Surafel Assaminew - A Brief Biography

Surafel Assaminew was born to his father, the highly regarded Ethiopian Journalist, Ato Assaminew Gebreweld, and to his mother Weizero Sosina Bekele in 1973.

He attended the Nativity School of Addis Ababa until the 8th grade, and then transferred to Saint Joseph School to begin his high school education.

Unfortunately, the perilous political environment in Ethiopia at that time made it impossible for him to finish his schooling in the country. He moved to the United States and completed his high school education at the Oneida Baptist Institute in Kentucky.

Surafel went on to attend Dekalb Community College in Atlanta and attained his associate's degree in Political Science. Testimony to his love of learning, he entered Southern Polytechnic in Marietta, Georgia, and was slated to graduate in Electrical Engineering in December 2003.

Surafel was known by all as a kind human being, eager to learn and help fellow Ethiopian citizens. He made it a point to visit the indigent, help acclimate the newcomer, and comfort those in pain.

Surafel was also an accomplished poet and musician, and has made an indelible mark in the world of Ethiopian Hip-Hop and Rap. He has regaled his beloved country of Ethiopia in several poems and was an avid reader of her history.

Surafel was a gentleman, an obedient son and a loving brother. He was mercilessly gunned down by police on Tuesday, September 16,2003.

It is the family's hope that he did not die in vain, and that the community will rally for justice.

Surafel's children's book donated to local church

Burntface Album w/ Surafel