among Ethiopians on Facebook, Twitter, blogs, and elsewhere. (Above image: From The Simpsons "The Food Wife" episode)

Tadias Magazine
By Tadias Staff

Updated: Friday, December 2, 2011

New York (TADIAS) – It is not everyday that we encounter a positive portrayal of Ethiopian culture in Western comedy and literature. So it was refreshing to see the recent episode of The Simpsons, one of America’s favorite animated-cartoon family sharing a meal at a fictional restaurant in L.A’s Little Ethiopia. The segment, which aired in November, was a hit among Ethiopians who tweeted and posted a portion of the episode in social media circles.

“It was tastefully and respectfully done,” said Woizero Negest Legesse, Director of the Little Ethiopia Cultural and Resource Center in Los Angeles. “Who knew gursha would become so popular?”

“I saw the clips on YouTube and it was great,” said Leelai Demoz, an Ethiopian-American Academy Award-nominated television and film producer. Mr. Demoz said he was impressed by the due diligence that went into creating the neighborhood and cultural scenes. “I thought it was a very well done clip by someone who has obviously spent a lot of time in Little Ethiopia,” he enthused.

“We are so happy because The Simpsons put on the map not only this neighborhood, but also our food and culture in general,” Woizero Negest said. “As a matter of fact we are writing a thank you letter to the them.” She added. “We want to invite them back for a coffee ceremony.”

Chef Marcus Samuelsson blogged: “We love it when we see Ethiopian culture injected into pop culture.” He added, “The episode was accurate in finding traditional Ethiopian music and also highlighting the custom of gursha where Ethiopians lovingly offer food to one another.”

The Simpsons’ adventure starts when their car breaks down in Little Ethiopia, the stretch of Fairfax Avenue in Los Angeles between Olympic and Pico Boulevards. The area is lined with Ethiopian businesses and restaurants. Luckily for them, their car malfunctions right across from an eatery. Initially Marge (the mother) is visibly concerned. But she has no choice but to follow her hungry kids (Bart and Lisa) into a restaurant. The reluctant mom was still uncomfortable with the milieu of the Ethiopian restaurant such as its display of CDs for sale. The humor does not stop there. Soon enough her taste buds will be dancing eskista while eating some delicious-looking traditional Ethiopian food served on a large platter. “Holy casserole-y!” says Marge. “That’s good gloop!” Bart agrees with his mother: “I wish I lived in Ethiopia.” But Lisa is the most descriptive. “Exotic, vegetarian, I can mention it in a college essay,” she says. “Mom, this is amazing!”

Mr. Demoz said when done right animated shows are powerful tools for creative and entertaining expression of social messages, but they are also hard work. “With animation you have so much freedom to express oneself, that the taste buds dancing seems like a logical and normal thing to see,” Mr. Demoz said. “I have never worked in that form so I am in awe of their talents. I have spent time with animators on a TV show and I can tell you that what seemed like a short three minute clip, took months and months to execute.”

“Who knew their car would break down right in Little Ethiopia?” said Woizero Negest. “We are delighted it did.”
—
Related:
Photos: LA’s Little Ethiopia Street Festival (2011)
In Pictures: The Street Named Little Ethiopia in L.A. (2008)
—

Interview with Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu

Published by Tadias November 28th, 2011 in Featured and Interviews. 8 Comments

Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu (second from left) giving a workshop at a girls leadership camp for young, rural students in Ethiopia. She has been chosen as one of the 2012 NYC Venture Fellows. (Photo at Camp Glow. Courtesy of SoleRebels)

Tadias Magazine
By Tadias Staff

Updated: Friday, December 9, 2011

New York (TADIAS) Last year, Mayor Michael Bloomberg launched the NYC Venture Fellows program, designed to connect promising entrepreneurs from around the world with mentors and investors from leading companies. The fellowship encourages national and international start-ups to locate and grow their businesses in New York City. The class of 2012 includes Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu, the Founder & Managing Director of SoleRebels — a fair trade certified green footwear company based in Ethiopia.

Bethlehem, who was born and raised in one of Addis Ababa’s most impoverished neighborhoods (Zenabwok, Total area), established SoleRebels in 2005 hoping to increase employment in her community. SoleRebels has not only created hundreds of local jobs, but it has since become an internationally recognized eco-fashion brand.

“Bringing SoleRebels directly to consumers worldwide is an integral part of our revenue and brand growth strategy,” Bethlehem said in a recent interview with Tadias Magazine. “With our unique focus on eco-sensible, recycled products as well as cultural artisan crafting, we feel strongly that it will excite footwear customers globally for a long time to come.”

The SoleRebels brand is offered online through both Amazon and Endless.com, as well as through the company’s own e-commerce website. Its products are also sold via brick-and-mortar locations like Urban Outfitters, a boutique in Addis, and a shared retail space in Asia. “We have implemented franchise agreements in Taiwan that opened two weeks ago,” Bethlehem said. “And we have franchise proposals for Australia, Italy, Canada, Israel, Spain, Japan and the United States.”

Bethlehem estimates the retail roll-out will generate over $10 million in revenue by 2016. “We feel strongly that people all over the planet want comfy, stylish and unique value priced footwear” she said.

What makes SoleRebels unique? “In three words: authenticity, style and value,” Bethlehem told us. “At our core we are artisans who aim to create the coolest and most comfortable footwear. We do this by combining our heritage with modern design sensibilities.”

SoleRebels shoes are made by hand using indigenous practices such as hand-spun organic cotton and artisan hand-loomed fabric. Tires are also recycled and used for soles. “The process is zero carbon production because historically that is the way it’s been done in Ethiopia,” she said.

Bethlehem has garnered international recognition, and earlier this year was also named one of the World Economic Forum’s Young Global Leaders. In that role Bethlehem has been tasked to launch a program in Ethiopia called Global Shapers as a key initiative to create opportunities for the youth. With Addis Ababa preparing to host the 2012 World Economic Forum Africa meeting, the Global Shapers community will be able to collaborate with the Forum of Young Global Leaders while operating out of more than 75 city hubs – from New York to Mexico City, Johannesburg to New Delhi, and Addis Ababa to Adelaide.

“I have created a strategy to build our Global Shapers community by selecting my group based on input through outreach conducted via social media,” she said. “Under the title ‘Come Change Your World’ I am inviting individuals to express why they, or someone they know in the greater Addis Ababa area, should be chosen as a Global Shaper.” The process of outreach and selection includes gathering real-time input, insights and feedback. Global Shapers can jumpstart their entrepreneurial careers by interacting with Young Global Leaders, social entrepreneurs, technology pioneers, foundations members, global agenda councils and more. Bethlehem is also selecting one Global Shaper to address the upcoming annual World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

Mayor Bloomberg is scheduled to address the 2012 New York City Venture Fellow program at a gathering here this month. As a Fellow, Bethlehem said, “I feel strongly that this is an amazing opportunity to take SoleRebels to the next level.”
—
Update:
Sole Rebels Wins 2011 Africa Awards for Entrepreneurship (Click here to view photos)

–
Related Videos:
CNN Video: Turning old tires into shoes (7:10)

CNN Video: Young SoleRebel (8:07)

CNN Video: Creating window to world market (7:24)

Miss America 2010 to Host Miss Africa USA Pageant

Published by Tadias October 28th, 2011 in Events and News. 1 Comment

Miss America 2010, Caressa Cameron, will host the 2011 Miss Africa USA Pageant. (Photo by Jim Carpenter/ Fredericksburg.com)

Tadias Magazine
Events News

Published: Friday, October 28, 2011

New York (TADIAS) – As the countdown continues for the 2011 Miss Africa USA Pageant, organizers announced that Miss America 2010, Caressa Cameron, will host the event on November 13th in Silver Spring, Maryland.

Cameron, who was born and raised in Virginia, was crowned Miss America on January 30, 2010 after beating out 52 other contestants for the $50,000 scholarship. An aspiring singer and Miss America’s Talent Award winner in vocal pop, she has performed at noteworthy venues, including the historic Apollo Theatre in New York City as well as during the 2009 presidential inauguration festivities. She is the third Miss Virginia to win the national title.

This year’s contestant representing Ethiopia, 29-year-old Tsige Hussein, is also a Virginian. She is currently a nursing student at Northern Virginia Community College.

“Ms. Hussien was chosen out of several Ethiopian candidates,” Lady Kate Njeuma, CEO and Founder of Miss Africa USA, said in a recent interview with Tadias. “She stood out because of her confidence level and her passion for humanitarian work.”

Lady Kate added that each contestant was required to present a social cause that she intends to focus on if selected as a winner.

“We were impressed by Ms. Hussien’s platform,” Lady Kate said. “She wants to use the stage to promote HIV/AIDS awareness.”

“I know people that are affected by HIV/AIDS.” Tsige Hussien told Tadias. “That’s why I have decided to make it my platform.” She added: “Based on my own experience, the problem with HIV/AIDS is lack of awareness on how to prevent it.”

Tsige arrived in the United States from Ethiopia in 2002 after attending Bole High School in Addis Ababa, and graduated from a boarding school in West Virginia.

“When I was younger people used to tell me that I should be a model,” Tsige said. “I would reply ‘no’ I want to be a nurse. I am eager to show that beauty is more than a pretty face.”

“Yes, it’s true that we emphasize the essence of the women in this pageant,” Lady Kate admits. “But we still need a pretty face to represent Africa.”

Tsige was drawn to participate in Miss Africa USA pageant because “they focus on the woman as a whole and not only on physical appearance.”

As part of their pageant performance, the contestants must also present a musical celebration of their native country. “I am still searching for the right music,” Tsige said. “I have posted on Facebook asking people to helping me select the song.”

“I would like the music to reflect the diversity of Ethiopia,” she said. “Because I have a little bit of everything: Oromo, Gurage, Wolo, Tigre.” She adds: “My childhood memories of Ethiopia include the feeling of love. We spent a lot of time outdoors playing eqaqa (house), sēnyo/maksenyo ( hopscotch), soccer. I want the song to reflect that too.”
—
Photo of Tsige Hussein by Matt Andrea.
–
If You Go:
The 2011 Pageant is slated for Sunday November 13th from 5pm – 11pm. Tickets are $45 in advance and $50 at the door. Tickets are selling via the website www.missafricaunitedstates.com. The African Banquet takes place on Sat Nov 12 and tickets are $100 each. Both events will take place at the Hilton Hotel 8272 Colesville Rd, Silver Spring, MD. Free parking is available.
—
Related:
Miss Africa USA Picks Ethiopian Finalist

Learning to live with autism in Ethiopia

Published by Tadias September 23rd, 2011 in News. 0 Comments

Jojo is now 20 and has recently started uttering some words (BBC)

By Hewete Haileselassie
BBC Focus on Africa magazine

The year was 1995 and Ethiopian Zemi Yunus had no idea what autism was. What she did know was that her four-year-old son, Jojo, was clearly “different from other children of his age.”

Then her husband watched a television programme in the United States where they were living at the time.

It suddenly dawned on them that perhaps Jojo was autistic – certainly the symptoms described all seemed to point to this.

On the brink of returning to Ethiopia, Mrs Zemi began in earnest to research the issue.

Like many parents of autistic children, Mrs Zemi says that she had long had concerns about her son’s speech, but many doctors had reassured her that boys are often “late talkers” and assuaged her fears.

But the more she found out independently, the more she recognised that her son’s delayed speech, as well as his repetitive actions and his behavioural difficulties, were clearly autistic.

Unfortunately, diagnosis of the condition, particularly in the developing world, is rare. On returning to the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, Mrs Zemi – who was soon running a successful business – consulted psychologists, doctors and other professionals for several years, but failed to find any answers.

Finding a school also proved difficult; many teachers dismissed Jojo as “spoilt” and he was expelled from five schools in a row. One institution even asked to be paid triple the usual fee to keep him.

Addis Ababa’s Red Light District: Q & A With Photographer Michael Tsegaye

Published by Tadias September 16th, 2011 in Art and Featured. 20 Comments

One of the images from a photography series by Michael Tsegaye called "Working Girls." It was taken in the Sebategna area of Addis Ababa. (© Michael Tsegaye)

Tadias Magazine
By Tadias Staff

Updated: Friday, September 16, 2011

New York (TADIAS) – Addis Ababa does not have a Red Light District per se, but the Sebategna area in Merkato comes close to it. Photographer Michael Tsegaye’s intimate portraits of prostitues from this neighborhood, entitled Working girls II, is currently showing at a highly-regarded international exhibition in Paris dedicated to non-Western photography. He is one of 46 contemporary photographers from 29 countries whose work is on display through November 11th, 2011 at the 3rd edition of the Photoquai Biennale exhibition of world images organized by the musée du Quai Branly.

“I wanted to share what I saw, but ultimately everyone will have their own response to it,” Michael Tsegaye, who was born and raised in Addis Ababa, said in a recent interview with Tadias Magazine. “A lot of the women, as well as the customers, come from many different parts of the country, since it’s close to the central bus stop. This creates an interesting social dynamic.”

And how did he gain the women’s confidence for such a close-up look at their lives? “I spent about two weeks with them, spending the day in the room where they live,” he said. “The first three days were very quiet, until they got used to me. We spent a lot of time talking, eating meals together, drinking tea and coffee.”

Below is our Q & A with photographer Michael Tsegaye:

Working girls II, Addis Ababa. (© Michael Tsegaye)

Working girls II, Addis Ababa.

Michael Tsegaye

TADIAS: What prompted you to focus on this issue?

Michael Tsegaye: I had taken photographs of prostitutes in Sodo a long time ago, but then wanted to continue the project. I decided to try it in Addis Ababa since it is a very sensitive issue.

TADIAS: What do you want people to take away from these images?

MT: Whatever they’d like. I wanted to share what I saw, but ultimately, everyone will have their own response to it.

TADIAS: You say on your website that as a photographer you don’t want to be “pigeonholed.” What do you mean by that?

MT: It’s common for people in the art world to first define you as an Ethiopian or an African artist, as opposed to just an artist. Once you are labeled in that way, you are then easily exotified. You are not given equal stature with other international artists – -the Europeans, Americans etc. Your work is not judged on its artistic merit, or the idea it represents, but rather which continent it comes from.

TADIAS: How did you get into photography?

MT: It was by accident. I used go to the Geothe Cultural Center to use the library, and one day I came across a photography workshop that was being led by a German photographer called Ralf Becker. I sat in on the class, and he thought I was a student. Later, I walked up to him to ask questions and we started a conversation. He asked me to join the class, and I did. We are still good friends to this day. He bought me my first camera, a Minolta analog.

TADIAS: What is good photography?

MT: There is a quote by a Frenchman called Jacques Leenhardt. It says: “Photography is best when it emulates poetry”, portraying “… not only the complex and problematic reality of the outside world, but also the way a person’s eye has seen it. It shows a person’s self-expression, a person becoming the poet we all have within us…” I think this is a very true statement.

TADIAS: Do you have a favorite photographer?

MT: I dont have a favorite photographer, but I have favorite painters, like Vermeer, Rembrandt, and Repin. I like Vermeer and Rembrandt because they make good use of light, while Repin’s composition is a great example of Russian painting.

TADIAS: We understand that you too started out studying painting but later developed an allergy to oil paint? Can you tell us more about that and how it has impacted your artistic expression?

MT: Over time, the hours I had spent in the studio breathing in fumes from the oil paints made me very sick, which forced me to give up painting. I then switched to photography as my main medium of expression. In terms of its effect on my overall artistic expression, as a whole, painting and photography are very different disciplines. With painting, I spent a lot of time in the studio. But photography forces you to interact with people, to explore the country and what is around you. From painting, I learned how to use light and composition in my photographs, so it has made learning photography much easier for me. I try to photograph with a painter’s eye.

TADIAS: Regarding the photos in your latest exhibition, is there a reason why you selected the Sebategna area in Merkato?

MT: Yes. Sebategna is an area heavily populated with commercial sex workers. Since there are so many, over time the area has formed its own subculture. In Sebategna, you will find a diverse range of prostitutes: from the very inexpensive, to the more costly. They are also diverse in age as well. A lot of the women, as well as the customers, come from many different parts of the country, since it’s close to the central bus stop. This creates an interesting social dynamic.

TADIAS: How did you gain the girls’ confidence?

MT: I spent about two weeks with them, spending the day in the room where they live. The first three days were very quiet, until they got used to me. We spent a lot of time talking, eating meals together, drinking tea and coffee.

TADIAS: Any parting words?

MT: I’d just like to thank Tadias Magazine and urge the Tadias audience to continue supporting Ethiopian arts.

TADIAS: Thank you and wishing you continued success.

MT: Thank you very much.
—
Learn more about Michael Tsegaye at: www.michaeltsegaye.com.
Click here to learn more about the 2011 Photoquai Biennial.

Bethlehem Alemu & Isis Nyongo Among The 20 Youngest Power Women In Africa

Published by Tadias August 20th, 2011 in Featured. 1 Comment

Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu of Ethiopia (left), founder of Sole Rebels, and Kenyan-American Isis Nyongo (right), Managing Director of InMobi, are among Forbes 'The 20 Youngest Power Women In Africa.' (Photo credit: Bethlehem courtesy of SoleRebels, Isis by Leon Muli) '

Tadias Magazine
By Tadias Staff

Saturday, August 20, 2011

New York (Tadias) – Forbes magazine’s contributing writer, Mr. Mfonobong Nsehe, who chronicles Africa’s success stories, has come up with a list: ‘The 20 Youngest Power Women In Africa.’

Among them are Ethiopian Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu and Kenyan-American Isis Nyongo — two dynamic business leaders whose work has previously been highlighted in Tadias Magazine.

“Of course, this is by no means an official or an exhaustive list,” the writer notes. “But these are 20 women, all under age 45, who wield enormous influence in African business, technology, policy and media. They are change makers, trendsetters, visionaries and thinkers, builders, and young global leaders. They are at the vanguard of Africa’s imminent socio-economic revolution and its contemporary renaissance.”

Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu, the Ethiopian-born entrepreneur was recently named the ‘African Businesswoman of the Year’ by African Business Magazine, a leading pan African business publication. She is the founder of Sole Rebels, a brand of eco-friendly shoes and sandals made in Ethiopia. She was also named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum earlier this year.

Isis Nyongo is the Vice President and Managing Director of InMobi, the world’s largest independent mobile advertising network. Prior to her appointment earlier this year, Isis served as the Business Development Manager for Google’s operation in Africa. She spearheaded mobile partnerships and played a pivotal role in the development of Google’s content strategy in Africa. Tadias interviewed Isis in 2005, when she was a graduate student at Harvard Business School and co-chair of the Africa Business Club. “After graduation from Harvard Business School I want to focus my work in the marketing role with a view of moving back to Africa within 2-3 years,” she told us. We are not surprised that since then Isis has become one of the continent’s young leaders in her field.

We congratulate both Bethlehem and Isis on their accomplishments.
–
Related:
Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu on Blog Talk Radio on September 3rd
In Pictures: Power Women, Power Moms (Forbes)

Ethiopian Billionaire Wins Libel Action in UK

Published by Tadias July 30th, 2011 in News. 0 Comments

Mohammed Al Amoudi, who ranks # 63 on Forbes Billionaires list, has won £175,000 in libel damages over unsubstantiated allegations about his daughter.

BBC

29 July 2011

Mohammed Hussein Al-Amoudi was born in Ethiopia, but now spends his time at homes in central London, Surrey and Saudi Arabia.

The article was published on the online news website Ethiopian Review.

Judge Richard Parkes QC said it was difficult to imagine more serious allegations.

The site’s publisher and editor-in-chief, Elias Kifle, had denied liability.

The judge said that instead of apologising Mr Kifle had repeated the libel and abused Mr al-Amoudi and his lawyers.

The High Court in London heard Mr Kifle’s response to the initial complaint was: “Here is my formal statement: Screw yourself”.

The court heard Mr Kifle then went on to describe Mr al-Amoudi as a “scumbag bloodsucker” who was “funding al-Qaeda”.

Mr al-Amoudi, 65, gave evidence during the libel trial that he was completely opposed to all forms of terrorism.

The judge said the site alleged that Mr al-Amoudi had “disgracefully and callously” married off his daughter Sarah, then 13, to an elderly member of the Saudi royal family as a gift.

At Family-Friendly Summer Camp in Virginia, Children Immerse in All Things Ethiopian

Published by Tadias July 29th, 2011 in Featured. 0 Comments

Ethiopian Heritage and Culture Camp in Virginia. (Courtesy photo)

Tadias Magazine
By Tadias Staff

Published: Friday, July 29, 2011

New York (Tadias) – The Ethiopian Heritage and Culture Camp at Massaneta Springs, situated in the heart of Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, provides a family-friendly getaway for adopted Ethiopian children and their American parents who get to immerse themselves in a weekend of all things Ethiopian.

The Washington Post reports that the camp fulfills a growing demand by adoptive parents who seek to connect with their children’s native culture. In 2010 more than 2,500 children were adopted from Ethiopia, which has resulted in an increased demand for information about the country. “We thought it was important for us to learn about our daughter’s culture and help her maintain that identity,” Mark Boucher told The Washington Post. He came to the camp from Albany, N.Y., with his family of four, including Lidia, the 7-year-old girl that they adopted three years ago.

The inter-generational summer camp was founded by Mekdes Bekele, who is also a mother of a young daughter. In an interview with Tadias Magazine about the summer camp in 2009, Mekdes noted: “We have the common goal of raising first generation Ethiopian Americans. What we offer is a venue and the opportunity for like-minded parents of children with Ethiopian heritage to interact with each other and share experiences and knowledge on how to raise confident, capable, and compassionate Ethiopian-Americans. For example, at this camp we will cover topics that apply to all of us such as: raising confident children in a culture conscious world who are struggling for identity, and parents will learn from the experiences of Ethiopian-American young adults on the challenges and the opportunities of growing up in America.”

‘Very best in youth’: Abigail Mariam headed to Harvard, career in public policy

Published by Tadias July 25th, 2011 in Family. 1 Comment

Above: Abigail Mariam by David Pardo, The Daily Press.

Tadias Magazine
By Tadias Staff

Updated: Tuesday, July 26, 2011

New York (Tadias) – The last time Abigail Mariam was highlighted in Tadias Magazine, she was the recipient of the 2010 Young Humanitarian Award given by The St. Mary Hospital Foundation in California. She was recognized last fall for her activities at the medical center where she began volunteering in 2007 while simultaneously juggling school work and several extra curricular programs, including co-founding an on-campus tutoring club and completing five Advanced Placement courses.

Now Abi is headed to Harvard University to study public policy. And she was also one of 23 teens honored this past weekend as part of the biennial Nestlé Very Best In Youth program hosted by the Nestle’ USA. The red-carpet event, which applauds exceptional students both in academics and community service, took place on July 23 at the Universal City Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles.

“Abigail Mariam was in eighth grade when she was bit by the service bug…Her uncle took her on a trip with his yoga group to serve peanut butter sandwiches to the homeless hanging around the former Forrest Park on Seventh Street in Victorville,” reported The Daily Press, a newspaper serving Victor Valley, California area. “After experiencing firsthand what it felt like to help someone in need, she couldn’t shake the urge to give back to the community…Now barely 18 years old and headed to Harvard University in the fall, the Granite Hills High School graduate has had a hand in projects benefiting younger students, animal shelters, cancer survivors, Haitian earthquake victims, Ugandan children, troops overseas and patients and families at St. Mary Medical Center — to name a few.”

“I’m kind of a service freak,” Abi told The Daily Press. “If I go a day without doing some kind of kindness I feel like I’m a bad person.”

She was chosen out of 3,500 applicants as one of the winners of the 2011 Nestle’s Very Best in Youth – a national program designed to spotlight and reward young people who have shown outstanding leadership in public service while they aim to inspire others to engage through personal initiative to make a profound impact on the world.

According to The Daily Press: Abi’s “commitment to service, along with her 5.0 academic record and stellar writing skills, have earned her the elite status as one of 23 students in the United States to be named 2011 Nestle’s Very Best in Youth.”

“Nestlé USA is dedicated to America’s youth,” says Kenneth W. Bentley, Nestlé Vice President of Community Affairs & Educational Programs and author of the Nestlé Very Best In Youth book series, in a comment posted on the organization’s website. “Young people are the future of this country, and it is up to adults to see that they are given the encouragement they need to reach their goals.”

In addition to receiving $1,000 to donate to the charity of their choice, a biographical essay reflecting each winner’s most noteworthy characteristics and achievements will be published in a book entitled Making a Difference Today for a Better Tomorrow, which will be distributed nationwide to schools and youth organizations that can point to students like Abi as role models.

“Honestly I was very surprised when I was accepted because I was looking at the profiles of past winners and I was very humbled to think that I could be put in the same league as these other incredible, incredible kids,” Abi told the newspaper.

Ethiopian Fashion on Display at Africa Fashion-Week New York (Photos)

Published by Tadias July 21st, 2011 in Featured and Reviews. 0 Comments

Above: A diverse group of models showcased Fikirte's designs made solely from handmade Ethiopian traditional fabrics at the 2011 Africa Fashion Week New York.

Tadias Magazine
Events News

Updated: Friday, July 22, 2011

New York (Tadias) – Ethiopian Designer Fikirte Addis was one of 21 individuals from Africa and the African diaspora whose work was highlighted at Africa Fashion Week New York, which took place from July 14th to 16th in the Broad Street Ballroom in New York City’s Financial District.

The runway show, produced by young African social entrepreneurs from the Diaspora, is an effort to introduce clothing products made in Africa to high-end U.S. markets.

“The event underscores how eager this generation of young, upwardly mobile Africans in the U.S. is to redefine the continent’s image,” The Washington Post noted in its pre-event coverage. “They have come of age during the Obama presidency – an era when first lady Michelle Obama rocked a bright pink Mali-inspired top designed by Nigerian-born designer Duro Olowu.”

Per WaPo: “If fashion is a guidepost to cultural change, then the expanding scope of African fashion indicates a new momentum among Africans in this country. Many of them are sons and daughters of immigrants who are now in the middle and upper classes, and they have more freedom to choose creative professions.”

“It’s our moment, and it’s just beginning. Young African designers are becoming real players now. People have been taking resources from Africa for generations. But our generation, raised in both worlds, is changing that,” said Adiat Disu, 24, the Nigerian-American producer of the fashion week.

Fikirte Addis, who was also the winner of the Origin Africa Fiber to Fashion 2011 in Mauritius, was sponsored by USAID to participate in the New York event.

Below are photos of Fikirte’s designs presented at the 2011 Africa Fashion Week New York.

—-
Photos courtesy of New York based Emma C. Photography via laprincessaworld.

You can learn more about Africa Fashion Week New York at www.afwny.com.

Click here to read Fikirte Addis’ Press Release.

Japan Wins 2011 Women’s World Cup

Published by Tadias July 17th, 2011 in News. 0 Comments

Above: Japan defeated team U.S.A in the final of the FIFA Women's World Cup held in Frankfurt, Germany on Sunday, July 17, 2011. (AP)

Tadias Magazine
News Update

Updated: Monday, July 18, 2011

New York (Tadias) – Japan won the 2011 Women’s World Cup on Sunday, defeating the United States 3-1 in a penalty shootout. The country became the first Asian nation to win the World Cup.

The Japanese team, which provided much-needed inspiration and emotional relief for their fellow citizens at home who are still recovering from a devastating recent earthquake, tsunami and nuclear accident, displayed a banner after every game reading: “To our Friends Around the World — Thank You for Your Support.”

The United States, which was not considered a favorite to win the tournament this year, made a dramatic rebound after it eliminated Brazil in a penalty-kick during the quarterfinals, raising hopes that the team might bring the cup home for the third time.

Team USA dominated much of Sunday’s final game in Frankfurt, Germany. Alex Morgan scored the team’s first goal in the 69th minute. But Japan tied the game when Aya Miyama scored an equalizer 12 minutes later. The Americans took the lead again during over time in the 104th minute when Abby Wambach made a goal with a header. But they blew the lead just six minutes from winning their third World Cup title when Homare Sawa of Japan scored another equalizer.

The U.S. had previously won the Women’s World Cup in 1991 and 1999.

Japan’s World Cup victory also marks the nation’s first win against the U.S. in 26 tries.

Video: Japan Wins the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup Soccer Title (The Associated Press)

Cover Image: Japan’s players celebrate after the FIFA Women’s Football World Cup final match after the shootout (Christof Stache / AFP – Getty Images)
—-

Team U.S.A Take on Japan in Women’s World Cup Final on Sunday

Voice of America
Parke Brewer | Washington

July 15, 2011

The U.S. women’s soccer team is set to play in the FIFA World Cup championship match for the first time since it won the title on home soil in 1999. An American team that has survived some pressure games will take on surprising Japan Sunday in Frankfurt, Germany.

Just like the U.S. women’s team in 1999 captured the imagination of the nation, this 2011 edition has finally achieved a similar following. But it has not been a smooth ride.

Though the Americans are ranked number one in the world and won the 2008 Olympic gold medal in Beijing, they almost failed to qualify for this 2011 World Cup in Germany.

Watch: US Women Take on Japan in World Cup Final on Sunday (PBS News Hour Video)

During qualifying last year, they shockingly lost to Mexico in a regional semifinal and needed to win a third-place match against Costa Rica just to reach a special two-game playoff against Italy. The U.S. team gained the 16th and final World Cup berth with slim 1-0 wins in those away and home matches.

In first round group play in Germany, the U.S. beat North Korea, 2-0, and newcomer Colombia, 3-0, but then lost to Sweden, 2-1. It was the first ever loss in the group phase of a World Cup for any U.S. women’s team.

That set up a quarterfinal encounter last Sunday with five-time FIFA World Player of the year Marta and Brazil, the team that routed the U.S. in the World Cup semifinals four years ago, 4-0. The Americans had a player ejected against Brazil early in the second half but – even though shorthanded – clung to a 1-1 tie through regulation. When Marta scored early in the 30-minute overtime period and the clock wound down, it appeared the U.S. would be on its way home.

But in the dying moments of added, or stoppage, time, star striker Abby Wambach amazingly converted a header off a long high pass to tie the score at 2-2 and send the match to penalty kicks. Thanks to a diving save by U.S. goalie Hope Solo, the Americans prevailed in the shootout, 5-3.

Then on Wednesday in the semifinals against a French team that outplayed them for most of the match, the U.S. scored two goals in the final 15 minutes to win, 3-1.

Midfielder Megan Rapinoe shared her thoughts on what it means.

“It really is a dream come true,” said Rapinoe. “And it’s so cliché to say but you know being a footballer and reaching the World Cup finals, I mean that’s everything we’ve worked for, not only this whole year or the cycle leading up to this tournament, but pretty much our whole lives. Everybody wants to get to the World Cup final.”

So now the U.S. women play a surprising team from Japan in Sunday’s title game. Japan upset favorite and host Germany in the quarterfinals and then upset Sweden in the semifinals.

Leading up the World Cup, the U.S. played Japan in two home warm-up games in May and won both by scores of 2-0. But U.S. goalkeeper Hope Solo says after the tsunami and earthquake in their country earlier this year, the Japanese are playing for more than just themselves.

“It is pretty clear to most of us that we’re not going to see the same Japan team that we saw in the last couple of friendlies,” said Solo. “They are playing for something bigger and better than the game. And when you’re playing with so much emotion and so much heart, that’s hard to play against. So I think it’s going to be an incredible final that people didn’t expect to see.”

Teammate Abby Wambach, playing in her third World Cup, said she will do everything she can to assure the U.S. comes out on top this time.

“Getting to the final is one thing and winning is another,” said Wambach. “This isn’t good enough for me. It doesn’t matter if I came in third place in 2003 and came in third place in 2007, getting to the final is only halfway part of our dream coming true, and we want to make sure that we’re on that top podium come Sunday.”

There is no doubt that there will be huge television audiences for the World Cup final in both the United States and Japan, with many more fans around the world tuning in to see how well the women at the highest level now play the so-called “beautiful game.”
–
Related:
Japan takes inspiration into Women’s World Cup final (Los Angeles Times)

Japan defender Aya Sameshima (15), defender Azusa Iwashimizu (center) and midfielder Homare
Sawa (10) celebrate after defeating Germany, 1-0, in the Women’s World Cup quarterfinals in
Wolfsburg, Germany. (Odd Andersen / AFP / Getty Images / July 9, 2011)

Tadias TV Interview With Amsale Aberra

Published by Tadias July 16th, 2011 in Featured and Interviews. 2 Comments

Amsale Aberra, one of America’s top bridal & evening wear designers. Watch her interview with Tadias Magazine - video below. (Photo courtesy of WE tv)

Tadias Magazine
By Tadias Staff

Updated: Monday, July 18, 2011

New York (Tadias) – The following video features the full version of Tadias Magazine’s recent interview with couture bridal-fashion designer Amsale Aberra.

Amsale discussed her reality TV show Amsale Girls, her success in the wedding-gown industry, her memories of Ethiopia, her musican daughter Rachel Brown, and more. Amsale also offers tips to brides and advise to aspiring fashion designers.

We have also included a second video highlighting a tour of Amsale’s luxury Boutique, taped immediately following our interview with the designer.

The interview took place at Amsale’s office in New York City on Tuesday, June 28, 2011.

Watch: Tadias Magazine’s Interview With Bridal-Fashion Designer Amsale Aberra

Watch: Tadias TV Exclusive – Inside Amsale Aberra’s Luxury Manhattan Boutique

—
Click here to join the discussion on this topic.

Debo & Fendika to Perform at The Lincoln Center Out of Doors – August 11

Published by Tadias July 14th, 2011 in Art, Events and Featured. 2 Comments

Above: The Ethiopian traditional dance troupe Fendika, will join Debo band on Thursday August 11 for one of the nation's longest running summer outdoor concerts. (Photo courtesy of Debo Band)

Tadias Magazine
By Tigist Selam

Published: Thursday, July 14, 2011

New York (Tadias) – The Boston-based Ethio-groove ensemble, Debo, and the Addis Ababa-based cultural dance group, Fendika, are set to collaborate on another exciting NYC summer concert. This time, the collective will perform on August 11 at The Lincoln Center Out of Doors, the same venue where the historic concert featuring Mahmoud Ahmed, Alemayehu Eshete, and Getachew Mekuria took place in 2008.

Debo is an Ethiopian American band led by Danny Mekonnen. The band’s unique instrumentation – including horns, strings and accordion – was inspired by the Golden Age of Ethiopian music in the late 1960s and early 70s, but its accomplished musicians are giving new voice to that sound.

The Ethiopian traditional dance and music troupe, Fendika, includes amazing young Azmari artists led by one of Ethiopia’s leading dancers Melaku Belay. Belay, who is one of the most active artists and arts advocates on the Addis Ababa scene today, is an innovative and virtuoso interpreter of Eskista. Belay performed at the Lincoln outdoors concert in 2008 with legendary saxophonist Gétatchèw Mèkurya and The Ex band.

Below is our recent interview with Debo’s band leader Danny Mekonnen, standing front-right in the above photograph.

Tadias: The last time your band was in town, we danced all night. The lead singer makes it very easy.

Danny Mekonnen: Bruck is charismatic and humble, but he’s also a very serious musician! I definitely think having him as a front man makes it easy for audiences to get into our music, even if they don’t understand what he’s singing about. One of the things that inspires me is knowing that what we do is unique — there’s not a group anywhere in the world quite like us. Playing a diverse musical set is important to us because we love music from across the country and throughout Ethiopia’s musical history. To only play music from the 1970s would miss out on great contemporary artists like Gossaye and Tsehaye Yohaness; we’ve played and studied several arrangements by Abegaz Shiota, as well. And to play only Amharic music with a chic-chic-ca beat, would miss out get Tigrigna and Oromo music, too. Ethiopia has a reach musical landscape and we try hard to honor that.

Tadias: How was Fendika received by U.S. audiences?

DM: U.S. audiences went crazy for the traditional dancing of Melaku Belay and his partner Zinash Tsegaye. I think seeing the dance of a culture immediately creates a greater appreciation and understanding of the music. And Melaku and Zinash are the best at what they do! We started working with Fendika (Melaku’s group) in May 2009 on our first tour in Ethiopia. It helped that Debo Band’s members hung out at Melaku’s azmari bet – also called Fendika – every night that we weren’t playing! So the friendship and bond grew in a very organic way.

Tadias: How excited are you about your upcoming appearance in New York this summer?

DM: I can’t tell you how I excited I am to present Debo Band with special guests Fendika at Lincoln Center Out of Doors! I was at the historic concert in 2008 with Getachew Mekuria, Mahmoud Ahmed, and Alemayehu Eshete. I loved the collaborations with saxophonist and The Ex and vocalists and The Either/Orchestra. I think that audiences will remember Melaku as the dancer with Getachew and the Ex. I’m honored that my band is the next group to present Ethiopian music to Lincoln Center audiences. Also, I’m thrilled to have Melaku as the project’s co-leader. He is a visionary Ethiopian artist and his work with Fendika is second to none.

Tadias: Any plans to come out with a CD?

DM: I hope to do more touring with Debo — this summer we are going to California for the first time. And hopefully we’ll do our first European tour in 2012. Yes, we are planning to release a CD next year. I’m really excited about all that we have going on right now.

Tadias: On a personal note, we also hear that you recently became a father. Congratulations!

DM: Thanks so much. My daughter is a year and a half now. I’m not sure I have quite learned to balance work and family! It’s always a struggle, but it helps to have a wife who’s supportive of my band. It also helps that she’s an artist and business owner herself!

Tadias: What kind of music do you listen to at home?

DM: I listen to all kinds of music. Lately I’ve been listening to a lot of Fleet Foxes, a great indie-folk band. But I go through phases where I listen to nothing but hip hop or experimental or Ethiopian music. My inspiration comes from all over including from my friends who are great musicians.

Tadias: Is there anything that you would like to add?

DM: I just want to add that this summer’s tour with Fendika wouldn’t be possible without the support of Lincoln Center. New York is lucky to be home to one of the largest and most artist-friendly performing artists institutions in the world. Our heartfelt thanks go out to Bill Bragin, Director of Public Programming at Lincoln Center, who is a big fan and supporter of both Debo and Melaku.

Tadias: Thank you Danny and good luck.
—-

If You Go:
All events are free and take place on Lincoln Center’s Plaza between Broadway and Amsterdam Avenues, from West 62nd Street to West 65th Street (except where noted). Debo will perform on August 11th. Take No.1 IRT to 66th Street/Lincoln Center Station) OR the A, B, C, D and No. 1 trains to 59th St/Columbus Circle. Visit LCOutofDoors.org for complete schedule or call 212-875-5766 to request a brochure.

Photos courtesy of Debo band.

Video: Addis Ababa Bete – Debo Band with Fendika Dancers at Joe’s Pub, NYC, September 2010

—

Ethiopia vs. VOA: Acting Director Says ‘I want to set the record straight’

Published by Tadias July 11th, 2011 in News. 13 Comments

Voice of America's Executive Editor responded to the recent controversy regarding VOA's Horn of Africa programs.

Tadias Magazine
By Tadias Staff

Updated: Tuesday, July 12, 2011

New York (Tadias) – Voice of America’s Acting Director and Executive Editor, Steve Redisch, has told Tadias Magazine that the recent controversy surrounding the removal of a June 23rd content from the broadcaster’s Amharic website was “consistent with VOA’s standards of accuracy.”

Redisch also said VOA’s characterization of a meeting on June 22nd, 2011 between members of the U.S. Broadcasting Board of Governors and Ethiopian Communication Affairs Minister Bereket Simon was ‘inaccurate.’

Abebe Gellaw had reported in his regular column published on Thursday, July 7, 2011 in Addis Voice, quoting “informed sources” inside the VOA, that the suspension of David Arnold, VOA’s Horn of Africa Chief, was a result of a dispute related to his comments in a news report that was broadcast on VOA Amharic service on June 23rd. According to Addis Voice, Mr. Arnold, who was part of a seven-member U.S delegation that met with Ethiopian officials in Addis Ababa last month, had said on VOA Amharic that the Ethiopian government had put forward a demand to the BBG delegation that VOA deny platform to its vocal critics as a precondition to cooperate with the station.

Mr. Redisch did not specifically deny Mr. Gellaw’s report concerning the circumstances of Mr. Arnold’s suspension.

“There have been inaccurate reports about the tone and substance of an official meeting on June 22 between members of the U.S. Broadcasting Board of Governors and Ethiopian Communication Affairs Minister Bereket Simon,” Mr. Redisch said in a letter response to a series of follow-up questions posed by Tadias Magazine. “I want to set the record straight.”

Mr. Redisch said: “BBG Governors Susan McCue, Dana Perino and Michael Meehan held a frank dialogue on a number of issues. Board members urged the Ethiopian government to allow VOA to broadcast on FM stations in Ethiopia, sought to advance the role of media freedom in the country, and stressed the importance of VOA’s mission to provide accurate news and information to audiences there. The government presented its list of complaints about VOA programming. The Governors promised to review those complaints, a process that is currently underway.”

And regarding the removal of audio and text files of a news report from VOA’s Amharic service website?

“A report that aired June 23 on VOA Horn of Africa programs and appeared on its website inaccurately characterized the nature of Ethiopian government complaints about VOA’s programs,” Mr. Redisch said. “Contrary to the VOA report, at no time did Ethiopian government officials ask the Board members to prohibit any individuals from appearing on VOA programs…Consistent with VOA’s standards of accuracy and not for reasons of self-censorship, the report was taken off the website.”

Mr. Redisch adds: “The inaccurate reporting of the meeting has overshadowed the intent of the Governor’s mission. Simply put, it was an opportunity to advance VOA’s mission: to provide reliable, accurate and balanced information to our audiences. And those audiences will be the barometer of our future success.”
—

In other news:
Famine Returns to East Africa

Historic Famine in East Africa Conjures Depressing Sense of Deja Vu

Published by Tadias July 9th, 2011 in Featured and News. 2 Comments

Ethiopia: Mother Lula Robe, with baby Nasre, holds cooking oil provided by the UN’s World Food Program. Most of the family’s livestock in the Oromo region died during the current drought. (William Davison)

Tadias Magazine
Editorial

Updated: Wednesday, July 27, 2011

New York (Tadias) – A humanitarian crisis of historic proportions is unfolding in drought-hit areas of East Africa, including Somalia, Ethiopia, Djibouti and Kenya. The United Nations says the pending disaster is the largest famine in 60 years.

The UN warns relief is needed urgently and should not be ignored or the world will once again be witnessing the repeat of history, this time on a much larger scale. Unless quickly prevented, nearly 12 million people are thought to be at risk of food insecurity in the Horn of Africa this year. That’s an alarmingly large number of people affected in contrast to the widely publicized 1984 famine that killed approximately one million people. Ethiopians constitute 4.56 million of the current total food insecure populations in the region.

Sadly, the familiar images of hungry children with skinny, malnourished bodies on television screens and front-pages of newspapers around the world, conjures depressing sense of déjà vu for the international community. According to UNICEF, in total 2.23 million children in Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia are estimated to be acutely malnourished. And nearly 720,000 children are at risk of death without immediate assistance.

Dr. Reuben Brigety, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Population, Refugees and Migration, said in a testimony before the House Subcommittee on Africa earlier this month that “in Ethiopia, global acute malnutrition rates close to 50% have been reported among newly arriving refugee children.” Dr. Brigety added: “This situation is substantially worse than when I last visited the Dolo Odo refugee camps in Ethiopia in February of this year. Newly arriving children are now dying in the refugee camp at the rate of two to three per day.”

The United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization held an emergency meeting in Rome recently to discuss campaign strategy to moblize and deliver aid to the region. The meeting was attended by representatives from the G20 countries, ministers and senior officials from UN’s 191 member nations, other U.N. bodies, NGOs and regional development banks.

The UN has officially declared famine in parts of Somalia and it has designated large areas in Ethiopia, Djibouti and Kenya as a crisis or an emergency zone. But the organization says the disaster is likely to expand beyond Somalia in the next few weeks and spread into Kenya, Uganda and Ethiopia.

Watch: UN Declares Famine in Somalia, Channel 4 News

“This summer has been an unspeakable nightmare for millions of children in the Horn of Africa,” said President and CEO of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF Caryl Stern. “We cannot control the weather patterns that have led to drought and famine, but we can do something about helping those who suffer from it. The sooner we act, the more children’s lives can be saved. As little as $10 can feed a child for 10 days.”

UNICEF estimates it will need $100 million over the next six months for a massive scale up of operations to reach children in the drought affected areas with emergency and preventative assistance.

“UNICEF is using every means possible to reach every child. There simply can be no compromise on the objective to keep children and their families alive,” said Elhadj As Sy, Regional Director for UNICEF Eastern and Southern Africa. “We appreciate the generosity of the international community and those contributions are already making a difference. We urgently need more funds to meet the enormous need.”
————-
For more information or to make a tax-deductible contribution to relief efforts in the Horn of Africa, please contact the U.S. Fund for UNICEF: Website: www.unicefusa.org/donate/horn. Or call toll free: 1-800-4UNICEF (1-800-486-4233). Text: Text “FOOD” to UNICEF (864233) to donate $10. Mail: 125 Maiden Lane, New York, NY 10038.

Click here to join the discussion on this topic.

Video: East Africa Food Crisis – Somalia Faces Famine as al-Qaida Threat Halts International Aid

Soccer Tournament Underway in Atlanta, Ethiopian Heritage Festival Concludes in D.C.

Published by Tadias July 2nd, 2011 in Featured. 0 Comments

Above: The Ethiopian soccer tournament opened in Atlanta
on July 3rd. (Photo 2010 by Kal Kassa/Tadias Magazine file)

Tadias Magazine
Events News

Updated: Tuesday, July 5, 2011

New York (Tadias) – The 28th edition of the Ethiopian Soccer Tournament in North America, which runs through July 9th, is underway in Atlanta, while the First Annual Ethiopian Heritage Festival in Washington, D.C., concluded on July 3rd.

The 2011 soccer tournament marks its fourth return to Atlanta. The city’s Ethiopian soccer team is also four time champion of the national competition, bringing the trophy home in 1994 and 1997 while winning the cup at home games in 1998 and 2005. Atlanta hosted the ESFNA soccer tournament & festivities in 1986, 1998, and 2005.

The D.C. festival also featured sports competition among other entertainment programs, including cultural performances, poetry readings, author’s circle, art exhibition, children’s games, coffee ceremony, food and more.

The Atlanta event goes far beyond sports entertainment, allowing families and friends in North America’s Ethiopian immigrant community to come together in celebration of sports and their cultural heritage. The tournament week is a popular time for networking, alumni gatherings, small business catering, music performances, and reunion parties. Hosting also offers a variety of benefits to the community, including local economic impact stemming from hotel, transportation, food and other-related purchases.
—
Stay tuned for more coverage of these events.

You can learn more about the Atlanta soccer tournament at www.esfna.net. More information about the D.C. festival can be found at www.ethiopianheritagesociety.org.
–
Cover Image: At the 2010 San Jose Ethiopian Soccer Tournament by Kal Kassa.

Related from Tadias archives:
Photo Journal: San Jose Ethiopian Soccer Tournament 2010
–

Photos from Chicago: Ethiopian Soccer Tournament 2009 (Tadias)

$30,000 Raised for First Ethiopian Church in New Jersey (Photos)

Published by Tadias July 1st, 2011 in Events and Reviews. 0 Comments

Above: Fundraising Dinner at Mesob restaurant in Montclair, New Jersey generated $30,000 towards new church project.

Tadias Magazine
Events News

Updated: Sunday, July 3, 2011

New York (Tadias) – At a fundraiser on Monday, June 27, a sold-out crowd donated $30,000 to a campaign aiming to raise funds to help renovate a recently purchased building in West Orange, New Jersey to house Amanuel Ethiopian Orthodox Church, the state’s first Ethiopian owned church property, organizers said.

The event held at Mesob Restaurant in nearby Montclair was an intimate dinner, which brought together a diverse group of people that gave at least $100 per person.

“The kick-off fundraising event is one of many efforts to raise funds to convert the building we are buying into a church,” Tezeta Roro, a member of the Church’s Fundraising Committee and the event’s Master of Ceremonies, said via email. “As you may know, renovating funds are not usually granted for non-residential properties along with a mortgage so we are tasked with raising enough funds for the renovation for which this event is one of many to come.”

The Debre Genet Amanuel Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church was founded in West Orange, New Jersey, in 2006. “Before that a few of us used to go to Church in New York…I went to Church in New York for about 18 years,” said Mr. Tekeste Ghebremicael, Vice Chairman of the Church’s Board of Directors. “Yes, this is the first Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church in the state of New Jersey. We are making history. We hope to open several other Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Churches in New Jersey in the future.”

Mr. Tekeste adds: “During the [previous] 18 years the Ethiopian and Eritrean community in New Jersey grew big enough that it is now able to establish and sustain its own local church.”

Regarding the Kicking off dinner, Tezeta stated: “Our goal was to raise $30,000 at the event. Tickets were sold out. The event went very well. The fundraising committee worked diligently by holding late night conference calls and working with our networks to make the final product fruitful. We are more than satisfied with the turnout. It shows how Ethiopians, non-Ethiopians…can come together to make a difference.”

The building is located at 15-19 Meeker Street in West Orange, New Jersey.

Video: Slideshow of Photographs – The kick-off Fundraising Dinner at Mesob on June 27, 2011

Speaking about the property, Mr. Tekeste said the following in an emailed statement:

“The new Church will be located at 15-19 Meeker Street West Orange, New Jersey. It is only about 8 houses from where we are now worshiping. The new Church will have 3 different buildings. In the front there is a building that has two three bedroom apartments on the second floor and an office with a warehouse on the first floor. This building is fully rented. In the back there is this huge two floor building that stores 14 to 17 antique cars in the first floor and the second floor is rented for now, however it will be converted to a church and an assembly hall with a full kitchen and male and female bathrooms. On the side there are 5 bays and one small office that are rented to different contractors. There is space to park about 45 to 50 cars. We have completed negotiations to purchase the building with the sellers. However, we are awaiting approval from the West Orange Township Zoning Department for Zoning Variance approval. We have hired Zoning expert Lawyers, Architects, Traffic experts, and Structural Engineers to help us process this application. It will take about 3 months from now for the whole process to be completed. Our experts do not expect any complications during the approval process. It is just a formality that is required to legally change the use of the building from a warehouse to an assembly hall (Church). The remaining part of the building will generate an income of $7,000.00 per month excluding the 2nd floor we are going to use as a church and assembly hall. We are buying these 3 buildings for $725,000.00 and we are borrowing $500,000.00. We do have a written Mortgage Commitment and our monthly mortgage payment including Insurance and Property Taxes will be less than $7,000.00. This means once we conclude the purchase of these buildings they will generate enough income to support the monthly mortgage payment while we are using the Church and Assembly Hall for free.”
–
Publisher’s Note: This story was updated on Sunday, July 3, 2011 with additional comments from Mr. Tekeste Ghebremicael, Vice Chairman of the Church’s Board of Directors.

You can learn more about the renovation project of the newly purchased building and/or donate online at www.aeotc.org.

Cover image: Mesob Ethiopian Restaurant – Montclair, NJ. (Photo by Charlene n Kevin)

Ethiopia Accuses Two Journalists of Terrorism Plot

Published by Tadias June 29th, 2011 in News. 0 Comments

Reeyot Alemu, a columnist for the independent weekly Feteh, and Woubshet Taye, deputy editor-in-chief of the weekly Awramba Times newspaper. (Photo courtesy of CPJ/Awramba Times)

Tadias Magazine
News Update

Updated: Thursday, June 30, 2011

New York (Tadias) – The Ethiopian government announced today that two journalists were among nine people that were arrested last week on charges of planning terrorist attacks.

According to press reports: “Government spokesman Shimeles Kemal said Wednesday that two journalists were among those arrested. He says they were involved in planning attacks on infrastructure, telecommunications and power lines. Shimeles says two other suspects are members of an opposition party. Shimeles says the suspects were supported by Ethiopia’s archenemy Eritrea and by an international terrorist group, which he did not name. International media rights groups have been calling for the release of Reeyot Alemu, a columnist for the independent weekly Feteh, and Woubshet Taye, deputy editor-in-chief of the weekly Awramba Times newspaper.”

In an interview with Bloomberg News, Kemal said the arrests of the two journalists had “nothing to do with viewpoints they have published.”

But The Committee to Protect Journalists says Alemu had recently criticized the government’s fundraising method for the Nile dam project, and Taye has critically covered local politics as the deputy editor of his newspaper.

“These accusations against Woubshet Taye and Reeyot Alemu must be viewed in light of the Ethiopian administration’s longstanding practice of using trumped-up charges to silence and jail critical independent journalists,” said CPJ Africa Advocacy Coordinator Mohamed Keita. “It is outrageous that a government spokesman should publicly accuse journalists of terrorism when they have not been charged with any crime and are unable to respond because they are in detention. They should be freed immediately.”

According to CPJ, Ethiopia ranks as the second leading African jailer of journalists, behind Eritrea.
—
Related:
Human Rights and the War on Terror in Ethiopia (Jurist)

7-11 Hit and Run Suspect to Surrender: Shocking Incident Captured on Video

Published by Tadias June 27th, 2011 in News. 0 Comments

Above: Gejea Ejeta is recovering after being pushed through
a 7-11 window… Police say know who was driving the Dodge.

Tadias Magazine
News Update

Monday, June 27, 2011

Philadelphia – Yeadon police say the woman wanted for a shocking hit-and-run captured on surveillance video will turn herself in on Friday, NBC Philadelphia reports.

Surveillance cameras captured a car crashing into a 7-11 store and an employee – 24-year-old Gejea Ejeta – being thrown through the front of the building.

Per NBC: “On Thursday, June 9, around 10:30 p.m., police responded to a car accident at the 7-11 store on Church Lane in Yeadon.”

“The video shows a Dodge Caliber park in front of the 7-11. The female driver and a male passenger then get out of the car and walk to the side of the store…the two go back into the car several minutes later. The car is then seen backing up and then speeding forward toward the store, striking another car that was entering a parking spot,” according to NBC Philadelphia.

“The car careens off the other vehicle and accelerates over the curb, striking Ejeta who happened to be standing outside. Ejeta is seen flying through the front window as the car crashes into the store.”

“Ejeta, an Ethiopian immigrant who speaks little English, was taken to the hospital where he was treated for his injuries. Though Ejeta is recovering well, he’s still not healthy enough to return to work.”

Watch:

View more videos at: http://nbcphiladelphia.com.

Results From Sunday’s 10K Race in Boston: Gebre Gebremariam Takes Second Place

Published by Tadias June 26th, 2011 in Events, Featured and News. 0 Comments

Above: Ethiopia’s Gebre Gebremariam finished runner-up at
inaugural B.A.A. 10K race held in Boston on Sunday, June 26.

Tadias Magazine
Sports News

Updated: Sunday, June 26, 2011

New York (Tadias) – Defending Boston Marathon champion Geoffrey Mutai of Kenya won the inaugural B.A.A. 10K on Sunday morning in Boston, finishing the race in 27 minutes, 19 seconds.

The 29-year-old Kenyan bolted to the front after half-way, leaving Ethiopian Gebre Gebremariam and the rest of the pack behind.

Gebre Gebremariam, the reigning New York City marathon men’s champion, came in second.

Boston Marathon runner-up Moses Mosop of Kenya finished third.

In April, Mutai won the Boston Marathon in 2:03.02, the fastest marathon ever recorded.

Gebre Gebremariam, who is also scheduled to represent Ethiopia at the IAAF World Championships in Daegu, South Korea, in late August, finished the B.A.A. 10K race in 28:11.

On the women’s category, Caroline Kilel of Kenya finished first, while Kim Smith of New Zealand came in second. Misiker Demissie of Ethiopia was third.

2011 Boston inaugural B.A.A. 10K winners Geoffrey Mutai and Carolyn Kilel. (The Runners Vibe.com)

Below are the results from Sunday’s inaugural B.A.A. 10K competition held in Boston.

Men:
1. Geoffrey Mutai (KEN) – 27:19
2. Gebre Gebremariam (ETH) – 28:11
3. Moses Mosop (KEN) – 28:29
4. Samuel Chelanga (KEN) – 28:31
5. Samuel Ndereba (KEN) – 29:01
6. Shawn Forrest (AUS) – 29:10
7. Simon Ndirangu (KEN) – 29:30
8. Joseph Chirlee (KEN) – 29:37
9. Elkanah Kibet (KEN) – 30:13
10. Timothy Ritchie (USA) – 30:26

Women:
1. Caroline Kilel (KEN) – 31:58
2. Kim Smith (NZL) – 32:06
3. Misiker Demissie (ETH) – 33:08
4. Heather Cappello (USA) – 33:32
5. Benita Willis (USA) – 34:11
6. Katie Dicamillo (USA) – 34:26
7. Jennifer Campbell (USA) – 35:42
8. Caroline Bjune (USA) – 36:08
9. Trina Painter (USA) – 36:13
10. Mary Kate Champagne (USA) – 36:38

—-
Cover Image: Gebre Gebremariam at a victory dinner on Monday, November 8, 2010 at Queen of Sheba Restaurant in Manhattan following his surprise win at the New York City Marathon on Sunday, November 07, 2010. (Photo by Marie Claire Andrea for Tadias Magazine)

Boys & Girls Club of Ethiopia?

Published by Tadias June 25th, 2011 in Podcast. 2 Comments

Above: Ted Alemayhu of USDFA says Africa could gain much
from organizations such as the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

Tadias Magazine
By Tadias Staff

Published: Saturday, June 25, 2011

New York (Tadias) – Inspired by the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, a national organization whose mission is “to enable all young people to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens,” social entrepreneur Ted Alemayhu, Founder and Chairman of US Doctors for Africa, announced plans to launch a similar pilot program in Ethiopia.

Mr. Alemayhu made the announcement at a meeting with a small group of philanthropists in Los Angeles, California this week as part of his plans for 2012.

“The true driving force behind this idea is the encouraging effort being made by several private and public organizations to help bring about well defined and managed social activities for young people in Ethiopia, including preventive healthcare,” Mr. Alemayhu, said via email. “I have always been inspired by the work of The Boys & Girls Club of America whereby millions of young Americans are participating in healthier activities and receiving proper care that continues to play an effective role in shaping their future to becoming better Americans.”

Asked if the club will be a formal chapter of the U.S. organization, Mr. Alemayhu, who is also a father of a young boy, said there is no affiliation.

“We’re certainly inspired by it, but our version will not have any formal connection with The Boys & Girls Clubs of America,” he said. “The idea is to partner with existing agencies and schools in Ethiopia to implement our program. If the test is successful there, then we intend to make it a continent-wide organization. ”

Mr. Alemayhu adds: “An official website will be dedicated to the project where people can read more about it and get involved in helping to materialize the program.”
—-
To learn more or get involved, send an email to: info@usdfa.org. More information about US Doctors for Africa can be found at www.usdfa.org

Cover image: Press conference by US Doctors For Africa to announce a historic health summit with 15 First Ladies from Africa, April 16, 2009 – Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Albert L. Ortega/PR Photos)

Silver Spring Celebrates Ethiopian Fashion, Lifestyle & Culture

Published by Tadias June 25th, 2011 in Events. 2 Comments

Above: Wub Abyssinia Fashion Ensemble will highlight works
by cultural fashion designers both from Ethiopia and the U.S.

Tadias Magazine
Events News

Published: Saturday, June 25, 2011

Sliver Spring (Tadias) – Celebrate all things Ethiopian from fashion shows to cultural performances and food at the annual Ethiopian festival in downtown Silver Spring today.

The event, scheduled from 3 to 9 pm, is billed as a festival of Ethiopian lifestyle and culture, featuring a variety of lively programs at 908 Ellsworth Drive.

Highlights include live musicians, fashion shows, and traditional arts and crafts exhibit.

Entertainers include Tseday Ethiopian Band, Kebebew Geda, Nesanet & Taya, Berhanu Tezera, Tadele Roba, Tadele Gemechu, and Desalegn Melku.

Wub Abyssinia Fashion Models will showcase designs by Mulu Birhane who makes her first U.S. appearance, as well as works by U.S. based designers, including Betelhem Fashion, Arada Wear, Markos Design, and Hewan Design.

If you Go:
Ethiopian Festival, Sliver Spring
Saturday June 25 from 3-9 PM
908 Ellsworth Drive
Downtown Sliver Spring
Call: 202-390-5182
Minew Shewa Entertainment
Tebabu & Associates

Courtesy photos.

Pentagon Scare Suspect, Yonathan Melaku, Charged in D.C. Area Military Shootings

Published by Tadias June 23rd, 2011 in News. 1 Comment

Yonathan Melaku, pictured above in a booking photo from an arrest on May 26, 2011 in Leesburg, Virginia, has been charged in the October 16, 2010 shootings at the National Museum of the Marine Corps in VA. (Photo: Leesburg Police Department)

Tadias Magazine
News Update

Friday, June 24, 2011

New York (Tadias) – Yonathan Melaku, a 22-year-old Virginia resident and a Marine Corps Reserve lance corporal, has been charged with shootings at four D.C. area military sites that took place last fall.

Prosecutors said in court paper that they have evidence that the suspect videotaped himself shouting “Allah Akbar” after he fired shots into the windows of the U.S. Marine Corps museum, located in Triangle, Virginia, on October 16, 2010.

“Alright next time this video turns on, I will be shooting,” Melaku said on the video, court papers say. “That’s what they get. That’s my target. that’s the military building. It’s going to be attacked.”

The U.S. Attorney’s office said if he is convicted of these crimes, Melaku would face a minimum of 35 years in prison and a maximum of life in prison.

According to authorities, the museum shooting in Triangle caused nearly $90,000 of damage to the building. The other shooting incidents occurred at the Pentagon and two military recruiting centers between October and November of last year.

Melaku was taken into custody at Arlington National Cemetery on Friday, June 17 after he was found carrying a backpack containing suspicious items, including the bomb making material ammonium nitrate, spent 9mm shell casings, work gloves, a headlamp and pro-al Qaeda literature.

“Today’s charges allege a pattern of violent behavior…we believe his statements that he’s targeting military installations speak to his desire to engage in violent activity against the military,” U.S. Attorney Neil H. MacBride said.

Video: Yonathan Melaku of Virginia Charged With Military Shootings (The Associated Press)

According to The Washington Post, Melaku remains jailed in Virginia where he has been charged with four counts of grand larceny involving car vandalism and theft. Police records show he was also arrested on May 26 in Leesburg, Virginia, for allegedly smashing windows and stealing property from 27 cars.

“Its always disappointing when someone who wears this uniform gets in trouble with the law,” Lt.. Col Chris Hughes, a spokesman for the Marines, told the Washington Post.

According to the FBI, he serves as “a Marine Corps reservist Lance Cpl and a motor vehicle operator with Combat Engineer Support Company, 4th Combat Engineer Battalion, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve. He has previously been awarded the National Defense Service Medal and the Selected Marine Corps Reserve Medal. He has not deployed overseas.”

The military said paperwork has been filed for the Lance Corporal to be removed from the service. “Melaku was notified Tuesday at the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center that he will be processed for administrative separation due to charges of serious offense,” said the Marine Corps in a statement.

Melaku is a naturalized American citizen from Ethiopia.
—
Watch: Pentagon scare suspect, Yonathan Melaku, charged in shootings

2011 African Business Awards: Ethiopian Named Outstanding Businesswoman

Published by Tadias June 22nd, 2011 in Podcast. 4 Comments

Above: Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu, founder of Sole Rebels, is the first Ethiopian to win the annual African Business Awards. (Photo courtesy of SoleRebels)

Tadias Magazine
News Update

Published: Thursday, June 23, 2011

New York (Tadias) – Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu, founder and managing director of the footwear brand SoleRebels and one of the World Economic Forum’s Young Global Leaders for 2011, has been named Outstanding Businesswoman at this year’s African Business Awards, becoming the first Ethiopian to receive the accolade.

The fourth edition of the prestigious gala, which took place in London yesterday, boasted an impressive list of nominees, including Sandie Okoro with Barings Asset Management, Stella Kilonzo, Chief Executive of the Kenya Capital Markets Authority, and Pedu Adebajo of the Mouka group in Nigeria.

Contenders for Business Leader of the Year included Aliko Dangote of Dangote Group from Nigeria, Nizar Juma of Jubilee Holdings Ltd from Kenya, James Mwangi of Equity Bank from Kenya, Phuthuma Freedom Nhleko of MTN Group from South Africa and Vimal Shah of Bidco Oil Refineries, also from Kenya.

“The African Business Awards is a key annual event for the African business world and its accolades are much sought after by Africa’s leading companies and entrepreneurs,” IC publications, the event’s host, notes on its website. “Organised by African Business magazine, and the Commonwealth Business Council (CBC), the African Business Awards has become a platform to celebrate excellence and best practices in African business and recognizes those who have driven Africa’s rapidly transforming economy.”

“ I am excited and deeply honored by this award and I accept it on behalf of all the persons who have played and continue to play a role in my success,” Bethlehem said in a statement. “My success has been and continues to be a truly collective effort.”

Commenting on her award , “Omar Ben Yedder, Publisher of African Business magazine, stated : “ Bethlehem is truly a remarkable entrepreneur and leader . She has built an incredibly successful company and a global brand from scratch. At the same time she has empowered her community and her country while presenting a galvanized, dynamic face of African creativity to the global market. With that in mind we are excited and honored to name her Outstanding Business Woman of the year.”
—
Click here to learn more about African Business Awards 2011.

Ramech-Art: Designs of Rahel Takle-Peirce

Published by Tadias June 22nd, 2011 in Art and Featured. 7 Comments

Above: Model Hana wearing a scarf by Rahel Takle Peirce of Ramech-Art. (Photo: Marlene Burger's Gallery, 02/05/2011)

Tadias Magazine
Art Talk
By Alan Bunce

Updated: Thursday, June 23, 2011

Berkshire, UK (Tadias) – The untrained eye may not at first spot the significance of the designs of artist Rahel Takle-Peirce, whose elaborate and colorful pattern creations are used for silk scarves, shawls, sarongs and a variety of other products.

Rahel, born in Addis Ababa in 1951, tells the story of her country of origin, not through writings or poems, but through designs of abstract art.

Every one of her 250 designs has its origins in Rahel’s personal reaction to the traumatic events of the 1970′s in Ethiopia, the dispersion of people from their original homeland and the re-direction of a life that should have been very different. Through the medium of design, she also relays the subsequent joy of her marriage and birth of her two sons.

Rahel’s family who were owners of a coffee plantation, sent their daughter to college in Minnesota which was ended abruptly when they were forced to flee the country and lost everything in the revolution of the 1970s.

They arrived in London in 1976 and Rahel has now lived in England for over 30 years.

She married a scientist and had two sons but still finds the trauma of her past difficult to dwell over.

Her escape is to become a conduit for those thoughts, allowing them to pass through her and onto the canvas, translating them into vibrant designs. Take any one of the images from her portfolio of 250 at her studio Ramech-Art, and Rahel can tell you its origins and how its colours are her way of expressing her emotions, built up over 30, sometimes challenging and sometimes joyful, years.

“I can see the colours of emotions,” she said. “The creative mind has to take over. My artwork has helped to heal me.”

Rahel, who has worked in psychiatry in the UK, first used her art as a way to relax. Now she takes that concept a stage further, listening in strict confidence to the troubles of others to inspire an abstract painting for that person which represents their emotions and internal conflicts and that can help them learn about themselves for many months afterwards.

Her subjects are asked to talk of their thoughts of the ‘now’, while Rahel translates their words into a painting. She says it helps them understand their feelings better.

The basic colour, orange, is the colour of warmth and well being. This represents contentment. The
sun’s connection through the body. In Rahel’s case it was the happiness she felt to be alive with her
young children. (Photograph courtesy of Ramech-Art – Healing art design by Rahel Takle-Peirce)

Appendage: In memory of ‘tied legs’, the realities of those left behind. (Design by Rahel Takle-Peirce)

The basic colors green & blue are colors of growth and peace. In this case, it represents gratitude for
the harmony and abundance in Rahel’s life and the love she experiences through her family. (RTP)

People who feel they are at a crossroads often find it therapeutic, but Rahel describes what she does as a gift rather than something she has to try hard at.

She said: “It’s just like breathing to me. If I can do it for one person, I can do it for anybody.”

But for her it is not a case of pondering the troubles of her subjects, simply interpreting them.

She said: “People tell you their stories and the colours I see symbolise what they say. But it does not go into my mind. My mind switches off to protect me. The designs are a bit like hieroglyphic messages. My mind will translate what they say. I don’t process it in my mind. I see the person’s voice and not much gets registered in my memory. After people have received their design it sticks in their mind rather than mine. When I am finished I feel better and they feel better. They can use the picture to solve problems they are dealing with.”

However, this can work in reverse. People can come to her when they are happy, have an abstract design painted from their thoughts and use it as a tonic at more sombre moments.

But while her paintings all tell stories, the task for Rahel now is to get that story told to fashion buyers and hotel designers. She needs them to know that the designs she wants to sell them carry powerful tales of real human pain and joy and are not purely abstract.

Buyers at some top hotel brands have heaped praise on her work but the opportunities to meet them face to face are few and far between. The marketing obstacle she faces is to convince them she is not just another artist looking to make a living but someone with a remarkable background which took her from wealth to running for her life and then onto joy and happiness.
—
Rahel’s designs can be printed on textile, paper, any other household items, or on any object. Some printed products are available for purchase directly through her website. You can learn more about Rahel Takle-Peirce and buy her work at www.ramech.com.

Video: The following video is courtesy of Ramech-Art – Rahel’s designs.

Watch:

Liya Kebede Named New Face of L’Oreal

Published by Tadias June 21st, 2011 in Featured and Profiles. 0 Comments

Above: Liya Kebede photographed at the 2010 annual Time 100 Gala in NYC, has been named the "new face" of L'Oréal.

Tadias Magazine
By Tadias Staff

Updated: Wednesday, June 22, 2011

New York (Tadias) – The Ethiopian-born supermodel, actress and maternal health advocate, Liya Kebede, has been named the “new face” of L’Oréal – joining Beyonce, Gwen Stefani, Jennifer Lopez, Julianna Margulies and Freida Pinto- in her new role as the global beauty brand’s spokeswoman.

“It is important for me that I represent a brand that reflects my personality,” the 33-year-old said in a statement. “I’m pleased to play a part in sharing the uniqueness, the charisma, and the incredible stories of women of all origins and from all regions of the world.”

Liya Kebede, who is a mother of two children, was first spotted by a modeling agent while attending high-school at Lycee Gebre Mariam in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. She has since become one of the best-known and successful models in the world. She was the first black face of Estée Lauder.

In 2005 she was appointed as the World Health Organization’s Goodwill Ambassador, and in recent years, she has been focused on that role advocating on behalf of maternal, newborn and child health issues. The same year she established the The Liya Kebede Foundation, an organization designed to provide women access to life-saving care in partnership with governments, non-governmental organizations, corporations and affected communities.

In 2007, she launched her green clothing line Lemlem (Amharic for “flourish” or “to bloom”), which features handcrafted collection of women’s and children’s clothing that is made by traditional Ethiopian weavers from her homeland. Lemlem is carried by Barney’s, J.Crew, Net-a-Porter.com and numerous boutique shops.

Liya has also made a successful transition to the big screen starring in the film-adaption of the autobiography Desert Flower, the true story of fellow model Waris Dirie, who escaped a childhood nightmare in Somalia and became a global supermodel, as well as acting in movies such as The Good Shepherd and Lord of War.

She was named one of Times Magazine’s 100 influential people in 2010.

We congratulate Liya on her accomplishments.
—

Learn more about Liya Kebede at www.liyakebede.com.

Volcano Ash Disrupts Air Travel in East Africa

Published by Tadias June 16th, 2011 in Featured and News. 0 Comments

Above: Eritrea’s volcanic ash cloud has disrupted some EAL, Lufthansa, Kenya Airways, Emirates airline and other flights. (Photo courtesy of Ethiopian Airlines)

Tadias Magazine
News Update

Updated: Thursday, June 16, 2011

New York (Tadias) – The ash cloud from the Eritrean volcano that erupted earlier this week has temporarily rendered parts of East Africa’s air space unsafe for commercial jets to fly.

More airline companies have followed Ethiopian and Lufthansa in announcing further suspensions of flights to the region.

According to BBC, Kenya Airways said it was no longer flying on the Ethiopia-Djibouti route and Dubai’s Emirates airline said it had canceled flights to the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa.

Both Ethiopian Airlines and Lufthansa announced on Tuesday that some of their flights have been canceled.

“Due to the volcanic eruption that resulted in ash cloud, Ethiopian flights to Northern Ethiopia, Khartoum and Djibouti are currently affected,” Ethiopian Airlines said in a statement via its website.

According to Lufthansa’s website, flights from Frankfurt to Addis Ababa have been interrupted.

Turkish Airlines made similar announcement on Tuesday, listing cancellations of several destinations to East Africa – including Istanbul-Addis Ababa, Istanbul-Khartoum, Istanbul-Entebbe, Istanbul-Nairobi, Dar Es Salaam-Nairobi, Nairobi-Istanbul.

Sudan Tribune reports that the low-cost carrier Fly Dubai has also suspended service to the Ethiopian capital.

“We are closely monitoring” the situation, Getachew Tesfa, a spokesman for Ethiopian Airlines, told Bloomberg News. “As things get better we are ready to operate. All other flights are operating.”

EAL advised it’s customers to contact its ticket offices or their travel agents about the status of their flights, especially to the named destinations.

The long-dormant volcano erupted in the early hours of Monday morning in Eritrea, spewing ash cloud across East Africa, causing airlines to brace for air travel disruptions, and forcing U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to shorten her visit in Ethiopia.

Above: Initial reports from news agencies and the Volcanic Ash Advisory Center in Toulouse, France, proclaimed the eruption to be occurring at Dubbi, a volcano further south. But later reports from volcanologists, field scientists, and the satellite image above appear to confirm the eruption at Nabro. There are no historical reports of eruptions at Nabro before this. (NASA satellite image on June 13, 2011)

The independent earthquake monitoring website Earthquake-Report.com notes: “During the late afternoon and evening of June 12, 2011, a series of moderate earthquakes struck the Afambo, Eritrea area. The moderate earthquakes were followed by 2 strong 5.7 earthquakes.”

“Charts on the website of the France-based Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC) showed the eruption throwing an ash cloud 13.5 km (8.4 miles) up — a potential blight on airlines,” Reuters reported.

The news agency said Satellite images obtained by VAAC showed the cloud was moving towards Saudi Arabia.

Per BBC: “Atalay Ayele of the Geophysical Observatory Centre of Ethiopia’s Addis Ababa University said the size of the ash cloud was decreasing.”

“The ash’s direction and its intensity were very high on Sunday, but… the Modis [Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer] satellite shows a weakening,” he said.

–
Video : Quake TV - This video was recorded just before [Quake TV] received the official notification from the Eritrean government that nobody was seriously injured in the explosion and eruption. It gives a better impression of the whole story.

Video: Quake TV – This is a video report explaining events [on June 13, 2011] in and around the Nabro volcano in Eritrea.

Video : Quake-TV – This is a 9 second Eumetsat weather satellite image series showing the eruption plume of the volcano in RGB color.

Meeting the Godfather of Ethiopian Jazz

Published by Tadias June 15th, 2011 in Podcast. 0 Comments

Above: Mulatu Astatke first cooked up EthioJazz 42 years ago
while studying music in the United States. (Photo BBC News)

By Will Ross
BBC News, Addis Ababa

14 June 2011

Mulatu Astatke, the godfather of Ethiopian jazz music, is often flying around the world performing sell-out shows so I was lucky to find him at his home in Addis Ababa surrounded by art, conjuring up magic on his vibraphone – which looks like a giant xylophone.

He described the recipe for Ethio-jazz which he first cooked up 42 years ago while studying music in the United States.

“Most of our Ethiopian music is based on five notes [pentatonic]. What I did was fuse the five tones with 12 tones. For many years I’ve been experimenting and the more I do that the more complex it gets,” Mr Mulatu told the BBC.

Tutu Belay’s Ethiopian Yellow Pages: Life, by the book

Published by Tadias June 9th, 2011 in Family and Podcast. 0 Comments

Above: Tutu Belay’s Ethiopian Yellow Pages have helped to
make her a prominent member of DC’s Ethiopian community.

The Washington Post – Lifestyle
By Emily Wax,

Published: June 8

With her bulky Ethiopian Yellow Pages jostling in the passenger seat, “Mama Tutu” Belay lurches her black Mercedes to a stop. She squints suspiciously at a new bakery operating in a basement on Georgia Avenue that claims to use clay plates to make an authentic version of injera, the spongy bread that is a dietary staple of her homeland. “It’s suspect!” Mama Tutu decrees while looking over the bakery, which is painted pumpkin orange and flies American and Ethiopian flags. “I need to make sure it’s legit before it goes anywhere near my book.”

Her book is the Ethiopian Yellow Pages, which includes hundreds of the Ethiopian American businesses that have taken over once-blighted storefronts across the Washington region. Read more at The Washington Post.

ArifLife: Iphone Application for Ethiopian News and Events

Published by Tadias June 9th, 2011 in Reviews. 8 Comments

Above: ArifLife Iphone App offers listings of events, eateries, and more for the U.S. Ethiopian and Eritrean communities.

Tadias Magazine
By Tadias Staff

Updated: Friday, June 10, 2011

New York (Tadias) – ArifSoft, the Bay Area based developer of Ethiopian mobile apps, has announced the launching of ArifLife – a free application for the iPhone and iPod that helps users easily access business directories, news, and Ethiopian American events all over the United States and beyond.

The new app is developed by the same group that created ArifZefen, an app that enables Ethiopian artists to share their music. The organization is also behind ArifQuas and EriSoccer, both aptly named to provide soccer enthusiasts with real-time scores and festival information. ArifQuas was released during the 2010 Ethiopian Soccer Tournament, while EriSoccer makes its debut at the annual Eritrean sports gathering this year.

Bef Ayenew, a software engineer and one of the two former MIT classmates who conceived the idea for ArifSoft, says their latest offering is an information bank that can be tapped by everyone with an iPhone, iPod, iTouch or iPad . “ArifLife is a one-stop reference app for events, places and news in the Ethiopian and Eritrean communities,” Bef said in a recent interview with Tadias Magazine. “Not only does it help you stay informed about all the activities in your community, the app will even map your events for you, and give you the directions to each location.”

“Suppose you need directions to the closest church or the phone number and operating hours of a local restaurant. Or maybe you need to know what time the hottest party in town is starting and how to dress up and get in for free. These are the kind of things that will be at your fingertips with ArifLife. It’s an international app that is designed to work everywhere including in Europe and Africa,” adds Bef.

The application, which is integrated with popular social networks such as Facebook and Twitter, offers a number of activity categories including dining, nightlife, film screenings, art shows, cultural gatherings and religious services.

“ArifLife app has three major components: events, businesses and news,” says co-founder Ephraim Tekle. “The events section includes concerts, parties, movies and several other events within the community and the business section serves as mobile yellow pages with a variety of business listings ranging from restaurants and coffee shops to barbers and travel agencies.” He points out that the application relies on a largely self service model– allowing the end user such as a business owner or promoter to manually add and update information in the database.

Ephraim notes: “iPhone remains the platform of choice for developers worldwide. Now that Verizon also offers the iPhone, the user base of iPhone users has and will continue to grow significantly. This offers a great opportunity for app developers to tap into an ever expanding customer base.”

And why is the application free and how does ArifSoft plan to make money? “We are currently focused on getting the word out, introducing the technology and platform to businesses, and incorporating more and more regions in our goal to go global over the next few months,” says Bef Ayenew. “We believe in the long term profitability of the app as more and more users on both ends of the spectrum, businesses and end users alike, realize the value it adds, but ultimately our revenue will come primarily from advertisement and listing fees.”
—

You can download ArifLife at the app store and learn more about ArifSoft at www.arifsoft.com.

Ethiopian Runners in the U.S. Vying for a Level Field With Athletes From Ethiopia

Published by Tadias June 7th, 2011 in Events. 9 Comments

2011 San Diego Marathon - Buzunesh Deba finished the race in the fastest time ever run by women in California.

Tadias Magazine
By Jason Jett

Published: Tuesday, June 7, 2011

New York (Tadias) – Buzunesh Deba of New York City ran the 11th-fastest marathon in the world this year in scorching the course on Sunday at the Dodge Rock n’ Roll San Diego Marathon.

Deba, an Ethiopian, won the event by nearly two minutes after completing the first-half of the course alongside fellow countrywoman Misikir Mekkonin. She finished the race in 2:23:31, while Mekkonin, who lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico, was runner-up in a personal best time of 2:25:21.

Deba’s performance on Sunday was described by elite runners coordinator Matthew Turnbull as “one that will make people stand up and take notice.”

It also raises the question: are Ethiopian runners in the United States closing the competitive gap with their compatriots from home?

During the course of the running season in the United States and Canada, major events often come down to a contest between Ethiopians who reside in America and Ethiopians who live in Ethiopia — with many of the runners who travel direct from Addis Ababa being members of the Ethiopian National Athletics Team.

Add in highly competitive Kenyan runners, both those who train in North America and others who travel direct from Kenya, and North America-based Ethiopian runners face a daunting challenge at every competition.

In an attempt to level the field, U.S. based Ethiopian runners are abandoning New York City and Washington, D.C., and seeking high-altitude training grounds of their own

Alemtsehay Misganaw, one of the most consistent athletes on the North America running circuit the past five years, escapes winters by going home to Ethiopia and training at high-altitude from early December to late March — essentially experiencing a second summer each year.

In this seasonal migration she is not alone among runners in the United States. There is a cadre of Ethiopians and Ethiopian-Americans who have found athletic success in America. Serkalem Abra, Genna Tufa and Atalalech Ketema – all seasoned veterans on the North American circuit, also spent last winter at various training sites in and around Addis Ababa, returning to the United States just in time for the spring start of the running season.

With a foot in both countries, either as permanent U.S. residents or traveling with multi-year athletic visa, the runners’ winter mission is to gain enough benefit from Ethiopian altitude-training to be competitive from April to November in races in North America.

Deba, Mekkonin, and other runners who do not spend winter in Ethiopia are training at mountainous locales in this country so they, too, can travel direct from altitude to competitions.

Alemtsehay Misganaw, center, and Mikael Tesfaye, to her left, with
Ethiopian National Athletics Team member Abraham Yilma, right, at
the Jan Meda training course in Addis Ababa. (Photo by Jason Jett).

Belainish Gebre, who won the 2010 Honolulu Marathon, has trained the past three years in Flagstaff, Arizona. Aziza Aliyu, winner of the 2011 ING Miami Marathon, trained last winter in Albuquerque.

Successes speak well for Diaspora athletes, but can they actually catch up to runners who both live and train in Ethiopia?

Misganaw, who won the Virginia Beach Yeungling Shamrock 8K in March and April’s Kentucky Derby Festival Mini-Marathon, said she still has a good base from winter altitude-training and only wishes she could import her coach from Ethiopia.

Mikael Tesfaye has coached Misganaw the past two winters in the absence of her coach-brother Sofonias Ajanew, who in 2009 relocated from Addis Ababa to Luanda to train the Angolan Olympic Team’s track squad.

Tesfaye, a protégé of Ajanew, is an elite runner in his own right, having finished 10th in the 2007 Lebanon Marathon and served as a pacemaker in finishing the 2009 Poznan (Poland) Marathon. Misganaw said her chief benefit from Tesfaye’s coaching comes when pacing through rugged training sessions at sea level in New York City’s Central Park.

Misganaw trained six weeks in the summer of 2009 with Gebre in Flagstaff, and after returning to New York City decided expert coaching and a quality pacemaker can help offset a lack of year-round altitude training.

Retta Feyissa, the coach and manager of Aliyu, said training in Arizona or New Mexico is an option but there is nothing comparable to the rigorous workouts to be had in Ethiopia.

He said, “Many of the Ethiopian runners living in the USA cannot afford to go back and forth to Ethiopia to train for specific races. Training in New Mexico is advantageous, but it is not like training in Ethiopia where you can eat organically and readily find training partners.”

Bill Staab, president of West Side Runners’ Club, which sponsors and advises a large number of international runners based in New York and Washington, said “ideally an Ethiopian runner in the U.S. might live in, say, New York City, go to Albuquerque in the winter and then once a year travel to Ethiopia for two months of intense training for a specific event such as the ING New York City Marathon.”

However, Deriba Merga and Dire Tune, both dominant Ethiopian distance runners, do not see the gap between runners based here and there being closed in World Major races such as the Boston Marathon or the ING New York City Marathon.

“In Ethiopia the conditions are better, the altitude is greater,” Merga, winner of the 2009 Boston Marathon, said after winning the Ottawa 10K last week. Tune, speaking in Amharic, agreed.

“Also, the coaching is better,” added Merga. “Here, one runner has this coach and another has that coach. Runners have their own coach.”

“In Ethiopia we all have the same coach, we are a team,” he said, pointing around a lunch table to 2008 Boston Marathon winner Tune and 2004 Olympian Ejegayehu Dibaba.

“And the culture is different in Ethiopia,” Merga added. “There is more discipline, and a focus on training.”

Asked if such discipline and focus means day-after-day cycles of only running, eating and sleeping, Merga said there is free time in the runners’ schedules.

“I have a car, and I take my girlfriend out to the movies or to a restaurant,” he said. “We like to have a good time.”

Dibaba smiled, and then put her hand over her mouth and the discussion came to an end. Speaking in Amharic, Dibaba said she has free time but “that part of my life is private.”
–

Video: Post-race interview with Buzunesh Deba at the 2011 Dodge San Diego Marathon

About the Author:
Jason Jett is a New York based freelance journalist.

Cover Image:
The photograph shows the first two women to come through Petco Park during the 2011 San Diego Rock-n-Roll marathon. The location is past near the 5 mile marker. The runner in front is Buzunesh Deba, the eventual winner of the marathon. She finished the race in 2:23:31, the fastest time ever run by a woman in California. (Photo by Justin Brown).
—