First Ethiopian Delegation to the U. S. in 1919 Made Headlines
by Liben Eabisa

The arrival of an Abyssinian mission to the United States on July 11, 1919 made headlines in Chicago where reporters eagerly awaited their opportunity to meet and interview the delegation. Dejasmatch Nadew, Empress Zawdituís nephew and Commander of the Imperial Army, along with Ato Belaten-ghetta Hiruy Wolde Sellassie, Mayor of Addis Ababa, Kentiba Gebru, Mayor of Gonder, and Ato Sinkas, Dejamatch Nadew's secretary comprised the first official Ethiopian delegation to the United States in the summer of 1919. The main purpose of their trip was to renew the 1904 Treaty of Amity (Friendship) between the United States and Ethiopia, the only sovereign nation in Africa at the time. The treaty had expired in 1917. This four-man delegation to the United States became known as the Abyssinian mission. The distinguished delegation headed to the White House in Washington D.C. after staying at the elegant Waldorf-Astoria in Chicago.

The group visited the U.S. at a time when blacks were by law second-class citizens and the most common crime against American blacks was lynching. Before leaving Chicago an interviewer asked the delegation what they thought about lynching in the U.S. The representatives responded "[We] dislike brutality... lynching of any nature, and other outrages heaped upon your people."

African-Americans were inspired to see a proud African delegation being treated with so much respect by U.S. officials. Newspapers reported that in honor of the delegation's visit "the flag of Abyssinia, which is of green, yellow, and red horizontal stripes, flew over the national capitol." Reporters recorded that the delegation expressed their support for the struggle of American blacks and gave them words of encouragement. A member of the press had inquired if the group had advice to African-Americans. Ato Hiruy Wolde Sellassie, who spoke fluent English, replied "Fight on. Donít Stop."

The Ethiopian presence at the Waldorf Astoria, dressed in their traditional white robe and pant attire attracted large attention.

Upon arriving in Washington D.C. they took up residence at Hotel Lafayette and awaited their formal presentation at the White House. The delegationís chaperon, Captain Morris told reporters "It perhaps is of much interest to know that the Abyssinian religion is the oldest Christian religion in the world. The queen of Sheba, who visited Solomon was once their queen, and the present ruler is descended from the queen of Sheba."

The Abyssinian Mission enjoyed an overall warm welcome and before returning to Ethiopia, they toured the cities of New York and San Francisco. They also visited an Irish Catholic cathedral, a Jewish synagogue, the Metropolitan Baptist Church in Harlem, and Yellowstone National Park.