VOLUME II NUMBER II JUNE-JULY 2004

 


 
 


 


Rekik Alehegn Makonnen
Editor-in-Chief

Dear Readers:
Here are a few announcements to begin with: The 21st annual soccer tournament hosted by the Ethiopian Soccer Federation of North America will be held in Seattle this summer from June 27, 2004 to July 3, 2004. For more information please consult www.esfna.org. In order to improve our services, we have posted a survey on the Tadias website. We encourage our readers to take time to fill it out. Each person completing the survey will be automatically entered into a drawing for a chance to win prizes. Finally, Tadias Magazine is expanding to include a business section and a book review section.

In this issue, we recognize and celebrate the exceptional achievements of a diverse group of Ethiopians and Ethiopian-Americans. Some of you might have heard about Dr. Yonas Geda, who was recently honored by the International Psychogeriatric Association for his pioneering work on Pre-Alzheimer’s state. In an interview, Dr. Geda shared with Tadias his passion for medical research as well as his vision for Ethiopia. Also in the news is fellow scientist Tilahun Yilma, who was elected to the National Academy of Sciences. The dynamic duo behind AkroZee Productions, Zeresenay (Zee) Mehari and actress Akrosia Samson, are not only successful in the film industry but they also shine through their commitment to create films with social messages. In other filmrelated news, Belay Workeneh’s docu-drama “Zemad’s Journey” was nominated for the 2004 Emmy Awards. Tadias also pays tribute to legendary Ethiopian artist Maitre Afework Tekle, whose works are often informed by his love of Ethiopia and by his firm belief in the role of the artist as educator.

Tadias is proud to document the accomplishments of these talented people, who remind us of the value of social commitment and of the need to look beyond our personal goals. Their stories are bold reminders that we should not defer our dreams.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Maitre Afewerk Tekle’s Odyssey as a World Renowned Artist

Speaking about his life-long dedication to the fine arts, Maitre Afewerk Tekle instills 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 asserts with passion and reflection. He teaches us that “art is in every fabric of life.” Few moments are as electric as when the Most Honorable Maitre Artist World Laureate Afewerk Tekle walks through a crowded auditorium at Stanford University to give an insider’s view of his accomplishments and life adventures. continued...


Dinkenesh Designs Makes its Debut
Sahlem Belai, aka Lucy, was born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and came to the United States when she was 10. She is an up-and-coming designer based in the Washington, D.C. area. Her interest in sewing and her love of fabric began at around age 7 when her mother took her to Merkato. She was fascinated by all the beautiful tilet, dresses, and shemanes at work. continued...


A Tale of Two Filmmakers in Hollywood


Immigration Reform and its impact on Ethio-Americans


Interview with Dr. Yonas Geda


Diaspora’s Contribution to Ethiopia’s Economic Progress


News and Updates from Different Cities


Parents' Corner: Advice on Raising Children in America


Remembering Ethiopia

African Americans and Ethiopia On the Eve of the Fascist Invasion

Introducing Book Review

Dear Editors,

Tadias has become such an amazing magazine. Reading about Professor Lemma Senbet was not only entertaining, but also an inspiration to young professionals in every discipline. Please applaud Meklit Workneh for me; her piece was the one I liked most. What a palpable and lively description about hair.


Surafel K. Gebreselassie
Detroit, MI

Dear Editors,

I would like to thank you for writing such an interesting article about Aster Yilma and what she is doing with the community. This article just inspired me to ask so many questions and gave me so many ideas. She is marvelous and I hope to hear more from her. We should all follow her lead and set up a scholarship with the ones that we are proud of and should be remembered for the decades to come. I have been reading Tadias for a while and you guys are doing an excellent job, keep up the good work.

Thank You
Fitsum Kassie
Via the Internet


 


History
Dear Professor Bekerie,

I am a senior at the University of Alberta, Canada. I read your article on Iquib and Idir: Socio-Economic Traditions of the Ethiopians (January- March 2004). I found it interesting as well as informative; however, the article has more of an economic orientation than the social and psychological contributions of “Idir” and “Iqub”. These, centuries-old economic, social, and psychological support networks and cooperatives, in my opinion, need to be seen in light of their overall being and contribution since their being and purposes are multidimensional. Thanks for the interesting article!

Sincerely,
Endale Negussie
Via the Internet

Professor Bekerie's Response
Dear Endale,
You are absolutely right; the social and psychological dimensions of Idir and Iquib are equally significant. In this brief article, I tried to focus on the economic aspect of Idir and Iquib. Clearly there is a need for more elaboration of these enduring traditions. Congratulations in advance for completing your undergraduate study at the University of Alberta. I wish you all the best. Your positive feedback is highly appreciated.

Ayele Bekerie
Ithaca, New York

More Letters

Special Thanks:

Our warm thanks to Girma Bekele for providing us with photos for our Hot Shots section from Shiferaw Girma’s art exhibiton in San Jose.

Our deepest gratitude goes to Zerhun Bezabeh for his work on the cover photo shoot.