Aurora lawmakers appoint Ethiopian immigrant to fill city council vacancy

The Aurora City Council appointed Amsalu Kassaw to fill a vacant at-large city council seat, making him the first minority immigrant resident to serve on the council.

“I’m very happy,” Kassaw said with shocked excitement. “I thought it was going to be tied.” Kassaw, who immigrated from Ethiopia, brings a unique perspective and background to the city’s board of lawmakers, fellow city council members and supporters said Monday after he was nominated. Former City Councilmember Ingrid Lindemann, an Aurora teacher, who was elected to the city council in the 1990s, was an East German immigrant, naturalized and married to Don Lindemann, and prominent veteran. Virginia “Ginny” Zinth was appointed to the city council in the mid-2000s after sitting on the Aurora Planning Commission. Zinth was a naturalized immigrant from Scotland. The appointment was finalized with a 6-4 vote, with council members Angela Lawson, Ruben Medina, Stephanie Hancock, Danielle Jurinsky, Steve Sundberg and Mayor Mike Coffman supporting Kassaw. Reflecting on Medina’s unexpected support, Kassaw praised the vote as an example of bi-partisanship,  which he hoped other council members might be inspired by. “He put people over politics about party,” Kassaw, a Republican, said. Medina is a Democrat. Kassaw’s other city council supporters are Republicans or vote with the GOP council caucus. Partisan politics have become a regular, controversial feature on the officially non-partisan city council.

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Meet the proud Ethiopian Israeli New Yorker who was born to cook

Long before she was a professional chef and restaurateur, Ethiopia-born Israeli-raised Beejhy Barhany would hold Shabbat dinners in her New York apartment for anyone who wanted to eat. “On Friday night, there was always food at Beejhy’s,” she recalls. At every one of her Friday night dinners, guests would enjoy some traditional yemarina yewotet dabo – the Ethiopian honey-and-milk-bread equivalent to challah. And Barhany will be demonstrating how to make it at this year’s Limmud. Barhany can remember the excitement of being a seven-year-old girl making the three-year exodus from her birth country to Israel back in 1983. “It was exciting going to the promised land, to Jerusalem, the land of our forefathers, where we could unite with our fellow Jews from all over the world. And with that idealism, people did whatever it took to fulfil it. They left all their belonging, their homes, their land.” Such was the determination to be in Israel, it took her family three years to make Aliyah, the epic journey including a lengthy stay in Sudan. From there, a cousin who worked with the Mossad eventually arranged transport to Israel, and they drove from Sudan to Kenya, Uganda and Europe before flying to Israel. “We made it to Israel,” she says. “It was a dream come true for everybody.” Even before she made it to the promised land, Barhany was helping her mother, grandmother and aunts with food preparation, gradually learning the various techniques, the wonders of hospitality, generosity and tradition. Cooking and hospitality, she says, are attributes with which she “was born”.

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Fall 2024 Children’s Flying Starts: Tigest Girma

Debut author Tigest Girma is good at keeping secrets. After all, it’s how she started her writing career, quietly typing dystopian stories influenced by Suzanne Collins’s The Hunger Games and Veronica Roth’s Divergent on Wattpad during her teenage years. Following her and her family’s move from their hometown of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to Melbourne, Australia, for her father’s job, Girma says she found that books were “the only place I could be equal to” her peers. She was immediately drawn to paranormal romance, a subgenre she hadn’t had much access to in Ethiopia. “I immersed myself in these weird monster girl stories that helped me cope with transitioning so dramatically from an African country to the Western world. I think that’s where my love of vampires and this escaping into a dark world came from.”

After she’d read every paranormal romance in her high school’s library, Girma realized that she could just write her own. Her dreams of becoming a writer were born in those private hours spent spinning tales online to no one’s knowledge. But she also recognized that the path to becoming an author would likely be a challenging one. Seeing so few Black writers, and even fewer Ethiopian writers, Girma chose to work as a teacher, a role “that would sustain my writing,” she says. “I needed an actual job until this dream could come true at one point.”

Girma wrote three different manuscripts—all fantasies, the last two contemporary tales set in Ethiopia—before landing on the idea of vampires. She was inspired by the release of Black Panther, a film that “blew my mind” and “shamed me a little,” she says. Seeing a cast full of Black characters, Girma decided she wanted all her characters to be Black and injected her African culture into her stories. As Girma saw the rise of authors such as Tomi Adeyemi, she didn’t lose hope: “There’s room for us. I would just keep saying to myself, Try again. Don’t change the story you’re doing.”

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Black Business Spotlight: Selam Restaurant

Selam Restaurant, a small family-owned and operated gem in South Minneapolis, offers an immersive experience into the rich cultural tapestry of Ethiopia. Owned by Belai Mergia and Rahel Tassew, Selam embodies the couple’s journey, values, and commitment to authenticity. “Selam,” meaning peace and a warm greeting of “hello” in Amharic, reflects the owners’ dedication to fostering unity. With its mouthwatering menu, exquisite murals, and familial warmth, Selam has become a beloved gathering spot that invites diners to connect with the spirit of Ethiopia. Both Mergia and Tassew are originally from Ethiopia. They moved to Minnesota in 1991, with Rahel having lived in New Jersey since 1984. Tassew’s journey as a refugee was shaped by the violence of the civil war, a brutal conflict that saw many of his friends fall victim to government oppression. His personal experiences during that period deeply shaped his outlook on life and his commitment to building a peaceful future for his family and community. He crafted Selam into an offering of peace in a bustling city. It began as a coffee shop in 2007, but Mergia and Tassew’s dream was always to open a full-service Ethiopian restaurant. The couple faced setbacks early on due to zoning issues and limited funds, so they were obliged to focus on a cafe. Years of hard work paid off, and their determination and resourcefulness led them to make Selam Restaurant a reality post-pandemic in 2021.

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The unique Ethiopian festival with Jerusalem at its heart

When Rabbi Dr Sharon Shalom was a little boy, he and friend set off from their village in Ethiopia to find the Promised Land. They were unable to get very far on that occasion but less than two years later, aged eight, he made the long trek to a camp in Sudan and with an aunt and uncle was brought to Israel with the help of naval commandos. It was to be another two years before he learned that news he had previously been given of his parents’ death had been mistaken and he was reunited with them. Probably no other diaspora community has held the hope of Zion so close to their hearts as the Beta Israel of Ethiopia. When people saw migrating storks who had flown over Israel on the way from Europe, it was the custom to call  to the birds and ask how were things in Jerusalem. In the 1860s, the French Orientalist Professor Joseph Halevi went on an expedition to Ethiopia to try to make contact with the community of Jews said to be living there. When he reached them, the sight of a white-skinned Jew perplexed them and they were unsure of how to take him. But when he mentioned the word “Jerusalem”, their doubts fell away. “Like lightning in the dark of night, the word ‘Jerusalem’ lit up the eyes and hearts of my lost brothers,” he recorded. That spiritual connection is embedded in the unique festival of Sigd, which is celebrated this week. For most Jews, after the festival-packed month of Tishri, the succeeding Cheshvan is a barren month with no special days of its own. But for the Beta Israel, Sigd represents the culmination of the autumn season; just as Shavuot marks 50 days from Pesach, so Sigd marks 50 days from Yom Kippur. Technically, it falls on Cheshvan 29, but because that is Shabbat this year, the festivities take place earlier on Thursday.

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Exhibition of the Year

With ‘Ethiopia at the Crossroads’, the Walters Art Museum brought the largest exhibition of historic Ethiopian art and culture ever assembled outside the country to viewers in the United States. Thanks to the perseverance and dedication of curator Christine Sciacca, this stunning exhibition delighted viewers in Baltimore, the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem and the Toledo Museum of Art this year. On display were objects of the highest quality, ranging from Aksumite gold coins and illuminated medieval manuscripts to an incomparable range of 15th- to 19th-century icon and mural paintings, as well as an exquisite selection of ancient neck, hand and processional crosses. These were shown with comparative works from Pharaonic and Coptic Egypt, Late Rome and Byzantium, Sabaean Yemen, Armenia and Syria.  The exhibition has been a game changer, coinciding with a quarter century of growing interest in Ethiopian art and culture in North America. While previous international exhibitions have come and gone, this one is virtually permanent, living on in the Walters’ own growing collections and in the handsomely illustrated and well-researched catalogue that accompanied the show. Being a contributor to the catalogue myself, I was determined to see the exhibition first hand, which I did both at the Walters and in Toledo.

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Toledo Museum of Art becomes first major museum to Acquire Artwork using Cryptocurrencies

The Toledo Museum of Art (TMA) has made a historic purchase with the acquisition of the digital artwork Abyssinian Queen (2024) by the Ethiopian artist collective Yatreda ያጥሬዳ. This transaction marks the first time a major museum has used cryptocurrency to buy an artwork. The purchase was made using USDC (a stablecoin pegged to the U.S. dollar), which will be transferred on the Ethereum blockchain. Abyssinian Queen is a one-of-one NFT and part of a series by the same name. The work was showcased in an immersive installation featuring four NFTS in the TMA’s “Ethiopia at the Crossroads” exhibition, which closed on November 10th. A tribute to the legendary queens of ancient Ethiopia rendered in Yatreda’s signature black-and-white, slow-motion video format, the work features a queen adorned in traditional jewelry and seated on a throne. The acquisition highlights the TMA’s ongoing diversification of its digital art collection, which now includes five works. “The work connects with our historic holdings in meaningful ways while also contributing to our ongoing efforts to support the evolving digital arts ecosystem,” said Adam Levine, the TMA’s director. “When we buy a new artwork from a French gallery, we pay in euros; when we buy from an English auction house, we pay in pounds. In this case, we are purchasing from the Web3 artist collective Yatreda ያጥሬዳ, so it only made sense to try to transact in their preferred currency.”

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New cafe in Richardson spotlights fine Ethiopian coffee and pastries

Acoffee shop has opened in Richardson with serious coffee roots: Called Fanah Cafe and Pastry, it's in a center at 139 N. Plano Rd. and Belt Line Road, where it's serving authentic Ethiopian coffee, lattes, and pastry baked in-house. Owner Esayas Zeweldi was born in Ethiopia and moved to Dallas in 2008. In his early years in the U.S., he worked as a barista at UT Southwestern, then at Jasmine Market and Café. He went on to build a career in medical transportation and tech manufacturing — but his love for coffee never faded, and he decided to open his own shop. "Since I came to the United States, that was my dream," Zeweldi says. "Nobody showed me the way, but I had it in me." They serve traditional beverages including espresso, cappuccinos, and brewed coffee, and will be adding a collection of specialty lattes as well. They've partnered with Dilla Coffee Roasters in Deep Ellum, which specializes in Ethiopian beans. Ethiopia boasts some of the highest quality coffee beans grown in the world. The country is known for its diverse array of bean varietals, some of which have been cultivated for centuries. Fanah will also soon offer an Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony, with boiled coffee served to participants on small cups that sit on a tray, meant to be shared. “In my country coffee is all about conversation, we have a coffee ceremony, you call your neighbors, enjoy some time with them. With drive-thru concepts and quick coffee pick up, we lost the connection, I want people to have a good time," Zeweldi says.

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Jews of Ethiopian descent plan state-of-the-art cultural and heritage center in Be’er Sheva

A community center which serves Israel’s second-largest community of Ethiopian Jews is set to get a much-needed upgrade, with plans to turn it into a state-of-the-art educational and heritage center, thanks to the generosity of Jewish National Fund–USA partners (donors).

Shavu Banim [The Sons Shall Return (to their borders)] Center was built for the 13,000-strong community by the Be’er Sheva Municipality in 1992, with the view for it to become their spiritual and cultural home. Over the years, despite the importance of the center, it has fallen into disrepair, and there has been no funding to do much needed renovations for the past 32 years. Earlier this year, the municipality began to renovate, however, the plan ran into issues. This is where Jewish National Fund-USA came into the picture. Over the years, the organization has developed a relationship based on friendship and mutual collaboration with the young educator and trailblazer, Naftali Aklum, himself a member of the Beer Sheva Ethiopian Jewish community and a Jerusalem Post 25 Young ViZionaries awardee, who lobbies for their rights and shares their incredible culture to audiences across the world.

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Behind the design: Architectus Conrad Gargett discusses revitalising Africa Hall in Ethiopia

Architectus Conrad Gargett has transformed Ethiopia's iconic Africa Hall, enhancing its historic significance as a cultural venue while honoring its original design. Project architect Simon Boundy shares insights into this remarkable renovation. In Ethiopia, Architectus Conrad Gargett has revitalised the UN’s historic Africa Hall, creating a world-class conference and cultural venue. The 1961 modernist masterpiece stands as a symbol of African unity – the venue for key conferences and events that have shaped modern African history and led to the formation of the African Union. The renovation centred on interpreting and honouring the original design intent, while modernising the building and creating an engaging visitor experience that shares the history of this significant building. Every detail was considered in this project, including the significant artworks and furniture which included the restoration of over 500 original mid-century pieces. InteriorsAu writer Marcus Baumgart chats to project architect Simon Boundy about this fascinating project. Marcus Baumgart: I’m interested in this idea of the building having been described as a ‘monument’. Can you unpack that word in the context of the significance of the building and the site?

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From Ethiopia to Ohio State, Ontario’s Miller has embarked on fantastic voyage

The sun has just dipped below the horizon as Ontario quarterback Bodpegn Miller and a handful of his receivers squeeze the last drops of daylight out of this unusually warm and breezy early-November afternoon. The dying light has painted the feathery clouds loitering overhead impossibly vibrant shades of purple, pink and orange, a sunset straight out of a Bob Ross painting. It’s an idyllic backdrop for the scene of Americana unfolding on the practice field behind Niss Stadium. Fleet-footed receivers dart across the lush grass, running post patterns and crossing routes. The 6-foot-4 Miller spins one tight spiral after another into their outstretched arms, hitting each in stride.

“These guys are like my brothers,” Miller said once the daylight finally expires and the training session closes. “We’re a family.”

‘Everyone is Just One Family’

Family means something more to Miller, who was adopted by Alan and Deanna Miller and arrived in north central Ohio from his native Ethiopia in 2012 — when he was 5 years old. He left behind a mother, an aunt, three older brothers and a younger sister. “It was kind of scary at first. I didn’t really speak English and there were some growing pains while I got used to everything,” Bodpegn said of leaving behind his family and the only life he ever knew. “But I have a loving family here. They were patient with me and they accepted me.” Deanna Miller graduated from Ontario and met her husband while they were both in the military during a training session in Texas. The couple married and had three children of their own before deciding to adopt.

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Bentley scholar wins Hungerford Award

Bentley-based writer Dr Yirga Gelaw Woldeyes has been awarded the prestigious City of Fremantle Hungerford Award for his book Trials of Hope (የተስፋ ፈተና), an autobiographical work that chronicles his journey from boy shepherd in Ethiopia to human rights academic at Curtin University. The Hungerford Award, which was judged anonymously, is a biennial prize recognising unpublished manuscripts by Western Australian authors. Written in both English and Amharic poetry and prose, the memoir’s English narrative took two years to complete, while the Amharic poems were developed over several decades. Yirga, who works as a multidisciplinary senior lecturer, researcher, and writer at Curtin University, focuses on human rights education and cultural studies. Now standing alongside acclaimed writers who have previously won the award, including Gail Jones, Kim Scott, Brenda Walker, Natasha Lester, and Holden Sheppard, with last year’s winner Molly Schmidt, Yirga said that winning the award provides confirmation that his work is valued and motivates him to continue writing and pursue new projects. “The Hungerford Award means an opening of hope, a realisation that stories and languages like mine could have places in a world where they are rarely heard,” he said.

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Ethiopian culture is retold through blockchain technology

The Yatreda ያጥሬዳ collective, composed of a family of six creatives, wants to put a spotlight on Ethiopia, championing the stories of fallen empires, mythology, warriors who conquered, of forgetting and new cultures, religion and languages. And it does so through monochromatic motion portraits and NFTs. Yatreda’s origin began with a dream. The creative director Kiya Tadele had always wanted to make a movie about the Adwa victory, the 1896 events that saw Ethiopians’ victory over Italian colonial forces. Over four years, the collective has created multiple projects including ‘Kingdom of Ethiopia’, one that captures and celebrates Ethiopian kings, warriors and kingdom; and ‘Strong hair’, which celebrates the beauty of Ethiopian hairstyles in 100 motion portraits. The collective's most recent project, ‘Abyssinian Queen’, opened at the Toledo Museum of Art in Ohio, USA, and is an appreciation of Ethiopian oral history, based on the story of a queen who is carried by her own people. The project was made during a residency at the Toledo Museum and features a 1,700-year history of artworks from Ethiopia. Here, Wallpaper* chats with Kiya Tadele, creative director of Yatreda ያጥሬዳ, about the collective, celebrating amazing stories of Ethiopia through motion portraits, and ‘Abyssinian Queen’.

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To Get Through This Election, Eat Some Ethiopian Food

The 2024 election—like every election, really—is a reminder that voters have very few choices when it comes to deciding who will get to set the national agenda for the next several years. It's stifling. For the politically homeless among us, who likely feel a bit suffocated at this juncture, it may be time to seek out a more diverse palette—in the form of Ethiopian food.

Palette is the operative word, because an Ethiopian spread is truly the start of a work of art. Served on a spongy pancake called injera, the meal often consists of an array of vegetarian dishes—Chickpea stew! Potatoes! Split peas! Collard greens!—meted out in happy little circles, with a glob of meat as the centerpiece (if you eat meat). Bob Ross, but make it edible. Each dish brings its own unique spice profile, with the warmth of berbere seasoning and the earthy depth of turmeric creating a flavor experience that's as diverse as it is satisfying. The colors and textures stimulate not just the taste buds but the senses as a whole. Utensils? Who needs them? Additional helpings of injera, provided as a side, are the vehicle here, used to scoop up combinations of the many choices before you. The possibilities are endless.

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The Book of Me looks at the pitfalls of international adoption

MPAACT (Ma’at Production Association of Afrikan Centered Theatre) produces a surprising story centered around the Afrikan diaspora at the Greenhouse Theater. Written by Leonard House, The Book of Me follows the birthday celebration of an 18-year-old who was adopted from Ethiopia by a U.S. couple, and her attempt to find out more about her birth parents. Directed by Carla Stillwell, the show dives into controversial emotions surrounding adoption from the perspective of the adoptee, Wanda (Rita Wicks), and her adoptive mother, Abby (Alexandria Crawford). Wanda is supported by her longtime friend Camille, or Milly (Heather-Grace Bach) after her mother sets up an unwanted party for her 18th birthday. Wanda’s emotionally absent father Charles (Tamarus Harvell) spends the day failing to hide his affair with a coworker, while continuing to distance himself from Abby and her narcissistic instability. At its core, Book of Me is a story about trying to piece together who you are, while missing the most important pieces. While Wanda believes her birth parents gave her up because they couldn’t afford to raise her, she plans a post-high-school-graduation trip to Ethiopia with Camille. Wanda begs and eventually demands Abby relinquish her birth certificate so she can get a passport, but ultimately Abby refuses, holding on to a more disturbing secret.

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Navigating Dubai’s Real Estate Market: Insights from Ethiopian Property Consultant Samrawit A. Kassaye

As an Ethiopian who has successfully transitioned into Dubai’s highly competitive real estate industry, Samrawit A. Kassaye offers a unique perspective on navigating this dynamic market. With a passion for real estate sparked at a young age, Samrawit’s career journey is an inspiring tale of perseverance, strategic thinking, and deep industry knowledge. Her insights into the market, particularly for Ethiopian and African investors, provide invaluable guidance for those looking to enter or expand their portfolios in Dubai. Samrawit’s story begins in Addis  Ababa, where her interest in real estate was kindled by shows like MTV Cribs. “I’ve always had an interest in architecture, design, and the intricacies of homes,” she recalls. After studying Marketing Management at Addis Ababa University, she applied her skills in a local real estate firm, quickly rising to the top. Her early success in Ethiopia gave her the confidence to explore opportunities abroad, which eventually led her to Dubai—one of the world’s fastest-growing real estate markets. Dubai’s vibrant property market, coupled with its international appeal, provided the perfect environment for Samrawit to expand her expertise. She joined Eagle Hills, a global real estate brand, where she gained exposure to luxury and international markets. This experience was crucial in preparing her for the challenges of Dubai’s competitive market.

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Louisville restaurant offers informal course on Ethiopian dining and hospitality

Abyssinia has been serving Ethiopian cuisine in downtown Louisville for more than a decade. The owners emphasize the experience of Ethiopian hospitality along with good food.

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How One Street Over Combines Flavors Of Ethiopia, Eritrea And India

Faven Ressom and Mable Abraham wanted a place that combined the culture of Atlanta with the flavors of Ethiopia, Eritrea and India. Ressom and Mable provides that experience with their restaurant One Street Over. During a recent food tasting, Ressom, Mable and Chef Scotley Innis provided insight on what patrons can expect from One Street Over. Some of the menu items include Salmon Tandoori, Spiced Corn Ribs, Wings, Lamb Sliders, and Berbere Tibs Taco. Ressom shared why it was important to infuse cultures with this venture. “Mable is from Mumbai, India, and my family’s there too, but I was born in Ethiopia,” Ressom said. “I am what’s known as Habesha. So it’s basically using the spices, seasoning and cooking style of cultures we created with Chef Scotley Innis. This is really something that we’re really, really passionate about. This is kind of a gateway for us, to introduce people to our native culture, our cuisine, and to kind of get them interested and excited about actually going and experiencing the Ethiopian food, the Indian food. This is a very subtle way of introducing people to our cuisine and our culture as well. And as you guys know, Atlanta is very diverse. However, it’s very segregated. We wanted to create something that’s kind of central for us to get a little bit comfortable, familiar with the food together.”

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Mahi’s Ethiopian Kitchen: A taste of Africa arrives in downtown Columbia

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Diaspora Community in Montgomery County – A call to Participate in the Racial Equity and Social Justice Survey

The Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice (ORESJ) is conducting a survey seeking input from Black, Indigenous, and Other People of Color (BIPOC) in Montgomery County. Attached are seven languages: French, Amharic, Vietnamese, Chinese, Korean, English, and Spanish. Your input is crucial in informing and shaping the county’s efforts to achieve racial equity and social justice goals which could have a significant impact on our community. Please note: the deadline for completing this survey is Wednesday, October 30^th.   URL: Link to the surveys in 7 different languages:

1. Amharic - https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LSBXQ7J
2. Chinese - https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LR9C8WF
3. English - https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/VNBS5R9
4. French - https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LSNSVD7
5. Korean - https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LSHMDR3
6. Spanish - https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZHR8KYS
7. Vietnamese - https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/D7KKFD8

 

Herrana Addisu’s Film “River” Sheds Light On Beauty Standards In Ethiopian Culture

What does visibility look like? Growing up in Ethiopia, SheaMoisture Grant-winning filmmaker and artist Herrana Addisu’s life’s work has been devoted to shedding light on women in conflict and beauty standards in her home country. This is also the case in her recent film River, supported by Tina Knowles. “[River is] a story I’ve been writing in my head my whole life because it’s the existence and livelihood of my childhood,” Addisu tells ESSENCE. After winning the Blueprint Grant last August, SheaMoisture sponsored her creative agency Chucha Studios to produce the film, actualizing a narrative the Black community can relate to. Honing in on culturally-sensitive and political themes—from water and education access to ancestral lessons, forced marriage, and beauty standards—Adisu took the funds back to Ethiopia (to collaborate with the local production house Qene Films) to tell her story. “I wanted the film to have complicated conversations that we don’t always have in this day and age,” she says. For example, Ethiopian stick and poke body tattooing (called “Niksat”) is a common tradition strung through each of her pieces. “Growing up, I always thought it was so beautiful,” she says. “But, there is this sense of resentment towards it because a lot of women didn’t feel like they consented to having a permanent tattoo.”

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On Ethiopian New Year, “Meskel Flower” Is a Love Letter to Our Culture

Every September 11—as the rains retreat and the earth drinks its final drops—the golden petals of the Meskel flower are blooming across Ethiopia. They blanket the highlands in yellow brilliance, a living tapestry that signals the dawn of a new year: Enkutatash, the Ethiopian New Year. While the world waits for the cold grip of winter to mark the start of its calendar, Ethiopia steps into 2017, holding onto a unique timeline rooted in its own heritage. In a world hurtling toward 2025, Ethiopia stands anchored in its own rhythm, a subtle reminder that time moves differently here, steeped in the kind of history and culture that refuses to be rushed. This isn’t just another New Year. It’s a reclamation. A renaissance. As Ghana's 'Year of Return' turned the eyes of the African diaspora back to the continent, Ethiopia has quietly been sparking its own cultural revival, one that transcends tourism. It is a deep reconnection with roots, an affirmation that despite conflict and struggle, this ancient land is not only surviving—it is thriving. Ethiopia has always set the stage for global influence—starting with Lucy, the oldest human ancestor, who marked the very beginning of humanity. One of the only African nations that was never colonized, as Ethiopia remained unbroken, the world took notice. The red, yellow, and green of its flag didn’t just represent a nation; they became the symbol for independence movements across the globe.

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An entrepreneur’s journey from rural Ethiopia to global finance – and back

Yonas Alemu, founder of the food company Lovegrass Ethiopia, has navigated a remarkable path – from growing up in rural Ethiopia, to working as an investment banker in London, and ultimately returning to his homeland to start a business. In a recent interview with How we made it in Africa, Yonas reflected on his upbringing in a farming community in Ethiopia, where some of his earliest memories involve waking up before dawn to help in the teff fields. Teff, a tiny grass seed native to Ethiopia, is among the world’s oldest cultivated crops, domesticated between 6,000 and 4,000 BC. For millennia, Ethiopians have used teff flour to make injera, a flat, spongy sourdough bread that is a staple in their diet. Celebrated as a superfood, teff is gluten-free and rich in nutrients such as iron, magnesium, manganese, calcium, zinc, and vitamins B and C. Even Ethiopian elite runner Haile Gebrselassie has credited teff as a factor in his athletic success. In Yonas’s village, education was available only up to grade eight, after which many children returned to household chores and farming. However, Yonas’s parents were determined that all their children receive a proper education. To continue his studies, Yonas had to walk 12 kilometres to a nearby town. After a year of this arduous commute, his brother, who had established a business in Addis Ababa, took him to the capital, where Yonas completed his high school education.

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Meet the Black Teenager Fighting Cancer —With Soap He Invented

Overview: Skin cancer is one of the most common forms of the disease, but is treatable if caught early. Inspired by field workers in Ethiopia, Hemen Bekele’s invention could make skin cancer treatment affordable and accessible. (WIB) – Before he was old enough to start kindergarten, Heman Bekele began using dishwashing liquid and other household chemicals to see what concoctions he could whip up. At age 7, Heman’s parents gave him a chemistry set for his birthday — and things got a bit more serious. He’d already started learning about chemical reactions online, so he got inventive and mixed the kit’s sodium hydroxide with aluminum to produce heat. “I thought that this could be a solution to energy, to making an unlimited supply,” he told TIME magazine. His curiosity and desire to make the world a better place through chemistry resulted in a first-place finish in the 3M Company’s 2023 Young Scientist Challenge — and made him the winner of TIME magazine’s 2024 Kid of the Year. The rising 10^th grader created a compound-based soap to treat skin cancer. The magazine said Heman’s “ambition” and “selflessness”earned him the recognition.

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Development … For Good: “Diverse Thought Yields Better Results”

Maleda Berhane understood at a young age how some of the transformations resulting from real estate and infrastructure development projects could be far less tangible than the concrete and rebar used to build them. As a child in Ethiopia, she came to this understanding watching her successful civil engineer father on job sites as he oversaw the construction of roadways and bridges that would provide access to healthcare facilities, food and water to some of the most remote parts of the county. “Roadways would open and allow for transportation to connect remote areas to life-changing resources,” Berhane says. “At a very young age, I had the privilege of witnessing the impact of what might just seem like moving dirt or putting down paving, and how it could transform not only individual lives, but also communities and villages and entire generations of people.” Now, as CEO and co-founder of Philadelphia real estate development company AR Spruce, Berhane is still driven by the early-forged realization that decisions made in development, as arcane as they sometimes seem, have direct and tremendous impacts. This realization has yielded a set of questions about real estate development in Philly that Berhane has been asking herself — and, increasingly, others — for over two decades now: Who actually gets to make those decisions, and how can a greater number of traditionally excluded voices participate in doing so? The real estate and construction industries have long been dominated by White male workers and decision-makers. Though the spaces are starting to inch closer to parity, wide chasms remain: According to a 2023 report from the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, women represent just 11 percent of all workers in construction (and this figure includes office and clerical positions), and Black workers make up just 7 percent of the industry (though they comprise 13 percent of the U.S. labor force).

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Young Crochet Prodigy That Turned His Hobby Into Business Continues To Wow The World (42 Pics)

Five years ago, an 11-year-old boy became an internet sensation over his love and talent for crochet goods. Today, Jonah Larson is a 16-year-old, and his hobby that then flourished into a business is still going strong.

Jonah was adopted from Ethiopia when he was only 6 months old, and now he lives in La Crosse, Wisconsin. From the early age of 5, Jonah was introduced to crocheting, which soon became his passion. Over the years, the boy has crocheted many sweaters, hats, blankets, toys, and basically anything you can think of.

So today, we've compiled a selection of his works into a list that we hope will inspire you to never give up on your hobbies.

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How We Chose TIME’s 2024 Kid of the Year

For over a century, TIME has covered influence and leadership. Typically, those we recognize are fully grown adults—in the prime of their careers or sage elders reflecting on long experience. But there are exceptions. From climate activist Greta Thunberg (16 when she was named Person of the Year in 2019) or Millie Bobby Brown (14 when she made the 2018 TIME100 list), some prove that youth is no impediment to achievement.

In fact, young people are some of the most impressive individuals out there—and not just because they’ve had fewer years in which to hone their talents. They are not just examples of human attainment, but also reason to believe that the future they’ll lead will be a bright one.

That’s why we choose to recognize TIME’s Kid of the Year. After all, we could use a little bit more of that hope.

This year’s list is a collaboration between TIME and TIME for Kids. This spring, we put out a call looking for young leaders who are making admirable contributions in a range of fields—including social justice, science, and business. Editors and writers combed through submissions and conducted our own research, searching for stand-out kids in the U.S. ages 8-16. Then, as part of the selection process, a team of TFK Kid Reporters weighed in on the honorees. We learned about hundreds of kids with strong records of achievement, service to others, innovation, entrepreneurship, and more.

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Rochester welcomes its first Ethiopian store

Rochester welcomed its first Ethiopian store earlier this summer. Adey Abeba General Import and Ethiopian Store is an Ethiopian store that carries a variety of cultural items and Ethiopian food options. Kebebe Abay, the owner of Adey Abebe, is Ethiopian and knows the struggle of finding ingredients for traditional foods, especially in the Minnesota area. Abay is from Eagan, but has friends in the Ethiopian community in Rochester. Abay spent time in Rochester and announced his plans to the St. George Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church. He was met with positive feedback and excitement. “We studied the community over here,” said Abay. “We sat and discussed and when I told our friends here, when we told them (they were) very happy.” He knew there wasn’t anywhere to get certain Ethiopian ingredients in the area and people were coming to the cities two to four times a month for these items. One of these staples is injera, a thin Ethiopian flatbread. “Everybody at home has injera. This is common. For example, Americans have to have bread. This is like that all the time. You have to have this. So they go to Minneapolis or St. Paul. They buy two or three (bags of injera) for a week or for 15 days,” he said.

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Aurora Ethiopian leader set on writing his community’s story

The City of Aurora says it is "Open to the World. With immigrants speaking 160 languages, it is the most diverse city in Colorado. One of the largest immigrant groups, numbering in the thousands, is from Ethiopia. Samuel GebreMichael immigrated from Ethiopia to Aurora in 2006. "It is a good place to be here in Colorado," said GebreMichael. "Aurora is a place where you see every people, every colors, you don't think that you are outside." GebreMichael serves on the Aurora Immigrant and Refugee Commission and also leads the Colorado Ethiopian Community organization. He says he's driven to help others given the challenges he faced when he first immigrated here.

"I have my degree on literature but after I came here I have to start from the scratch," said GebreMichael. "When I came over here my big problem was just to find a resource, just to find a voice." GebreMichael now has a graphic design business. He frequently supports other immigrants launching small businesses, such as Jemile Bogale who has a printing and embroidery company. "He's one of those people that like to see everybody's success and it doesn't matter what you're doing. If he knows, he can help you. If he doesn't, he will sit down and try to figure it out with you," Bogale said.

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Ras Plant Based Brings Ethiopian Food, Good Vibes and Plenty of Spice to the West Village

It was a quiet Wednesday afternoon at Ras Plant Based’s new location on Sullivan and Bleecker, and despite the kind of dripping late-July weather that puts the city on standstill, Ras had an energy that prefaced how the food would taste. Ethiopian-inspired graffiti, painted by James Mong, electrified the walls. A field of philodendrons dangled from the ceiling, and lush living vines cradled corner high-tops by the bar. The dishes were a remix of traditional Ethiopian platters and innovative spins. None of them contained meat, but all of them had heart. Romeo and Milka Regalli opened the restaurant just a few weeks earlier, on June 15, as NYU students went home for the summer and West Villagers headed to the Hamptons and other coastal escapes. The newly-opened second location is the husband-and-wife duo’s first Manhattan outpost; the original is in Crown Heights. Despite the well-executed, plants-only menu, Romeo Regalli wasn’t always devoted to vegetarianism. Growing up in the capital of Ethiopia until a move in his teens to Paris, and later New York, it was typical to enjoy traditional dishes like Minchet-Abish Alicha, a ground beef stew, and the richly spiced chicken stew, Doro wat. And though the James Beard Award Best Chef finalist lived in New York through the ever-evolving fascination in the 2010s with farm-forward fare, his mastery of plant-based cooking came from something much purer: love.

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What does Oromo, Tigray, Amhara and Habesha mean? Drake’s ‘Blue Green Red’ lyrics go viral

Drake released three tracks on an Instagram account named @plottttwistttttt on Tuesday, Augest 6, 2024, the musician promoted the profile on his own Instagram story. one of the three songs he released was Blue Green Red. many were surprised to hear Drake talk about Ethiopian women in the song. In Blue Green Red, Drake shows off his soft vocals, and at one point, he takes on another persona that has a drastically unique singing style. The lyrics of the song dive into a range of topics, including women, and violence. The song blends different genres of music as well.

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10th anniversary of Colorado’s Taste of Ethiopia Festival

The Taste of Ethiopia festival at Parkfield Lake Park in Denver on Aug. 4, 2024. Colorado’s Taste of Ethiopia Festival celebrated its 10th anniversary with an extended two-day event on Aug. 3 and 4, 2024. This special anniversary edition of Colorado’s Taste of Ethiopia Festival offered a unique opportunity to explore the rich heritage and vibrant traditions of Ethiopia. A wide array of traditional Ethiopian foods, collectibles, clothing and music and dance presentations were the highlights of the weekend long festivities. The event is organized by The Taste of Ethiopia Heritage Foundation which is a non-profit organization, was established for cultural, educational, and charitable purposes. This includes promoting and preserving Ethiopian heritage, supporting educational initiatives, and organizing the Taste of Ethiopia Festival to celebrate Ethiopian culture, which has been present in Colorado for over half a century.

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Honouring Past Trailblazers

Aïda Muluneh. Mous Lamrabat. Prince Gyasi. Thandiwe Muriu. Zanele Muholi. These are just a few contemporary African photographers – from Ethiopia and Ghana to Kenya and Morocco – making waves in the art world. But, what about those who came before? Archivist and writer Amy Sall addresses this question in her new book, The African Gaze. Published by Thames & Hudson, this stunning compendium takes the reader on a journey through time to uncover Africa’s greatest lens-based practitioners. There are 25 photographers and 25 filmmakers featured, each with biographies that place them in context and footnotes that invite readers to learn even more. Some of the artists included are already starting to receive more international recognition, such as Seydou Keïta, Sanlé Sory and Ernst Cole. However, the volume really shines when it comes to spotlighting past visionaries overlooked by the canon. Many will know Keïta’s studio photographs showing the fashionably dressed people of Mali. However, fewer will recognise the name of his mentor, Mountaga Dembélé (1919-2004), who dubbed himself the “first Black photographer in Bamako.” Sall introduces us to him in The African Gaze, highlighting the artist’s archive of family portraits. One shows two women with arms over each other’s shoulders and fingers interlaced. Dembélé overlays purple and gold over the monochromatic base photograph to inject colour into the accessories and clothes of his subjects. The lens-based artist was known for his powerful vision for the overall piece and would often direct the poses of his clients in order to achieve the most interesting final result. In an interview with scholar Érika Nimis, Dembélé shared: “I decided on the poses people took… I organised all of that myself…Even the way the bandanas were tied, I did it for them.” As the Malian photography scene grows bigger and bigger – with events like Bamako Encounters spotlighting lens-based creativity since 1994 – this is a moment to give credit to an early pioneer of the medium.

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Maryland state delegates host African Diaspora town hall in Silver Spring

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USWNT star Naomi Girma represents best of America, on and off field

Naomi Girma is the best of America.

In the literal sense, she is U.S. Soccer’s reigning Female Player of the Year and, at just 24, the anchor of the back line for the U.S. women’s national team. She’ll make her Olympic debut with the USWNT on Thursday, a year after playing every minute of every game at the World Cup.

But it’s the figurative sense that’s even more important. Girma is a first-generation American, the daughter of two Ethiopian immigrants. When she dons the jersey with the U.S. crest on the chest, it’s a reminder of the promise this country holds and proof of how much better we are when we welcome, and celebrate, the melting pot of races and cultures that is uniquely American.

“Diversity and embracing other cultures is what makes us so special, and I think that's what has put us ahead for so many years,” Girma said. “I think that's something that we should continue to do.”

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Opinion | This Ethiopian spot gives diners what they want: Authenticity

This dish is a staple of one of the world’s most underrated cuisines

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The New Ethiopian Scene

She paused to let me consider her tray, and as she did, a cloud of smoke raced ahead of her, enveloping our table in fragrance. On one side of the tray: a pan of green coffee beans, source of the sizzling and popping, mid-journey to roasting black in a long-handled metal pan. On the other side: a perforated lantern with incense pouring forth in a white cloud. Between the two smoking vessels: tiny coffee cups cradled by tiny saucers. The server left us with the incense and tray and returned the coffee beans to the kitchen. When these freshly roasted beans came back to us, ground and steeped, they were inside a jet-black jebena, an Ethiopian coffee pot, oven-hot, set to rest inside a colorful ring basket on our tray. Decanted into tiny cups, the coffee was dark, intense, smoky, need I even say fresh—but it felt like something more important than coffee. It was a reminder that “coffee culture” is not a thing that originated in Seattle. It has literal roots in Ethiopia, the native home to the woody evergreen that makes the berries that hold the seeds that make our mornings bright. I asked the server what was inside the incense burner. It looked like charcoal; it smelled like church. “Frankincense,” she answered. Frankincense? Like the stuff the three kings brought to the baby in the manger? That frankincense? Indeed. Jesus! That baby born near the eastern shores of the Mediterranean who gave us eternal wisdom. You know what happened next: Some of his followers set up a church in Rome. Simultaneously, though less well-known in the West, others set up a church in present-day Ethiopia. We call the religious organization created by the latter the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church.

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Taxi to ‘Tizita,’ Ethiopian-born musician Hailu Mergia has always put his music first

“‘Tizita’ is an old song and we always play that music, no matter what,” Mergia said in a phone interview from his home near Washington, D.C. “The sound is good and everything is good. But my idea is ‘OK: Why not change it?’” Answering that question has shaped Mergia’s life. More than 50 years ago, he was a crucial part of Ethiopian popular music’s golden era. Mergia continued experimenting after moving to the United States in the early 1980s but it took decades for his work to be widely heard. Now, at 78, he regularly tours globally, including with two upcoming concerts in Chicago. All of which is a world away from the small central Ethiopian town where Mergia was born. Early on, he was interested in such ancient instruments as the single-string masenqo. Around the time he turned 10, he moved to the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa, and after singing for a while picked up the accordion.  

From Child Psychologist To James Beard Finalist: Meet Chef Fariyal Abdullahi

In a culinary ecosystem often dictated by tradition and uniformity, Chef Abdullahi has firmly established herself as a beacon of innovation and inclusivity in all realms of her work. With a remarkable culinary path, she is currently the Executive chef at Hav & Mar in New York City and was a finalist for the 2024 James Beard Awards in the category of Emerging Chef. She is a critically acclaimed executive chef, food network judge, philanthropist, and judge at the Celebrity Family Food Battle on Ruku. Abdullahi’s story is as compelling, diverse, and vibrant as her culinary creations. Fariyal stands out as a genuine trailblazer in a culture craving creativity and individuality, breaking boundaries and redefining the narrative of representation in the kitchen. In 2021, Marcus Samuelsson and Anna Wintour invited Fariyal to the Met Gala, as Vogue wanted ten top chefs in their fields to curate the menu for the night, attend as guests, and walk down the prestigious red carpet. Before her career in the culinary space, she was a child psychologist before answering an internal calling to switch career paths. So, instead of getting a graduate degree as she intended, she bet on a dream and applied to the Culinary Institute of America. We spoke to Abdullahi about her colorful career, pivots, and what keeps her inspired.

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Dashen’s Ingredients for Success: Authentic Ethiopian Food, Hard Work

NEW BRUNSWICK – Put down that fork. Here’s the proper way to eat "awaze tibs," a spicy stew that can be made with beef, lamb or chicken. Tear off a piece of injera, a spongy bread with a sour-like taste, and use it to pick up pieces of the meat and the side dishes. You have to work a little to make these bite-sized sandwiches, but hard work has always been as much an ingredient of Dashen’s success as the cardamom, ginger and red pepper that the restaurent owner, Tsigereda Lemlemayhu, imports from her native Ethiopia. For a woman who started off preparing food made with family recipes she brought with her from Ethiopia and whose initial clients were a handful of friends and neighbors, Dashen at 88 Albany St. represents the sum of  long nights, hard sacrifices, risks and recipes that have been perfected over time. The tales of Lemlemayhu’s hard work – seen by the family as a distinctly Ethiopian trait – are legendary in the family. There was the time she put in a 15-hour shift to bake 1,000 servings of injera for a wedding, and then there were the times she prepared a huge lunch after attending all-night services for Ethiopian Epiphany. “Having that spirit of making food and nurturing people, I’m so glad that it turned into a business where she can showcase her culture and that personality across the world,” said Feven Brook Kebede, Lemlemayhu’s niece, said.

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Chef Marcus Samuelsson just designed an African-meets-Scandinavian collection for West Elm

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Forget Ethiopia’s Spice Girls – this singer salutes the true queens

Gabriella Ghermandi recalls with laughter the annoyance she felt about the so-called Ethiopian Spice Girls - charity-backed pop group Yegna that hoped to change narratives and empower girls and women through music.

The all-female group sparked controversy in the UK because it was partly funded by British aid and some say it was a waste of taxpayers' money. But for Ghermandi, assumptions that Ethiopian women had to be taught by outsiders was the issue.

“I was like, what?” Ghermandi tells the BBC. “They want to teach us how to empower women? Ethiopia? With all its epics of women?”

So, Ghermandi - an Ethiopian-Italian author, singer, producer and ethno-musicologist - also turned to music as a way of “saying to the world that we have a huge history about brave women who had as much power as men”.

The result is a nine-track album called Maqeda – the Amharic name for the Queen of Sheba, a hugely important figure in Ethiopian history.

Every song is an homage to female figures, communities, rituals and musical styles.

Many would label this album Ethio-jazz but it encompasses so much more, says Ghermandi.

“It’s a very rooted Ethiopian music, but at the same time, there are very prog sounds, very rocky and punk sounds. You can find everything".

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NFTs and blockchain bridge Ethiopia’s past and present in new art exhibition

America’s first major institutional exhibition of Ethiopian art throughout the ages will conclude its year-long tour at the Toledo Museum of Art (TMA) with a grand finale featuring non-fungible tokens (NFTs).

In June, TMA announced that the blockchain-based Ethiopian art collective Yatreda will be their second digital artist in residence, following the Nigerian-based non-fungible token (NFT) star Osinachi’s residency in 2023. This year, Yatreda will stage a special installation within TMA’s iteration of “Ethiopia at the Crossroads,” which TMA co-curated with the Walters Art Museum in Baltimore and the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem. Yatreda’s contribution, titled “House Of Yatreda,” will feature loans of some of their most famous NFTs and debut a new series, too. Together, it will bridge the historical relics in “Ethiopia at the Crossroads” with cutting-edge art from Ethiopia today. Yatreda has already started embedding with TMA, embarking on the duties of this year’s expanded residency program by getting to know Toledo, discussing details for “House of Yatreda” with TMA’s curators, and mentoring local painter Jordan Buschur. This fall, the residency culminates with a Christie’s sale featuring works by Yatreda — and Buschur’s first mint. The announcement that Yatreda will be this year’s digital artist in residence arrived just a week after TMA announced its new TMA Labs, a department devoted to scouting new technologies, such as artificial intelligence, augmented reality and Web3, to support data and operating efficiencies.

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From ‘shy’ Ethiopian refugee to double Dutch Olympic champion: Sifan Hassan’s road to Paris

On a gloriously sunny Tuesday night training session at the Eindhoven athletics club, young hopefuls are put through their paces, dreaming of emulating their most famous member: double Olympic champion Sifan Hassan.

It was on these tracks more than a decade ago that Hassan, a young asylum seeker from Ethiopia, embarked on a journey that would lead to history at the Tokyo Olympics and make her a top medal contender in Paris.

“We immediately saw she was a talented athlete,” said Ad Peeters, president of the Eindhoven Atletiek coaching team. “Even a blind horse could see she would be a good runner.”

Her first appearance came about as pure chance and in slightly farcical circumstances when she and a friend tagged along with Peeters at a 1,000m race.

“But 1,000 metres is two-and-a-half laps of the track. They hadn’t realised that, so they actually tried to finish at the starting line,” Peeters, 58, said of the comical incident.

“So that’s how we got to know her. We could already see she was a talented athlete at that time, but she wasn’t really a runner then yet,” Peeters told AFP.

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Lauryn Hill Honors Ethiopian Heritage with Empress Menen Asfaw Tribute at 2024 BET Awards

Lauryn Hill’s Majestic Tribute at the 2024 BET Awards

Lauryn Hill, alongside her son YG Marley, captivated the audience at the 2024 BET Awards with a powerful performance of “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.” The stage was transformed into a regal homage to Ethiopian heritage, featuring iconic images of the Axum Obelisk and the Lalibela Churches, reflecting Hill’s deep connection to Ethiopia.

The Woman Behind the Majesty: Empress Menen Asfaw

Empress Menen Asfaw, wife of Emperor Haile Selassie, was a revered figure in Ethiopian history. Known for her dedication to philanthropy and women’s rights, Menen Asfaw championed education and healthcare, establishing schools and hospitals across Ethiopia. Her legacy is one of compassion, resilience, and commitment to uplifting society, particularly in advocating for women’s empowerment and education.

A Stunning Visual Spectacle

Hill’s performance was further elevated by the dynamic background images of the Axum Obelisk and the Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela, two of Ethiopia’s most iconic landmarks. The Axum Obelisk, a towering symbol of ancient Ethiopian civilization, and the Lalibela Churches, a testament to Ethiopia’s rich Christian heritage, provided a majestic and historically rich backdrop. These revolving images highlighted Lauryn Hill’s profound bond with Ethiopia, infusing her performance with cultural depth and significance.

Lauryn Hill’s Legacy

Lauryn Hill, a pioneering artist in hip-hop and R&B, first gained fame as a member of the Fugees before launching her solo career. Her debut album, “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill,” remains a landmark in music history, blending powerful lyrics with soulful melodies. Hill’s performance, set against the backdrop of these iconic Ethiopian symbols, showcased her commitment to honoring powerful cultural heritage and its contributions to history and art.

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“If one can, why not more?”: USWNT’s Naomi Girma on Ethiopian pride and passion for representation

Naomi Girma will make her Olympic debut next month at the 2024 Paris Games. The San Jose, California native has not only broken barriers as the first player of Ethiopian descent to play for the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team and the National Women’s Soccer League, but she also became the first true defender and second Black defender to win U.S. Soccer’s 2023 Female Player of the Year. Her success on the field and passion for the game are deeply rooted in the values of her Ethiopian heritage In a conversation with NBC Sports in January, Girma reflected on her experience, often as the sole Black person on her soccer teams, what she’s learned from her parents’ sacrifices, and why she’s so passionate about representation. *This interview has been edited for length and clarity. I read that if the TV was on in your home as a kid then it was probably a soccer game playing. How did growing up in an Ethiopian household influence your love for the sport? Naomi Girma: My dad loved soccer and that started with his childhood in Ethiopia, just playing with his friends after school. He would always tell us about how much he loved playing and I think when we were old enough, he wanted that to be our sport and to share that love with us. Just being in the Ethiopian culture and seeing how much appreciation there was for soccer was amazing and I think that really helped me fall in love with it.

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Enat Ethiopian Restaurant’s Tina Tedla Marks 7 Years in Business

When I caught Tina Tedla, owner of Enat Ethiopian Restaurant, over the phone in early June, it was a Thursday afternoon and she was running back and forth from Uptown to Optimist Hall, where she expanded with her second location in May 2022.  The space served as a convenient prep kitchen for her appearance at that weekend’s Taste of Charlotte festival, where she has won an award for her classic lamb dish during her first appearance in 2022.  That year, Tedla and the Enat team ran out of food relatively early in the weekend, and she promised herself never to make the same mistake again. She couldn’t tell me how many plates she was making — the team would serve red split lentil stew, derek lamb tibs, and beef sambusa — she only knew that she would make enough.  “Honestly, it’s hard to tell,” she said. “I know every year we get different people to try Ethiopian food. So really, we just go until we run out and prep more as we go. We gauge it by how busy we get, and we just make sure we have enough.”  On June 17, Tedla celebrated seven years in business at Enat Ethiopian Restaurant, which she opened in Shops at CitiSide at the corner of The Plaza and Eastway Drive in 2017. The location is still open, as Optimist Hall represents a more fast-paced version of the traditional Ethiopian dining experience.  We talked to Tina about how the expansion has gone for her business, what she’s learned during her seven years as a Charlotte restaurateur, and what comes next for Enat. 

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Before Drinking Ethiopian Coffee, Inhale Its Complex Aromas

If you're going to be drinking coffee in Ethiopia, it isn't a "let's grab a cold brew on the way" affair. Prepare to set aside at least an hour for a proper tasting — although it can last as long as three hours, and leave sippers loaded on a whopping nine cups of coffee every single day. But, the practice isn't about slammin' bevys. When it comes to complex, layered Ethiopian coffee, it's as much about the aroma as it is about the flavor. To begin the Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony (buna tetu), the room is filled with fragrant burning incense, commonly frankincense and myrrh, and a round-bottomed black clay coffee pot called a jebena is filled with water and placed over hot coals to boil. Then, raw, green coffee beans are cleaned and roasted in a menkeshkesh clay tray. As the beans roast, the aroma fills the room alongside the incense smoke for a sensory smorgasbord. From there, the roasted beans are ground by hand using a mukecha wooden bowl and a zenezena, a blunt metal stick. The freshly-ground coffee is added to the boiling water in the jebena, similar to the ibriks of Turkish coffee (another beverage to be enjoyed slowly with good company). Ethiopian coffee is served straight from the jebena in which it was brewed, and the grounds don't get strained out. The coffee is brought to the nose for a deep inhale on every slow sip from the small sini cups.

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Professionals in Montgomery County: Skill Up and Advance Your Career with SkillUp® Montgomery

Ethiopian Diaspora Hub is excited to share information about a valuable resource available to job seekers in Montgomery County, Maryland - SkillUp® Montgomery! This program, offered by Workforce Montgomery, is designed to empower both employers and job seekers by fostering a thriving workforce ecosystem that fuels economic growth.

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What SkillUp® Montgomery Offers Job Seekers

Job seekers in Montgomery County can leverage SkillUp® Montgomery to explore various career paths and gain the skills and certifications needed to secure their dream jobs. The program offers a comprehensive selection of free online learning resources and certification programs, empowering individuals to enhance their qualifications and competitiveness in the job market.

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What SkillUp® Montgomery Offers Employers

SkillUp® Montgomery is a valuable asset for Montgomery County employers seeking qualified and skilled candidates. The program provides employers with a pool of pre-screened and job-ready individuals who have completed relevant training programs. This can save employers time and resources associated with the recruitment process.

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Benefits of SkillUp® Montgomery for Ethiopian Professionals

• Free Online Learning: Professionals can access a wide range of free online courses and training programs to develop their skills and knowledge in high-demand fields.
• Industry-Recognized Certifications: SkillUp® Montgomery offers job seekers the opportunity to earn valuable industry-recognized certifications that can significantly enhance their resumes and career prospects.
• Career Exploration Tools: The program provides job seekers with access to career exploration tools and resources to help them identify suitable career paths that align with their interests and skills.

Ethiopian Diaspora Hub encourages all professionals in Montgomery County to explore SkillUp® Montgomery and take advantage of the valuable resources it offers. By investing in your skills and qualifications, you can unlock exciting career opportunities and achieve your professional goals.

The country where it’s still 2016

On September 11, Ethiopians will celebrate the end of one year and the beginning of another.

However, when the East African country rings in its New Year in a few months, it will technically be 2017, according to the Ethiopian calendar.

So why is Ethiopia, Africa’s second most populous country, seven years and eight months “behind” much of the rest of the world? And how does that work for Ethiopians living on an increasingly interconnected planet that mostly operates in an entirely different era?

The answers lie in traditions that date back centuries – and a firm sense of national identity.

In Ethiopia, the birth year of Jesus Christ is recognized as seven or eight years later than the Gregorian, or “Western” calendar, which was introduced by Pope Gregory XIII in 1582.

According to experts, the Roman Church adjusted its calculation in 500 CE, while the Ethiopian Orthodox Church opted to stick to the ancient dates.

Although much of the rest of the world went on to adopt the Gregorian calendar, Ethiopia has kept its own.

“We are unique,” says Eshetu Getachew, CEO of Rotate Ethiopia Tours And Travel. “We [were] never colonized. We have our own calendar. We have our own alphabet. We have our own cultural traditions.”

Thought to date back at least 1,500 years, the Ethiopian Calendar has many similarities to the Coptic calendar of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria, an Oriental Orthodox Christian church based in Egypt.

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Marcus Samuelsson and Fariyal Abdullahi Share 4 Essential Ingredients of Ethiopian Food

Marcus Samuelsson and Fariyal Abdullahi are connected by their Ethiopian heritage. While Samuelsson was adopted by a family in Sweden, Abdullahi was born and raised in Ethiopia through the age of 17. At the 2024 Food & Wine Classic in Aspen, the owner and executive chef of Hav & Mar in New York shared essential ingredients and insights from their shared culture throughout a cooking demonstration of Oxtail Fried Rice and Tuna Kitfo with Injera Chips and Ayib.

“Here's one of my favorite things about Ethiopian cuisine: We talk about having a good pantry as the basis of flavorful dishes,” said Abdullahi, a Noma alum and finalist for the 2024 James Beard Award for Emerging Chef.

These are the staples she brought or made from the Ethiopian pantry.

Berbere

The spice blend of chili, cinnamon, coriander, cumin, garlic, ginger, nigella, fenugreek, and ajwain is so beloved, Abdullahi brought a bag from Ethiopia to share.

“This is the spice that we use predominantly in essentially 90% of our food,” she explained. “It's a sun dried chile powder. And the thing that I love about berbere is during the summer, we're sun drying all the chile in our homes and everybody's just sneezing cause it’s so spicy and hot, but each family kind of has their own unique recipes.”

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RETURNED QUALIFIED NATIONALS (RQN)/ DIASPORA ENGAGEMENT IN EHOA

Under the BRMM Programmed, IOM is working with Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora Services/Departments to implement a Returned Qualified Nationals (RQN)/ Diaspora Engagement activity in Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia and Uganda. The activity seeks to enable the voluntary participation of the Ethiopian, Kenyan, Somali and Ugandan Diaspora to strengthen institutions in key socio-economic sectors agreed with the governments, such as computer science, health, agriculture, engineering, and financial systems. The objective of this activity is to identify, engage and deploy diaspora experts who are currently living and working abroad, and who are interested in returning and contributing to the development of their country of origin for up to three (3) months, namely, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia and Uganda. The application is on a rolling basis, but we aim to place the first cohort in July or August 2024. We kindly request interested individuals to provide a motivation letter including their availability, CV, and the contact information (email and phone number) of two professional references. ​ Eligibility:

• Diaspora from Kenya, Ethiopia, Somalia or Uganda living and working abroad.
• Professional experience in one of the below fields.
• Interested in returning and contributing to the development of their country of origin for up to three (3) months.
• Work in key socio-economic sectors such as education, health, agriculture, infrastructure, civil engineering, financial systems, and information technology. ​

The programme will provide:

• Local support during your assignment
• Financial assistance towards expenses during the assignment
• Paid round-trip travel expenses
• A basic insurance package

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Emeye Ethiopian Cuisine’s Exceptional Food Is Your Perfect Park Meal This Summer

I've been eating Ferehiwot Sheffield's sega wat for almost two years now, ever since we first met in the fall of 2022 at her Emeye Ethiopian Cuisine tent at the Queens Night Market. It was love at first bite between me and the mound of incredibly rich, complex, and legit spicy beef stew that Sheffield serves with vegetables atop a semicircle of spongy injera. It's an incredible plate of food. I've had the sega wat at Emeye at least three times since then, but only recently did Sheffield school me on exactly why her version of this dish, which is as common in her native city of Addis Ababa as, say, cheeseburgers are here, is so unusually delicious—and distinct from any other you're likely to find in New York City. "When I moved here in 2012, first in Red Hook and now in Sunnyside, it was so hard for me to find, not Ethiopian food in general because there's a lot of that, but real injera," Sheffield told Hell Gate. "In Ethiopia, injera is made only with teff, which is a grain. We don't mix it with anything. It's healthier and it's gluten-free. If you mix it with wheat flour, which is what most restaurants here do, it's more like eating bread. With only teff flour, it just tastes better. It tastes like home." Sheffield told me it took her about seven years to master making her teff-only injera in New York City—something about the water here just makes it really difficult, she said—but as far as I'm concerned, speaking as someone who delights in tearing off chunks of the stuff to scoop up mouthfuls of meat, it was worth the effort.

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Why Bombchel boutique owner Archel Bernard is a regular at Desta Ethiopian Kitchen

Despite being born in Liberia and spending part of her childhood there, Georgia Tech graduate and Atlanta fashion designer Archel Bernard grew up regularly eating Ethiopian food. The two countries are on opposite sides of the African continent, with Liberia located along the Atlantic Coast and Ethiopia more than 4,700 miles away to the east. Her parents came to Georgia as refugees when she was a teenager. But after finishing her college degree, Bernard moved back to her native Liberia to start a business. In 2019, Bernard returned to Georgia and rediscovered her love for Ethiopian food. She’s now a regular at Desta Ethiopian Kitchen, the Clairmont Road restaurant owned by Ethiopian-born couple Ash Nega and Titi Demissie. Since opening in 2006, Desta has become one of Atlanta’s go-to destinations for Ethiopian food. “It’s fun, it’s made to share,” said Bernard of the East African cuisine, known for flavorful curries (wot), fragrant meat tibs, and injera, a spongy fermented flatbread used for scooping and dipping food. On a warm Monday evening in May, Bernard gathered with family and co-workers on the cozy patio at Desta to share large platters of lamb and salmon tibs with awaze (spicy pepper sauce), vegetables, and miser (red lentils).

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EU visa restrictions on Ethiopians reflect strained migration relations

The punitive measures reflect a history of major EU investment in Ethiopia’s migration governance – with few results.

Since 29 April, the European Union (EU) has imposed temporary restrictions on Schengen short-term visas for Ethiopians. These include prohibiting multiple entry visas, longer processing times, and eliminating waivers for certain documentary requirements and visa fees. The European Commission said the action was due to a ‘lack of response from the Ethiopian authorities regarding readmission requests,’ and shortcomings in organising ‘voluntary and non-voluntary return operations,’ (the latter is how the EU describes deportation). The restrictions raise concerns about the efficiency and fairness of the EU’s migration policies. Ethiopia’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Nebiyu Tedla said the developments were ‘incompatible with acceptable diplomatic practices’ and asked the EU Council to reconsider the ‘unfair’ restrictions. In 2017, the EU and Ethiopia agreed on admission procedures for the return of Ethiopians from EU countries. Although this agreement was never made public, a leaked statement revealed that similar arrangements were later made between Ethiopia and Norway and Switzerland.

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EWU sociologist studies the cross-cultural identity of second-generation Ethiopian Americans and how they influence their communities

As a young person in Ethiopia, Kassahun Kebede and his family were displaced from their homes more than once, in something the Ethiopian government called resettlement. Those experiences later propelled him into his now nearly two-decade career researching population relocation, international migration and the new African diaspora — the voluntary movement of Africans to the U.S. and other countries in the latter half of the 20th century.

"Growing up, I just became a displaced person in my own community," he says. "Mobility has always fascinated me." Recently, his research has delved into the identity development of second-generation Ethiopian Americans and how the Ethiopian diaspora (dispersed from their homeland) advocates for democracy across international borders. As someone who now identifies as Ethiopian American and has children who would be considered second-generation Ethiopian Americans, Kebede says his own biculturality is what really drove him to research the formation of transnational identity.

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New coffee shop opens in Clarkston

Bethelhem Bidiglen wants to share two of her favorite things with the people in and around Clarkston – coffee and pastries. “This is me,” Bidiglen said, talking about her coffee shop. “This is what I like to eat because I grew up in France.” On May 9, Bidiglen opened her own business, Kuku Ethiopian Coffee, located at 980 Rowland Street in Clarkston. The coffee shop blends her unique history of two different cultures, starting with the great-tasting coffee beans of Ethiopia and her love of the sweet pastries of France. Bidiglen was born in Ethiopia, but she spent much of her childhood in France, where she discovered her love of great pastries. After some time in France, she moved back to Ethiopia, and about seven years ago, she and her family made their way to the U.S. and settled in Clarkston. Eventually, Bidiglen found a job as a recruiter at Amplio Recruiting, helping other refugees find jobs. While working as a recruiter, Bidiglen had other ideas. Chris Chancey, her boss at Amplio Recruiting, took notice. Bidiglen said Chancey asked her to write her ideas on note cards and put them in a box throughout the week. Then, every Friday, he would go through the cards and read them. “I always had this idea of having my own business one day,” Bidiglen said. “… Hopefully, one day, I’d like owning a restaurant or a coffee shop.” Bidiglen’s mission to help others and her love of community kept her moving toward her own goals and dreams. And some four to five years later, after putting the card with the idea of opening her own business in the box, her dream became reality. She said Chancey, her boss, and her family, have been a source of help and support every step of the way.

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Ethiopian brews, family & community at Tucson’s Z-Street

On the corner of Broadway and North Treat Avenue, Zemam's Ethiopian Cuisine and Zerai's International Bar make up Tucson's growing Z-Street International Marketplace. "If you crave Ethiopian food, there aren't very many substitutes. And so if you crave it, you got to eat it, which has kind of been good fortune for us," said manager Lucas Gebremariam, son of the owner who started Zemam's more than 30 years ago. Gebremariam's father, Amanuel Gebremariam, opened the original Zemam's in a house in 1993 on 2731 E. Broadway. Gebremariam has memories of growing up in the restaurant with his family, recalling pitching in to help out. "Every time if I had somebody spend the night at my house, that Saturday morning, they would have to come to the restaurant and chop onions or peel potatoes," Gebremariam said. "You know, when family needs you, you got to be there. A lot of times, I don't think my dad even needed out help. He was just so busy that he just wanted to spend time with us." "I was in third grade and, you know, seeing it go from a five table restaurant to being able to accommodate almost 150 to 200 people is a crazy thing," Gebremariam said. "It's cool how Tucson has embraced us as a family and as a restaurant. When we opened in '93, there was nothing close to any kind of African food. It was always Chinese food, Mexican food, Thai food. But Tucson really embraced us and was very excited and curious about trying this food, which I think, in a lot of other cities, we would have probably been closed in a year." Zerai's opened last month, and Gebremarian said the bar is his passion project. Zerai's serves beverages such as cocktails with a locally made Ethiopian honey wine and Ethiopian beers as well as handheld bites such as hand pies and Ethiopian tacos, which Gebremariam described as a handmade taco tortilla with injera bread inside and the filling of the person's choice combined to create a textural and flavorful experience.

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The Story of Ethiopian Music Continues in California

This Sept. 12 marks half a century since Emperor Haile Selassie was deposed by the Derg, a brutal Marxist-Leninist junta that killed more than a million Ethiopians during the mid-1970s Red Terror campaign and subsequent famines. While Oromo musicians had been persecuted under Selassie in his attempt to tamp down a rising separatist movement among Ethiopia’s largest ethnic group, the advent of the Derg brought down the curtain on what’s now seen as Ethiopian music’s golden age. Many of these artists fled the regime, a diaspora that continues to shape Ethiopian music.

Mulatu Astatke, the composer, vibraphonist, and percussionist who fathered the sleek, incantatory style known as Ethio-jazz in the early 1970s, managed to stay active in Addis Ababa even as many of his confederates went into exile. Over the past two decades, he’s become Ethiopia’s best-known musical ambassador, but when he returns to Berkeley for two shows at The UC Theatre June 12–13, presented by Jazz Is Dead, he’ll be accompanied mostly by non-Ethiopian Western musicians.

Poster for Qwanqwa’s May 15 performance in Oakland

For a glimpse at the creative ferment taking place in Addis Ababa today, the act to catch is Qwanqwa, a quintet featuring leading Ethiopian musicians organized by Santa Cruz violinist Kaethe Hostetter. In the midst of an extensive North American tour, the group plays a series of gigs across California, including on May 15 at Zanzi in Oakland, on May 16 at the Yerba Buena Gardens Festival, and later that same evening at Santa Cruz’s Kuumbwa Jazz Center. The group’s Southern California dates include May 17 at Corazón Performing Arts in Topanga, May 18 at the Joshua Tree Music Festival, and May 19 at Zebulon in Los Angeles’ Frogtown neighborhood.

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Ethiopian Community Of Seattle Center Extends Its Services To Outer Reaches Of The City, And Beyond

As gentrification intensified throughout the past decade in the Rainier Beach neighborhood in Seattle, the large Ethiopian community began to find new areas for adequate housing, but the established cultural community center could not move. The organization, Ethiopian Community in Seattle built an affordable housing unit just above their headquarters at 8323 Rainier Ave. South, with 89 units in 2023 for low income seniors, but maintaining the entire community presence that makes the area culturally unique was unrealistic. Instead, as Ethiopian people spread out to the outskirts of the SeaTac and Snohomish county areas, ECS has started a consistent communication network with members of their community who live farther away. While the community center’s website had information and resources to help small businesses and other community members, outreach beyond the physical space of their building has become increasingly important for ECS in the past five years. “We serve people where they are,” said Executive Director Sophia Benalfew. “It started when COVID struck and we could no longer host community meetings here in the center.” Instead, the leadership team began emailing health tips and hosting virtual English lessons for Ethiopians in Seattle. Now, the email list and virtual services allow Benalfew and other community leaders to cast a wide net of support across the entire metropolitan area. Abraham Asfaw was appointed April 8, 2024 as the small business capital readiness project coordinator, but in the few weeks he’s been involved with the nonprofit his focus has been on offering services to small businesses. He has over 300 businesses in his database of contacts, and the center is extending that outreach.

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From Ethiopia with love and joy: A recent arrival to the shores unfurls his vocal talents

Abate Berihun blazed a trail for many Israelis with Ethiopian roots, being one of Ethiopia’s leading jazz artists before making aliyah 25 years ago.

Ethiopian music, and culture in general, have been gaining traction here over the years. Which is the way it should be, considering the incredibly diverse cultural melting pot this country has become as it has evolved and taken in olim from all parts of the world.

Part of that is down to the Confederation House arts venue in general, under the stewardship of its longstanding CEPO and artistic director Effie Benaya. He has championed Ethiopian artistic endeavors, through the annual Hullegeb Israel-Ethiopian Arts Festival and by hosting Ethiopian-Israeli bands and musicians at Confederation House.

The festival has provided a stage for a wide range of dancers, theater productions, and musicians. It has also brought in established titans of the Israeli entertainment scene, including the likes of internationally renowned Iraqi-rooted violinist-oud player and singer Yair Dallal, and famed bass guitarist and producer Yossi Fine.

Passion for music from a young age

He got the earliest of starters to his pathway through life when he parents decided to call him Tombola, which means “luck” in Amharic. He clearly has some natural talent and has put in an extra yard or two in developing his career, but a bit of fortune here and there does not go amiss.

Lady Luck may have had a hand in the fact that Tombola’s first instructive port of call was practically in his backyard. He could hardly have avoided it. “I started music school at the age of 11,” he recalls. “It was very near my home. I could hear them singing from my house.”

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Teff Ethiopian restaurant to reopen in its new downtown Stamford location

Teff, Stamford's Eritrean and Ethiopian restaurant, has announced that it will reopen at its new location on May 16. The restaurant is now accepting reservations for 84 W. Park Place. According to an Instagram post, it's also adding some new items to the menu, but the menu was not immediately available. Teff was at 113 W. Main St. for eight years, according to previous reporting by CT Insider, but it shut its doors at that location in July. "Teff has been fortunate to experience a boom in business during the pandemic via takeout and delivery, especially with the vast number of new Stamford residents,” Teff owner Elsa Mekonen previously told CT Insider via email. “It was time to move to a bigger space that can handle the volume of orders we prepare and with better parking and accessibility in the area.”

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ASU students travel to Ethiopia to address plastic pollution problem

During a two-week trip to Ethiopia, several Arizona State University students will tackle the issue of plastic pollution affecting the country’s Simien Mountains National Park. A partnership with the Addis Ababa Institute of Technology assists students with building and fabricating machinery in order to recycle.

The reason for the plastic pollution stems from tourists.

India Schneider-Crease is an assistant professor at the ASU’s School of Human Evolution and Social Change.

“So basically you have tourists coming in who bring in plastic bottles because the water is unsafe to drink and they largely discard of those plastic bottles in the park in these open trash pits," she said.

Schneider-Crease also said there is significance behind the initiative. “So one of the things that's really important to us is that this project is born out of community need. It's addressing an explicit need in the place where it will be installed," she said. The moonshot goal is to set up micro economies that can turn waste into products that can be used by the community to make a profit.

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Meet Eskinder Fekade Lakew, a Budding Architect From Ethiopia

Eskinder Fekade Lakew, a student at the Graduate School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation, who hails from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, loves the density, history, and energy of New York, among other things. He has appreciated the opportunity to study here, where the entire city is like a living design lab.

When are you graduating from Columbia GSAPP? What is your degree, and which program are you in?

I am graduating this month, with a master's degree in Advanced Architectural Design.

What was your path from Ethiopia to New York, and to pursuing graduate work at Columbia?

While I was still in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, I was managing a mid-rise residential construction project, pursuing a master's in global building information modeling management, and working as a junior architect for an architectural practice. I had started my formative years in design school about a decade ago here in New York, and then returned to Addis Ababa to finalize my undergraduate education. This enabled me to learn from both localities, and appreciate the value of diversity, density, and culture in a metropolis. A desire to understand the impact and the agency of design to build a better future led me to appreciate the value of New York. One can learn a lot about art, cultures, politics, infrastructure, real estate, parks and recreation, history, coastal resilience, and unions in this city. My eagerness to further study the interplay of these factors, and how they shape the built environment, drew me back here.

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How the Ethiopian community is celebrating Orthodox Easter in the DC area

Ethiopians, along with Eritrean, Greek, Russian and Serbian cultures celebrate the holiday in line with the Julian calendar rather than the Gregorian calendar, which celebrated Easter at the end of March. Bruktawit Tesfaye, a senior at Capital City Public Charter School in Northwest D.C., said she looks forward to the tradition-filled celebration every year.

Growing up in the tradition

Tesfaye, whose parents immigrated from Ethiopia, has been a mezmuran, or choir singer, at Debre Genet Medhane Alem Ethiopian Orthodox Church, in Temple Hills, Maryland, since she was a child. Tesfaye said she likes how choir allows her to connect with other people. “You build a special bond and sisterhood with other mezmurans, or other choir singers,” Tesfaye said, adding that it’s good to be “able to grow up with each other, learn our religion and our culture together” and see “what the future holds all together for us.”  

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MEET THE MAN BLAZING A HIGH-TECH TRAIL FOR ETHIOPIAN ISRAELIS

Before October 7, Israeli Ethiopian entrepreneur Solomon Geveye was feeling confident about his newest endeavor, Haile Venture Capital Fund, the first investment vehicle for pre-seed startups with disruptive technologies in which at least one founder is from Israel’s Ethiopian community. Haile means “within my power” in Amharic, and Geveye hopes it will empower fellow Israeli Ethiopians to explore high-tech entrepreneurship, a path few take and that he has trailblazed. Many potential backers expressed interest. “Unfortunately, since October 7 there were less meetings and some investors put us on hold. Even though lots of funding opportunities arose to support the startup ecosystem, we didn’t secure our funds yet as it seems it’s much harder to fundraise for a new VC, especially for a minority-dedicated one,” he says candidly. Moreover, the war has made it difficult for him to move forward on his plan for Haile to open an entrepreneurship and acceleration program at Reichman University’s Google and Reichman Tech School, with support from the Israel Innovation Authority. “As an officer in the reserves, it was very hard to focus on Haile as my mind was also troubled with the war. I was supposed to enlist but my wife and I were expecting twins so I needed to be at home. As an entrepreneur, this kind of challenge is part of the process and hopefully we’ll conclude the fundraising by the end of 2024.”

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EU Restricts Visas for Ethiopians, Citing Lack of Govt Deportation Cooperation

The European Union is tightening visa rules for people from Ethiopia in response to what it says is a lack of cooperation from the Ethiopian government with the repatriation of those who have entered Europe illegally.

As a result of the changes, the EU said the visa processing time for Ethiopian nationals will triple, from 15 to 45 days, and that waiving requirements for certain paperwork will no longer be allowed.

Ethiopian officials and diplomats will need to pay to obtain travel visas, the EU said. Multiple entry visas will no longer be allowed.

The European Commission said the new rules were due to a "lack of response from Ethiopian authorities with regard to readmission requests," and shortcomings with "the organization of both voluntary and non-voluntary return operations."

The restrictions come as European governments try to control the influx of refugees leaving war-torn African countries to enter Europe.

The voyage of migrants over the Mediterranean Sea to Europe - typically organized by criminal gangs - is dangerous and often fatal. However, the largest share of migrants entering Europe comes from individuals entering countries legally and overstaying their visas.

Ethiopia is still reeling from its two-year conflict in the northern Tigray region which ended in 2022. Since the conflict, most of the six million living in the region have depended on international aid.

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I Am Doing a PhD at 16—My Mother’s Death Is the Reason

I met my mother only once. Our meeting was brief, leaving behind no photographs or baby books to remember her by. In 2008, in a small, remote village in Southern Ethiopia, she held me for a fleeting moment—our first and last together. Shortly after my birth, she succumbed to tuberculosis (TB), a treatable disease that cruelly robbed us of a future together. I was ten months old and severely underweight when I was adopted and brought to the United States. Diagnosed with TB shortly after arriving, I was thrust into a battle for life that many children in Ethiopia—and around the world—never survive. I am incredibly fortunate to have been adopted by a family not only filled with love but also equipped to fight the disease that claimed my biological mother. My mother, Dr. Myiesha Taylor, an emergency medicine physician, ensured that I received the care necessary to not only survive but also to thrive. I am acutely aware that my story is the exception rather than the rule. It reinforces my commitment to advocate for those who are still caught in the relentless cycle of this preventable disease. Thanks to the life-saving treatment I received at Kaiser Hospital in Oakland and the long-term care provided by our nation's public health infrastructure, I stand here today. But this narrative extends beyond my recovery—it is a stark reminder of the global fight against TB that continues to claim lives.

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Abreham Brioschi debuts Ethiopia-inspired rugs for Nodus

The Dankil Depression is rather inhospitable – one of the hottest, lowest, and driest places on the planet – yet it still inspired Italo-Ethiopian designer Abreham Brioschi when developing the concept for his project with Nodus Rugs. ‘I often focus on the cultural and traditional practices of the people of the Omo Valley in Ethiopia, however, The 'Dancalia' ('Danakil') rug was born from a look further north, towards a place often referred to as the 'Land of Fire' or Danakil Depression,’ says Abreham. The region features rifting and volcanic activity, plus a hydrothermal system that emits an acidic liquid in otherworldly colours. These vibrant salt pools have been realised in a circular rug using a Tibetan hand-knotting technique. 'I’ve never worked on rugs before so I worked very closely with the team at Nodus and especially Andrea Galimberti who has been working in the industry for years,' says Abreham. For the other two rugs in the New Ethnic capsule collection Abreham continues his exploration of the theme of scarification, which is practised by different tribes in Ethiopia and around Africa. ‘The Mursi and Suri rug colours reflect the shade of the skin on which incisions are made,’ he explains. 'For tactile reasons, I didn’t want to use a flat weave with just the shapes and colours depicting the healed incisions, but to raise the scar-shaped forms that would be created by the incisions on the skin.'

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Worlds of Music hosting Ethiopian ensemble Qwanqwa

Boston’s Ethiopian groove master delves into electronic soundscapes

In the 2008 Ethiopian film “Teza,” the protagonist returns from Germany a broken man after his medical career is cut short by a hate crime. At the conclusion of the Haile Gerima-directed movie, an elder comforts the man by saying “We are children of the dragon.”

That line inspired the naming of dragonchild, the current project of a Jamaica Plain-based saxophonist and composer who fuses expansive electronic soundscapes with the tones, melodies and rhythms of Ethiopia. Although dragonchild’s debut album just came out last year, the musician behind the project will be familiar to many Boston music fans: D.A. Mekonnen, who led the long-running sprawling Ethiopian funk outfit Debo Band. The album will be celebrated with a local release concert on Saturday, April 13, as part of the opening of the Peabody Essex Museum’s exhibit “Ethiopia at the Crossroads.”

Debo played its last show in 2019 before going on an indefinite hiatus. Looking for a way to escape the logistical nightmares and creative compromises that come with leading a large ensemble, Mekonnen had already started recording the pieces that comprise the “dragonchild” LP. Committed to a life of sobriety, meditation, herbalism and the spiritual jazz of Alice Coltrane and Pharoah Sanders, Mekonnen wanted a new musical challenge. While Debo was inspired by the Ethiopian big bands of the 1960s and ‘70s, “I was starting to imagine a type of project more in line with the way that Ethiopian musicians made music in the ‘80s, when they branched out on their own and did solo records that used the technology of the studio and a strong solo voice,” he says.

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This Pike Place Market shop holds traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremonies

MAKING COFFEE at home in Ethiopia isn’t as simple as popping a Nespresso pod in a machine and clicking it shut. And while there are coffee chains where one can grab a quick cup — named Kaldi in honor of the legendary Ethiopian goat herder who noticed his goats acting up after ingesting coffee beans — making coffee at home is a special ritual that takes nearly two hours. Raw beans are roasted by hand on the stove and taken outside to be pounded with a mortar and pestle. “People will usually hear the sound of the coffee being ground, and they’ll just show up uninvited,” says Meeraf Mamo, owner of Geni’s Ethiopian and Lands of Origin. This coffee ceremony is one of the things she hopes will catch visitors’ eyes when they walk past her Pike Place Market shop, Lands of Origin. Mamo is perched on a low wooden stool in front of a tabletop lined with tiny, beautifully painted coffee cups. She’s holding a clay jebena, a traditional Ethiopian coffee pot, balancing it on a portable coil-top stove as it slowly heats. There’s the hustle and bustle of marketgoers just outside the pocket-size shop, located on Pike Place just a few doors down from Mee Sum Pastry. Mamo continues, speaking of how this trickle of neighbors seeking coffee usually turns into a casual gossip session where one catches up on all the neighborhood news. When she feels the jebena has sufficiently heated, she pours the coffee into cups and stirs in a small amount of sugar — but she’s just as likely to drink her coffee the way her father did, with ghee and a pinch of salt.

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Tsion Café: Ethiopian Israeli kosher vegan food in Harlem, New York

At Tsion Café – an Ethiopian vegan kosher restaurant situated in a somewhat unlikely location for those in search of kosher – the fresh, well-seasoned food, which includes dishes featuring such names as injera, sambusa, wot, messer, shiro, atakilt, and gomen, is only a small part of the experience.

The African art, eclectic collection of books, piano, occasional poetry nights, elaborate bar, homemade Ethiopian spices and foods available for purchase – and, of course, the chance to schmooze with the restaurant’s Ethiopian Israeli New Yorker owner Beejhy Barhany – make this restaurant one of a kind in the New York and perhaps North American kosher scene.

The café, which opened in 2014, recently came under kosher vegan certification after previously serving such (non-kosher and obviously non-vegan) dishes as filet mignon and shakshuka. It is located in Sugar Hill, the iconic 10-square block historic area in Manhattan’s Harlem and Hamilton Heights neighborhoods. Sugar Hill became a popular place for wealthy African Americans to live during the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s and ‘30s.

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Regaining the art of conversation through an Ethiopian coffee ceremony

Yes, it has been a few years since life returned to pre-pandemic times, but we mostly talked to our housemates, our pets, or ourselves during lockdown. We need to rekindle the art of conversation and coffee may be the answer. Specifically Ethiopian coffee. With the help of conversation cards that are passed around to participants, conversation starts and new friends are met. The Ethiopians use coffee as a daily ritual to connect with neighbors, friends and family gathering to share stories, and news and stay connected. It is a sign of respect, friendship and hospitality to be invited to coffee. The Addis Ethiopian Cafe is recreating the coffee ceremony on Saturday and Sunday mornings to bring people together and create community. Traditionally, a woman presides over the coffee ceremony. This is a high honor and reserved for the matriarch of the family. The ceremony starts with incense while the woman roasts green coffee in a flat roasting pan on a coal burner. The room quickly fills with the fragrance. The roasted beans are carried around the room for all to enjoy the aromas. Guests sit in a semi-circle around the area where the coffee is brewed. Guests pass around conversational question starter notes with questions to encourage thoughtful answers. Some questions like what is your greatest achievement? What do you want to be remembered for? Conversation and laughter are encouraged. Next comes the cooling and the grinding of the beans before being poured into a traditional “jebena” a clay pot with a long spout – to hinder the grounds from escaping into the small, handle less coffee cups. The host pours the coffee along with snacks, which are traditionally popcorn, bread, or roasted barley.

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Ethiopian coffee ceremonies served Saturdays in San Diego

From no frills black, to lots of cream, sugar and flavorings, coffee can take many forms. But some are more powerful and sacred than others. That includes the version that comes from the birthplace of coffee. “This is traditional Ethiopian coffee. This is a coffee ceremony,” said Alemtsehay Dagne, while roasting coffee beans over a specialized pan. Dange and her husband Fekadu Engedaw operate Addis Restaurant in San Diego. The couple recently relaunched traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremonies at their establishment. “We're here for everybody. This is welcoming for everybody. This is everybody's house,” Dagne said. They said the ceremonies are a way for them to stay connected to their culture and share it proudly with others.

Engedaw explained how even the word ‘coffee’ ties back to a region in Ethiopia.

“Coffee, from Kaffa. The place Kaffa — so in the name also,” said Engedaw. “We bring from that area the original one, the organic one. And then we produce here and then serve the community.”

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Who Is Ethiopia Habtemariam? The Former Motown CEO Tied To The Diddy Case

As is often the case with those behind the scenes, Ethiopia Habtemariam is not a name many are familiar with. However, the 44-year-old has been actively working in the music industry since she was a teenager in the ‘90s. Over the years, she rose through the ranks and came to command much respect and admiration, eventually becoming the CEO of the renowned Motown Records. However, Habtemariam’s name is now linked to Diddy’s infamous case. As the music mogul remains under investigation following the wave of allegations made against him by Rodney Jones, it’s anyone’s guess how the former Motown CEO is involved. Nonetheless, in an amended complaint filed to the court, Ethiopia Habtemariam reportedly agreed to testify in Jones' lawsuit about Diddy's The Love Album: Off The Grid. Court documents reveal that Habtemariam entered an agreement with Jones to "dismiss all claims" against the Motown CEO in the suit "without prejudice," NBC reports. While we wait for the story to unfold, here’s what we know about Ethiopia Habtemariam. Born on September 24, 1979, Ethiopia Habtemariam is an Ethiopian-American businesswoman and music executive. She was born in Berkeley, California, where she spent her early years and developed an interest in pursuing a career in the music industry. Not one to let her dreams die, she decided to act upon this desire, and very early too.

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Only in Oklahoma: Ethiopia’s emperor paid visit to state

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Aselefech Ashine and Getenesh Kebret: when the stars of Ethiopia’s Golden Age collided

Collaborations between prominent musical artists are famously hit-or-miss. While you might end up with the brilliance of The Velvet Underground and Nico, you could just as easily be faced with the terrifying reality of ‘Dancing In the Street’ by Mick Jagger and David Bowie. Fortunately, this was not a concern that plagued Aselefech Ashine and Getenesh Kebret, two of the finest singers to ever hail from Ethiopia, upon their seminal collaboration in 1976. Ethiopia is not usually noted for its musical output, with the vast majority of discourse surrounding the incredibly broad landscape of ‘African music’ centring around West African nations such as Nigeria or Ghana. However, with one of the largest populations across the continent, the incredible range of art produced by the country is almost an inevitability. The ‘Golden Age’ of Ethiopian music occurred in the period between the 1960s and 1970s, witnessing the rise of countless incredible artists, usually focusing on folk styles and traditional Ethiopian rhythms, with some Western influences too. Of that vibrant Golden Age, the unforgettable tones of vocalists Aselefech Ashine and Getenesh Kebret are undoubtedly one of the greatest exports. Both were raised in the capital city of Addis Ababa, and they first encountered each other at the Hager Fikr Theatre, a beacon for art and culture in the East African nation. The pair were trained together in theatre and traditional vocal performance. In 1976, the pair embarked upon a collaborative album that would go down in history as one of the great Ethiopian albums of all time.

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Intermezzo Podcast: From Italy to Ethiopia, Avex the MC blesses the mic

The latest in our Intermezzo Podcast is Avex the MC. A multilinguist and master of morphing his accent, Avex has been rapping since his teens.   Born in Italy and raised in Ethiopia, he has been making his unique presence felt in the Italian rap scene for the past 6 years, losing count of the amount of stages he has performed on. He raps fluently in Amharic, Italian and English. His uniqueness of perspective and rap style may be influenced by living between two vastly different worlds and expectations in Ethiopia, and his early and deep connection to Black American culture. The Intermezzo Podcast is a creation of Amanda Agyei, a Black British artist and fine arts scholar of Ghanaian descent who has lived between the U.K. and Italy. She uses her experience to gather the rich experiences of diasporic communities in Europe. Exploring migration stories, language, culture, advocacy, art and culture, she weaves an innovative narrative for audiences across the pond.

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Connecting Colorado to Ethiopia, Lucy Coffee Opens a Cafe in Aurora

Ethiopia-focused roasted and green coffee company Lucy Coffee (Instagram link) recently opened its first retail cafe in Aurora, Colorado, completing a full circle of coffee and cultural connections. The new shop envelopes guests with coffee-brown ceilings and walls, natural wood tables and floors, and brown leather upholstery on modern chairs and couches. A coffee-toned mural showing a map of the Bean Belt with a producer’s hands and a cup of Lucy Coffee fills an entire wall. Centerpieces on larger tables display parchment coffee alongside green and roasted coffees. “I want the people to see how the process went, for coffee,” Lucy Coffee Co-Owner Mickias (Micki) Alamirew told Daily Coffee News. “The color is a very calm color. Everybody that comes inside feels like this is very warming, like you want to sit here.” Once inside, guests can browse a diverse fresh food menu that features Ethiopian Chechebsa and Ful plates, as well as panini, egg sandwiches and salads. The coffee, meanwhile, remains 100% Ethiopian, grown on a single farm in Ethiopia’s Yirgacheffe region. Lucy Coffee Founders Micki and Mehret Alamirew met as members of the Ethiopian expat community in Aurora in the 1990. They started the company in 2018 as a roasting operation, then less than a year later bought a 50% stake in the coffee farm.

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West Michigan Ethiopian community celebrates special day

Emahoy Tsege Mariam Gebru Harmony Holiday

Emahoy Tsege Mariam Gebru is often flippantly monikered the “barefoot nun” or the “honky-tonk nun” in accounts of her life. This paradoxically reductive and sensationalizing shrink-wrapping of her path to asceticism is a naive defect of Western musicology. Within its codes, and those of Western popular music, there’s a hint of condescension to the sublime monasticism of any musician who refuses to behave as a traditional entertainer, no matter how drastic the conditions inciting that refusal. It’s pitched as bizarre and destabilizing. In Emahoy’s case, it was a practical act of transmutation. Born into Ethiopia’s high society in 1923, she was one of the first from her country to be sent to boarding school in Switzerland; she then went to study music in Cairo. Back in Addis Ababa, she rode horses in the hills and played her original compositions for Haile Selassie. She chose life as a nun after Italy’s 1936 invasion of Ethiopia and its subsequent violence interrupted her studies, preventing her from taking a position at London’s Royal Academy of Music. She was so disillusioned she stopped eating until she reached the brink of death. You can hear echoes of this waltz between abandonment and abandon in her playing; there’s a sense of gothic disenchantment that she rollicks in until it’s almost mirth, a private defiant smile or taunting song title, like “Why Feel Sorry,” uniting vengeance and resilience. When she absconded to places of worship, it’s as though the threat of death from external forces shocked her into catatonic fearlessness.

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Little Ethiopia’s Meals by Genet featured on Freeform’s Chrissy & Dave Dine Out

Little Ethiopia's Meals by Genet was on the verge of closing when Pulitzer Prize-winning food critic Jonathan Gold featured the restaurant among his list of favorites. Now, the Ethiopian eatery is thriving, with many celebrities as frequent guests.

Most recently, the restaurant and its chef/owner Genet Agonafer were visited by the new Freeform show Chrissy & Dave Dine Out, featuring Chrissy Teigen and celebrity chef Dave Chang.

"Having Chrissy & Dave Dine Out coming here, I was just so excited to be a part of that," said Agonafer. "In Ethiopia, we take the food thing very seriously. It's like you represent your country. I don't want anyone to say 'I hate Ethiopian food,' at least if I can help it."

Meals by Genet will be featured on the season finale of Chrissy & Dave Dine Out on Wednesday, February 21 at 9:30pm on Freeform. The episode will then stream on Hulu.

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Fariyal Abdullahi Is Making a Difference With Her Mission-Driven Cooking

The most significant moments in life don’t always take your schedule into consideration—just ask Fariyal Abdullahi. At 10:23 a.m. on January 24, Abdullahi, the executive chef at Hav & Mar, was in the middle of filming a television segment when her phone started buzzing and just wouldn’t quit. Abdullahi was doing what she often does—working a long day, even though she wasn’t at her restaurant. (And to be clear, she’s typically at Hav & Mar five days a week, and frequently working on projects for the restaurant when she’s off-site.) On this particular day, however, she was judging Food Network’s Chopped. Abdullahi is used to juggling multiple gigs, events and obligations. But the morning of January 24 was different. It was discombobulating trying to process what was happening, she says. Her phone blew up with congratulatory texts. But she didn’t have much time between shoots to properly react to the news that she had just become a James Beard Awards semifinalist for Emerging Chef. “I had maybe 30 seconds in between them resetting the cameras and repositioning everything,” Abdullahi tells Observer of the moment she found out. “And they’re like, ‘Okay, judges, you’re on camera.’ So I put my phone away, and the buzzing kept going.”

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Discover Authentic Ethiopian and Eritrean Eats At Habesha In Cleveland

One of the best parts of living in a place like Cleveland is the easy access to international eats, especially when it comes to foods you’ve never tried before. If you’ve never tried Eritrean cuisine before, you’ll want to step into a world where the aroma of exotic spices dances through the air and every bite tells a story of tradition and culture. Nestled in Kamm’s Corners in Cleveland, Habesha Ethiopian and Eritrean Restaurant invites diners on a culinary journey that will take your taste buds on an international adventure unfolding 7,000 miles from home. With its vibrant ambiance and mouthwatering dishes, this hidden gem promises an unforgettable dining experience that transports guests to the heart of East Africa. In this case, looks aren't deceiving. If you've never had Ethiopian or Eritrean cuisine, you're in for a colorful world of flavor. But there's a deeper story here... in the 1990s and early 2000s, the Eritrean–Ethiopian War humbled two unique East African countries. Habesha is a word that nods to the unified people that span both countries, sharing traditions despite political borders keeping them separate.

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Ethiopia Names Artist for Its First-Ever National Pavilion at the Venice Biennale

The painter Tesfaye Urgessa will represent Ethiopia for the country’s first-ever national pavilion at this year’s 60th Venice Biennale, which runs from April 20 until November 24, 2024. His exhibition “Prejudice and Belonging” will take place at Palazzo Bolani and is curated by the writer Lemn Sissay. It was commissioned by Ethiopia’s Ministry of Tourism. Urgessa’s work stands out for its focus on classicized human figures, often distorted or entwined with each other in domestic settings. The viewer is invited to contemplate the subjects’ ambiguous psychological states. Born in Addis Ababa in 1983, Urgessa began his studies under the celebrated painter Tadesse Mesfin at the Ale School of Art and Design at Addis Ababa University. He later moved to Stuttgart in Germany to study at the Staatlichen Akademie and remained in the country for 13 years. During this period, Urgessa developed a style that used Ethiopian iconography as well as influences from the German Neo-Expressionists and School of London painters like Freud, Auerbach, and Bacon.

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Dubai International Chamber supports expansion of UAE’s Mars Food Industries into Ethiopian market

Dubai International Chamber, one of the three chambers operating under the umbrella of Dubai Chambers, has successfully unlocked access to the Ethiopian market for the UAE's Mars Food Industries. The chamber helped facilitate the export of baby food products produced and manufactured in the UAE by the company’s Miralac brand to the East African nation, marking its first deal on the African continent. Dubai Chambers hosted the signing of a commercial cooperation agreement between Mars Food Industries and Tana Ekt Trading, which will market and distribute Miralac baby food products in Ethiopia. The company is set to cater to a growing demand created by the country’s young population and the lack of availability of nutritious ready-made baby foods. The Dubai Business Forum, which was organised by Dubai Chambers last year, served as a valuable platform to introduce Mars Food Industries to the Ethiopian market. During the event, Dubai International Chamber arranged bilateral business meetings between the company and a group of potential partners in Ethiopia, which resulted in the signing of a marketing and distribution agreement for Miralac baby food products with Tana Ekt Trading. The first shipment of Miralac products has since been exported to Ethiopia.

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From Ethiopia to Idaho: Brey Steffensen’s Journey to Senior Night at Hillcrest

AMMON, Idaho (KIFI) - Hillcrest Boys Basketball has won back-to-back 4A state championships, and they chase a three-peat this season. Their unsung hero is their team manager, who finally got his chance to play on senior night Wednesday. Brey Steffensen stole the show in his first career start when he scored his first career basket. "It was wonderful," Steffensen said. "The whole gym went wild and they were chanting my name and it was just very special to me." Brey's road to this point has been anything but easy. Growing up in Ethiopia, Brey suffered from a rare disease called Lathyrism, an incurable neurological disorder that causes paralysis of the lower limbs. At one point, Brey couldn't walk. "I've done a lot of hard things in my life," Steffensen said. "And I've also done a lot of things that I couldn't do." By the summer of 2017, he was playing baseball and Sports Line took notice because he was throwing darts. "He pitched the whole season," Skyleur Steffensen said. "You guys did a story on him, and it was cool to see him just excel in that sport.

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Finding the ‘Real Africa

 

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A unique educational initiative inaugurated at Rambam

In an exciting collaboration between Rambam Health Care Campus (Rambam) in Haifa, Israel, the Boston-Haifa Connection (BHC), the Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, a unique educational initiative – a Hebrew literacy course for Rambam employees of Ethiopian descent – has been inaugurated.

Thanks to the Haifa chapter of the BHC (The Israeli office of CJP- Combined Jewish Philanthropies of Greater Boston), twenty students, aged 30-50, mainly from Rambam’s Housekeeping and Custodian Department, will immerse themselves in 150 hours of Hebrew language study and develop their computer skills.

The BHC sees great importance in promoting equal educational and employment opportunities for Ethiopian immigrants and providing additional opportunities for veteran immigrants who still need to improve their language skills.

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Local coffee shop educating Tulsans on the drink’s Ethiopian roots

Coffee is one beverage many cannot live without. It's often first thing in the morning and throughout the day. To commemorate Black History Month, a Tulsa businessman wants everyone to know that Africa is to thank for the delicious brew. Every blast of steam, every shot of espresso is art for Sean Terrell. He is quick to say he didn't even like coffee until he decided to open his own business.

Aunt Yvette’s Kitchen brings the flavors of Ethiopia to Eagle Rock

The artwork, the ambiance - it's the feeling of dining in a family's member's home! That's what Aunt Yvette's Kitchen is all about.

The restaurant is bringing the flavors of Ethiopia to Eagle Rock. It's a passion project for owners Yvette and Russell Platoff, who met more than two decades ago.

"I knew that she was my wife immediately... I knew that if I could just cook her a meal that was going to be it," Russell said.

Since getting married, the couple has been cooking thousands of Ethiopian dishes together.

It's a cuisine very important them.

"The moment I ate it I just felt like, a purpose. Something happened there. You'll try food and something talks to you, just speaks to you. It's in your spirit," said Yvette.

Stew is a staple in the East African country, and their beef awaze is one of their best sellers and is simply a must-try. It includes tender brisket, jalapeño and onion.

Other hot items on the menu include the whole crispy trout. The Kitfo is an Ethiopian beef tartare served with ricotta cheese. A vibrant vegetable combo makes for a great shareable appetizer. Last, but not least, is the lamb stew, which is a delight.

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Tesfaye Urgessa will represent Ethiopia at the 2024 Venice Biennale

Tesfaye Urgessa has been selected to represent Ethiopia at the 2024 Venice Biennale, the first time that the nation will be participating with a national pavilion at the event. The exhibition, which is curated by Lemn Sissay OBE, will take place at the 13th-century Palazzo Bolani. In recent years, Urgessa has gained international recognition, presenting “Tesfaye Urgessa in Miami” with Saatchi Yates in 2022 for Miami Art Week and “No Country for Young Men” in 2019 for Addis Fine Art in Addis Abba. This past November, Urgessa was also selected to be featured in the The Artsy Vanguard 2023–2024. Born in 1983, Urgessa is known for his paintings that depict human bodies in the center of domestic scenes. His subjects, often stoic and muscular, staring the viewer directly in the eye, are exposed and vulnerable. Balancing gestural form with a sharp color palette, his paintings reflect on his personal experience with racism once he moved from Ethiopia to Germany. “Representing Ethiopia for the first time, this is really amazing,” the artist said in an interview with Artsy.

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Ethiopian-Owned Lucy Coffee House Opens in Aurora

After years as a coffee roaster and wholesale supplier, Lucy Coffee opened a brick-and-mortar cafe at 14048 East Mississippi Avenue in Aurora earlier this month. Co-owners Mickias (Micki) Alamirew and and his wife, Mehret (Mercy), both emigrated from Ethiopia in the ’90s and met through the Ethiopian community in Aurora. Now they're hoping their shop can provide a gathering place for immigrants not only from Ethiopia, but all over the world. Alamirew also owns a limo service, and the couple has four daughters under the age of eight, including one-year-old twins. They began roasting coffee in 2018, sourcing their beans from a farm in Yirgacheffe, a region in southern Ethiopia that is well known in the coffee world for producing distinctively floral, fruity beans.

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Jebena Ethiopian Cuisine experiences booming business with Worthington opening

WORTHINGTON — Jebena Ethiopian Cuisine in Worthington officially opened its doors Dec. 28, and according to owner Minilik Mersha, business has been booming. “Most people come, they’re thankful for the food. Many here have to travel a long way to find this kind of food, so it is nice to have it at home,” Mersha said. “Some come in almost every single day.” Mersha, who has worked toward this project for nearly seven years, said the restaurant has so far exceeded every expectation. “I was looking at this thing for probably, six, seven years back. After we got into it, we just kept pushing it to make it into this beautiful building. I’m glad we did. Words can’t even describe it.” From the day it opened, Jebena has been busy. Though the recent cold brought business to a crawl, according to Mersha, things are beginning to pick up again following the restaurant’s ribbon cutting ceremony last Friday.

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ETHIOPIA AT THE CROSSROADS

When American mixed-media artist Faith Ringgold learned about Lucy, the ancient remains of an early human ancestor, she was so inspired that she traveled to the Ethiopian city where Lucy was found. While on that trip, Ringgold gathered fabrics, which are part of an exhibit now on display at the Walters Art Museum titled Ethiopia at the Crossroads. The exhibition, available to the public until March 3, places contemporary works like Ringgold’s alongside ancient African artifacts. The message is this: we all derive from Ethiopia; it is our first home. According to the museum, this is the first time in this country that an art museum has curated a show that depicts the breadth of Ethiopian art in this way. “Ethiopia at the Crossroads is the first major art exhibition in America to examine an array of Ethiopian cultural and artistic traditions from their origins to the present day and to chart the ways in which engaging with surrounding cultures manifested in Ethiopian artistic practices,” reads the exhibition statement.

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Hacking Traditional Ethiopian Superfood To Make Instant Bread

A former Israel Defense Forces officer is determined to enrich the diet of the combat soldiers he once trained by revolutionizing the recipe for traditional Ethiopian flatbread he ate at home growing up. Injera is a spongy, slightly sour flatbread made from the seeds of teff grass, a staple in the Ethiopian and Eritrean diet and native to both countries. It is eaten as a main meal and as an accompaniment to traditional dishes in both countries.Teff grain is gluten-free and considered a superfood, due to its high iron and fiber content, as well as large amounts of minerals such as calcium, copper and zinc. Because it contains all of the essential amino acids the human body needs for cell growth, it is also classed as a complete protein. But making the flatbread takes up to three days, due to a lengthy fermentation process that occurs when teff flour is mixed with water and left to stand. And for Daniel Ishta, the amount of preparation time was an obstacle he had to overcome in his mission to get the flatbread into the hands – and the bellies – of the troops.

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A Bright Future Ahead for Local Ethiopian American Photographer Redeat Wondemu

Redeat Wondemu, a local Ethiopian American photographer who also goes by Red Won, hardly got a moment of rest the night her exhibit, Her, opened on Dec. 15 at the gallery Art of Noize. People began walking in to view her work almost an hour before the reception officially started, and by the time it kicked off the small venue was packed. From start to finish, Wondemu stood next to a table where her prints and Hasselblad film camera were on display to talk to visitors as they approached her with compliments and questions about her photography. “We had a big response,” gallery owner Adrian Ferguson says. “Everybody was impressed with the work and Red’s attention to detail.” It’s no surprise that so many people showed up to the reception, at least for those familiar with Wondemu’s work. Dozens of black and white photos as well as two large, cyan-colored self-portraits line the walls of the gallery with the faces of the artist and women she met during her visits to the East African country she calls home. Wondemu’s photos not only capture the subtle emotions of her models, but are also printed in a way that makes them look like paintings. Local painter Adèremi Inniss was one of the first visitors to arrive at Art of Noize and couldn’t contain his excitement. “These are gorgeous!” he said as soon as he laid eyes on her work.

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Israel airlifted him from Ethiopia. Now he’s a hi-tech entrepreneur

Solomon Geveye, 38, was born in the mountainous Gondar region of Ethiopia. His family was part of the historic Operation Solomon in 1991, in which more than 14,300 Ethiopian Jews were clandestinely airlifted to Israel over a 36-hour period. Today, Geveye is establishing the Haile Venture Capital Fund, the first fund of its kind to support first-generation Ethiopian-Israeli tech entrepreneurs.

“I was six years old when my parents made aliyah with five children. My other four siblings were already in Israel,” says Geveye. “I remember how excited we all were as we began our new life in Ashdod. It was a 2,000-year-old dream come true.” For Geveye, living in Israel was a new adventure. But for his parents, it was very difficult to go from an agrarian lifestyle to a Westernized country. “My parents were such role models for me,” he says. “They had so little and worked really hard, but they accomplished so much in integrating and raising successful children.”

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14 Coffee Brands With Unique Flavors

An exceptional cup of coffee can be surprisingly elusive. Between coffee classes, sensory training from Università di Scienze Gastronomiche di Pollenzo, and a never-ending search for a compelling cup, my personal experience has helped me uncover roasters across the country who produce high-quality beans that express a wide range of aromas and flavors going far beyond your basic blend from the grocery store. From light roasts with delicate orange blossom to rich and full-bodied blends full of caramelized dates and Toblerone to natural processed beans with tropical vibes of pineapple and lychee, there is a delicious and vast array of coffee brands with unique flavors to discover in your cup. Finding a coffee brand with unique flavors comes down to investigating every part of the process. The origins of the beans, including their elevation and terroir where they grew, the fermentation and processing, and the way they were roasted, each play a key role in expressing exceptional tastes. Whether you're a trained barista or an enthusiastic coffee drinker ready to elevate your home brewing experience, you'll need to start with freshly roasted coffee beans that pack a punch. You're looking for something well-balanced but with a distinct leading flavor profile. The coffee fermentation method and roasting style should enhance the flavors that are already there, bringing out that zingy strawberry sour candy, white chocolate pistachio nougat, or blood orange syrup. These coffee brands are passionately pushing the envelope to highlight the bean's unique flavors.

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A candlelit Orthodox Christmas in D.C. with an Ethiopian vibe

As most of D.C. slept early Sunday morning, incense clouded the massive hall at an Ethiopian cathedral in Northeast Washington, and hundreds of parishioners dressed in white chanted to a rhythmic drumbeat in celebration of Orthodox Christmas. According to the Julian calendar, used by Ethiopians, Russian and some Eastern Orthodox, the birth of Jesus is celebrated Jan. 7, often with an overnight service and Mass.

I tried Huddersfield’s new Ethiopian restaurant and it was a steep learning curve

Huddersfield restaurant Ahadu Flavours of Ethiopia has the kind of intriguing menu that raises more questions than answers for the uninitiated. As someone not au fait with Ethiopian cuisine, I had little idea what to order when I entered the restaurant on Friday lunchtime. The menu had plenty of options including vegan dishes but some entries left me puzzled and with questions. One starter is listed simply as 'Gomen - cabbage - £6' which could probably have benefited from a few words of explanation.

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The DC-area wine that isn’t made from grapes — it’s made from honey

Vineyards can be found all over the region, and all of them grow grapes and other fruits to make their wines. But it’s not the only way to make wine. An Ethiopian recipe dating back thousands of years for a wine called “tej” uses just three ingredients — water, yeast and honey. One of the few places in the U.S. making tej also operates the only tasting room in the country, and it’s just inside the Beltway in Alexandria, Virginia. Gize Negussie operates Negus Winery with his wife. Ironically, it’s located on Vine Street just off Van Dorn Street in Alexandria. “Ethiopian honey wine, or tej fermented beverage, is made from honey, and dates back more than 3,000 years, the time of Queen of Sheba,” Negussie said. “And it’s part of Ethiopian meals, gatherings and celebrations.” It’s believed the Queen of Sheba brought tej back from a visit to King Solomon in Israel — yes, the one from the Bible.

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‘Ethiopia at the Crossroads’ exhibition at the Walters Art Museum explores global connections through art, spirituality, and more

Spanning 1,750 years of Ethiopian history, a new exhibition at the Walters Art Museum explores the interplay of art, culture, and spirituality within Ethiopia and among its neighbors throughout the region. Aptly named “Ethiopia at the Crossroads,” the show which opened Dec. 3 highlights a nation at the junction of cultures throughout Africa, Western Asia, and Europe. Situated on the Horn of Africa, Ethiopia has connections stretching east through the Arabian Sea and north through the Red Sea, up the Nile River, and over the Mediterranean Sea. Spanning 1,750 years of Ethiopian history, a new exhibition at the Walters Art Museum explores the interplay of art, culture, and spirituality within Ethiopia and among its neighbors throughout the region. Aptly named “Ethiopia at the Crossroads,” the show which opened Dec. 3 highlights a nation at the junction of cultures throughout Africa, Western Asia, and Europe. Situated on the Horn of Africa, Ethiopia has connections stretching east through the Arabian Sea and north through the Red Sea, up the Nile River, and over the Mediterranean Sea. “This exhibition is really putting Ethiopia front and center and thinking about Ethiopia in relationship to its surrounding cultures throughout its history,” said Christine Sciacca, curator of European Art from 300–1400 CE.

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  “This exhibition is really putting Ethiopia front and center and thinking about Ethiopia in relationship to its surrounding cultures throughout its history,” said Christine Sciacca, curator of European Art from 300–1400 CE.

Ethiopian haven brightens the mood and palate in Malden

As the weather turns from bright and autumnal to dull early winter, corners of Boston can feel like rows of endless gray, beige, and brick. This was the oppressively drab mood as we headed through Malden last week, past leafless trees and dead, brown yards in search of some lunch. From the outside, Habesha Restaurant in Malden blends seamlessly into its surrounding row of tan business buildings on Main Street. At first, its inside also appears to be a little dark and a little dated. Once you've settled into your seats and given your eyes some time to adjust, the wooden paneling provides a warm and cozy atmosphere. The darkness is undercut by glowing LED lights and an ornately-decorated and celebratory bar, complete with hanging light bulbs and colorful art and artifacts from Ethiopia, which also liberally adorn the walls. Travel posters of Ethiopia line the back wall, and what appears to be Ethiopian shows and music videos play on a TV. Cheerful, rhythmic music sets an upbeat mood in the background.

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GOP picks Ethiopian-born Israeli-American to run for seat of expelled NY Rep. Santos

JTA — Long Island Republicans selected Mazi Melesa Pilip, an Ethiopian Jewish Nassau County legislator, to run in the special election to replace George Santos, who was expelled after he was exposed for alleged fraud and lies, including that he was Jewish. Pilip emerged as a likely contender to replace Santos when his lies were exposed soon after his election last year, and she was officially named Thursday as the candidate, nearly two weeks after the expulsion of Santos. She will face Democrat Tom Suozzi, who is hoping to get his old job back after quitting the seat in an unsuccessful bid for governor. The special election is set for February 13.

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Ethiopian American Top Young Scientist Challenge Winner Hopes to Change Lives

A 14-year-old Ethiopian-born American in the U.S. state of Virginia has won the 3M Young Scientist Challenge, an annual science competition for U.S. students in grades five through eight. VOA’s Eden Geremew recently spoke with the winner in Fairfax County, Virginia,

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World Cup 2026: Ethiopia’s ‘Johnny Vegas’ dreaming big in new federation role

"I want Ethiopia to make it to the 2026 World Cup in the United States. Yes, it's a long shot, but we do have a chance."

Arriving in Las Vegas aged 10 with his mother, he has sprung himself from the lowest rung of the Vegas strip into a lifestyle fixer for sporting superstars, a social media influencer, and now a role as the international liaison and strategic advisor for the Ethiopian Football Federation (EFF).

"I've been in this role four months now. My job is to be a bridge between the EFF and other leagues, federations and brands," Zewdu, who is professionally known as 'Johnny Vegas', tells BBC Sport.

"To shine a light on Ethiopian football, the image of the potential we have in our country and the resources we have, and say to the outside world 'If you come here and invest in us, you'll get something amazing'.

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Natnael Belay ’20: Ethiopia’s New Bright Technology Star

An Ethiopian proverb fits Natnael Belay ‘20 like a glove. It reads, “One who learns will eventually teach.” The proverb speaks to Belay’s personality, creativity, happiness, love, and zest for life. More importantly, it references his inquiring mind and love for education, and his strong sense of social responsibility. Belay’s life journey began in Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia, where he was born and raised. He fondly recalls viewing himself as a “nerd” in elementary and high school. Today, he is a widely respected and well-loved, leading Technology Program Manager for Google’s Android Jetpack Program in Cambridge, MA, where he shares his wisdom and keen knowledge of one of Google’s most significant products with colleagues and people across the nation.

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Meet Rediet Abebe, the First Black Woman to Earn a Computer Science Ph.D. From Cornell University

As one of just few faces of color in the tech world, computer scientist Rediet Abebe is shaking things up and will make history as the first Black woman to earn a computer science Ph.D. from Cornell University later this month. Abebe, who graduates Dec. 21, has focused much of her research on using algorithms and artificial intelligence for social good, but her work doesn’t  stop there. According to her online bio, she works to “design and analyze algorithmic, discrete optimizations, network-based, [and] computational techniques to improve access to opportunity for historically disadvantaged communities.” The 28-year-old Abebe is also a Junior Fellow in the Harvard Society of Fellows.

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Whose job will AI replace? Why a clerk in Ethiopia has more to fear than one in California

Artificial intelligence is changing the world—and one of the main areas it will affect in the short-to-medium term is the workforce. AI algorithms imitate real-world systems. The more repetitive a system is, the easier it is for AI to replace it. That's why jobs in customer service, retail and clerical roles are regularly named as being the most at risk. That doesn't mean other jobs won't be affected. The latest advances in AI have shown all kinds of creative work and white-collar professions stand to be impacted to various degrees. However, there's one important point that's usually not addressed in discussions about AI's impact on jobs. That is: where you work may be as important as what you do. Current trends and projections suggest people in developing countries, where a higher proportion of jobs involve repetitive or manual tasks, will be the first and most affected.

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LOCAL NEWS Tamirat Tola breaks NYC Marathon record in 2023 men’s race.

NEW YORK — Tamirat Tola of Ethiopia broke the record in the 2023 New York City marathon on Sunday, finishing the 5-borough course in just 2 hours, 4 minutes and 58 seconds. Tola beat the previous course record set in 2011 by Geoffrey Mutai, who finished the race in 2:05:06. Tola pulled away from Jemel Yimer, his countrymate, as the two headed towards the Bronx at mile 20. A mile later, when Tola was headed back into Manhattan, he was up by 19 seconds and chasing Mutai's record. Meanwhile, the women's race came down to the wire. Obiri, Letesenbet Gidey of Ethiopia and Sharon Lokedi, the defending champion, were running together down the stretch. Obiri made a move as the three headed back into Central Park for the last half mile and finished in 2:27:23. Gidey finished 6 seconds later.

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Mom Who Spends 30 Years Working Abroad to Support Son Is Surprised by Him as Her Pilot on a Trip Home

Many immigrants have incredible stories of hard work, oftentimes involving a parent moving to a place with more opportunities to give their kids a better life. This is certainly true for a woman who left Ethiopia for Lebanon, where she worked as a maid for 30 years. Back home, her son long wished to become a pilot. This further inspired her to work hard and support his dream. As a powerful tribute, the devoted mom got a special surprise on her grand return home. As she boarded the plane, a flight attendant pushed back a curtain to reveal her son was actually the pilot of the plane.

The touching moment was caught on camera. In the clip, which has since gone viral, the mom boards the plane as a regular passenger, unaware of of the surprise to come. Once the team confirms it’s her, the big reveal is set in motion. The pilot greets his unsuspecting mom with a big flower bouquet under his arm, as well as a cake and a bottle of champagne.

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Ethiopian scientist Gebisa Ejeta honored by President Biden with prestigious award

Earlier this week, Ethiopian Gebisa Ejeta joined an elite group of scientists when he was honored by US President Joe Biden in a ceremony at the White House. Ejeta, along with eight others, was awarded the National Medal of Science on Tuesday, the highest scientific honor in the nation.

Born and raised in rural west-central Ethiopia, Ejeta has dedicated his life’s work to food science – specifically the study of sorghum, a gluten-free ancient grain. He was a 2009 recipient of the World Food Prize for his work with drought- and parasite-resistant hybrid strains. That same year, he was awarded Ethiopia’s National Hero Award.

“Gebisa Ejeta is one of the most impactful geneticists in the world,” said Mung Chiang, president of Purdue University in the US, where Ejeta has been a researcher and faculty member since 1984.

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Welcome to Little Ethiopia’: Clark County’s 1st official cultural district inaugurated

Designed in the likeness of an iconic Las Vegas symbol, the green, yellow and red sign states: “Welcome to Little Ethiopia.” Las Vegas Valley’s Ethiopian community on Tuesday celebrated a historic milestone — the inauguration of Clark County’s first official cultural district. County officials attended a morning ceremony, which was followed by an outdoor festival at Clark High School. Commissioner Michael Naft helped to unveil a second sign, a brown and white street sign that signals the hub near Decatur Boulevard — between Twain and University avenues — as Little Ethiopia. The area is an epicenter that houses nearly 80 Ethiopian-owned businesses, where many of the more than 40,000 Ethiopians and Eritreans who call Southern Nevada home tend to congregate.

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Minnesota leads nation in new effort to welcome refugees through private sponsor groups

The state already is home to 10 private sponsor circles in the new Welcome Corp. Mathias Shimirimana rang up orders of chicken strips and sandwiches for the college students crowding into the spicy fried chicken restaurant in southeast Minneapolis, quietly maneuvering through the dinner rush.

What You Never Knew About Zahara Jolie-Pitt

Zahara Marley Jolie-Pitt is the eldest daughter of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt. Although she manages to keep a relatively low profile, the Ethiopian-born teen has plenty to boast about. From her global humanitarian work to her legendary style, this young powerhouse has achieved quite a lot — and she's just getting started. Although she seems to be the perfect synthesis of her mom's best qualities, it's clear that Zahara has also grown into her own. In a 2020 Time 100 talk with climate activist Vanessa Nakate, Angelina Jolie poured over her love and admiration for her daughter (via People). The filmmaker said, "My daughter is from Ethiopia, one of my children ... and I have learned so much from her. She is my family, but she is an extraordinary African woman and her connection to her country, her continent, is her own, and it's something I only stand back in awe of." Despite being known for her illustrious family ties, there is so much more to her story.

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“America’s Top Young Scientist” Heman Bekele Was Born in Ethiopia

W.T. Woodson High School freshman Heman Bekele moved to Virginia as a four-year-old. But he never forgot where he was born: Ethiopia. Heman, newly crowned “America’s Top Young Scientist” after winning this year’s 3M Young Scientist Challenge, says the memories of people working long hours outside under the glaring sun in Ethiopia stayed with him as he made his way through the Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) school system. A graduate of Wakefield Forest Elementary School and Frost Middle School, Heman was struck by the dramatic differences in skin cancer survival rates in parts of Sub-Saharan Africa compared to places where high tech cancer treatments are available. “Skin cancer is mostly found on people who live within developing countries,” Heman says. “But the average price for an operation is $40,000. I was devastated by the idea of people having to choose between treatment and putting food on the table for their families. There are so many preventable deaths.”

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14-year-old Heman Bekele named America’s Top Young Scientist

Heman spent the last four months competing against nine other finalists and secured his win during final Challenge events at 3M global headquarters in St. Paul, Minn., on October 9 and 10. Finalists navigated a series of interactive challenges and were evaluated on their ingenuity and innovative thinking, application of STEM principles, demonstration of passion and research, presentation skills, and ability to inspire others. "The need for scientists and innovators to develop solutions for the world's biggest challenges has never been greater. This year's Young Scientist Challenge finalists have demonstrated the skills required to reimagine what's possible—intelligence, curiosity, collaboration, and resilience," said John Banovetz, 3M executive vice president, chief technology officer and environmental responsibility. "The magnitude and complexity of the issues these young minds are working to solve is inspiring. Congratulations to this year's finalists—we can't wait to see what you do next!"

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Never Gets Old: Two Decades In, Dama Restaurant Is Still A Hub For The Region’s Ethiopian Community

Walk into Dama Restaurant and Pastry off Columbia Pike in Arlington, and you’ll probably find a group of regulars sipping coffee, splitting pastries, and chatting with one of the owners. People gather at the Ethiopian establishment at all hours of the day because it has a lot to offer, particularly to members the D.C. region’s Ethiopian diaspora. Dama is part café, part restaurant, and part market and was opened decades ago by a group of siblings from central Ethiopia who had their community in mind. At the market, customers can purchase injera or teff flour to make their own spongy bread, along with other Ethiopian staples. They can also pick up newspapers printed in Amharic, plus business cards and flyers of those offering legal and social services in both Amharic and English. The cafe serves traditional American breakfast like French toast or Ethiopian breakfast like chechebsa (which is spiced torn flatbread), while the restaurant has classic Ethiopian dishes like tibs (cubed beef with onions, jalapenos, and spices) and kitfo (a finely chopped raw beef dish). “This is a place where the community comes together and that is the part I love most,” co-owner Hailu Dama tells DCist/WAMU.

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ምርጥ የልጆች ሀ ሁ መማሪያ መጽሐፍት – ለዲያስፖራ ልጆች

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Unlock the rich cultural heritage of Ethiopia with "A simple Amharic alphabets learning book for Diaspora Children," a delightful and straightforward learning book designed specifically for Diaspora children. This colorful and engaging resource introduces young learners to the beauty and elegance of the Amharic script, the official writing system of Ethiopia. Inside this book, children will embark on an exciting journey to discover the twenty-six unique characters of the Amharic alphabet. Each letter is presented with vibrant illustrations and clear, easy-to-follow instructions, making it accessible for children of all ages. Whether your child is just beginning their Amharic language journey or looking to reinforce their existing knowledge, this book offers a perfect starting point. Key Features: Clear and Concise Instruction: Our book provides a simple, step-by-step guide to learning the Amharic alphabet, making it accessible even for young learners. Colorful Illustrations: Each letter is accompanied by vivid and engaging illustrations that help children associate the characters with everyday objects, making learning fun and memorable. Cultural Connection: As Diaspora children, connecting with Ethiopian culture is essential. "Amharic Alphabet Adventures" not only teaches the alphabet but also incorporates cultural elements, fostering a deeper understanding of Ethiopian heritage. Practice Pages: The book includes ample practice pages for each letter, allowing children to trace and write the characters independently, reinforcing their learning. Engaging Activities: Interactive activities and games throughout the book keep children excited and engaged as they progress through the alphabet. Empower your child to embrace their Ethiopian heritage and language with "Amharic Alphabet Adventures." Whether you're part of the Diaspora community or simply interested in introducing your child to a new language and culture, this book is the perfect choice. Start your child's Amharic language journey today, and watch as they embark on an exciting adventure of learning and discovery. Unlock the doors to Amharic literacy and cultural connection with "A simple Amharic alphabets learning book for Diaspora Children." Order your copy now and let the journey begin!    

Developing countries facing a debt crunch

High interest rates, growing investor risk aversion and borrowing that ballooned in recent years have left a range of developing economies mired in debt crises. Helping them claw out of this will be a key agenda item at the annual IMF and World Bank meetings in Morocco's tourist hub of Marrakech which kicks off next week.

Egypt has a $3 billion IMF programme and has devalued the pound by roughly 50 percent since February 2022. But a $2 billion privatisation plan has been slow, and it has delayed the removal of electricity subsidies.

Combatting biopiracy: Ethiopian entrepreneur revives teff farming for ancestral heritage

Teff is the star ingredient of Ethiopian cuisine, yet this grain is also a victim of biopiracy- the unethical exploitation of indigenous knowledge and biological resources. In this episode, we meet Yonas Alemu, a man who is committed to inverting this trend by modernizing teff production.

Exclusive: first color photographs shed fresh light on Ethiopia’s most treasured icon

An Art Newspaper investigation uncovers new details on the infamous seizure in 1868 by Richard Holmes of a 500-year-old painting of Christ, the Kwer’ata Re’esu, which never reached the London institution

Among the greatest Ethiopian cultural losses suffered at the battle of Maqdala in 1868 was a remarkable 500-year-old icon of the suffering Christ. It was looted by a British Museum agent, Richard Holmes, who had been sent to bring back manuscripts and antiquities from Ethiopia. On his return he failed to hand over the masterpiece to the museum, instead secretly keeping the painting, so the museum had no direct involvement in handling it. The heir of Holmes subsequently sold the picture at Christie’s in 1917.

The Art Newspaper tracked down the painting, known as the Kwer’ata Re’esu, in 1998, when it was in a Portuguese bank vault (at that point we reproduced the picture in black and white). This was probably the only occasion when the icon has been seen by anyone in living memory outside the owner’s immediate circle.

We can now finally name the owner, who personally showed me the work: the Coimbra-based Isabel Reis Santos, heir of the Portuguese art historian Luiz Reis Santos. When I travelled to see the Kwer’ata Re’esu, it was boxed and still in the wooden crate in which it had been shipped from London. Kept in a bank vault, the painting was wrapped in a 20 April 1950 copy of the London Evening News. In 1998 The Art Newspaper did not identify the owner, but does so now since she has been named in the official Portuguese government gazette.

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Tigst Assefa shatters women’s marathon world record in Berlin

BERLIN -- Tigst Assefa broke the women's world record by more than two minutes Sunday at the Berlin Marathon, as Eliud Kipchoge won the men's race for the fifth time but couldn't break his own record. Ethiopian runner Assefa, the winner in Berlin a year ago, ran the race in 2 hours, 11 minutes, 53 seconds to break the previous women's record of 2:14:04 set by Kenya's Brigid Kosgei at the Chicago Marathon in 2019. Assefa sank to her knees after crossing the line and raised her arms, then celebrated with the flag of Ethiopia. She was nearly six minutes clear of any other runner in Sunday's marathon, with Sheila Chepkirui of Kenya second in 2:17:49 and Tanzania's Magdalena Shauri third in 2:18:41. Assefa once specialized in shorter events on the track and competed in the heats of the 800 meters at the 2016 Olympics, but found much more success after switching to road running in recent years. She ran her first marathon in March 2022 in Riyadh before winning in Berlin in a course-record time of 2:15:37 last year. The Berlin course is a favorite for runners chasing world records because of its flat terrain and cool weather. It's seen a succession of men's records tumble over the last two decades, but Assefa was the first to break the women's world record in the German capital since 2001

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Gilat Awarded Contract for Satellite Network Modernization at Ethio Telecom

PETAH TIKVA, Israel, Sept. 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. (GILT), a worldwide leader in satellite networking technology, solutions, and services, announced today that the company received a contract for satellite network modernization at Ethio Telecom of Ethiopia. Gilat’s SkyEdge II-c with hundreds of Capricorn and Gemini VSATs will be used to enable enhanced satellite-based 4G cellular backhaul capabilities and enterprise communications for remote regions of the country. "As part of our modernization process, we carefully evaluated our options," said Mr. Tesfaye Tadesse Woldesemayat, Chief Network Infrastructure Officer at Ethio Telecom. "Gilat’s technology, with its long history of proven satellite-based cellular backhaul experience, proved to be the right choice to enable reliable and efficient mobile connectivity and enterprise communications to enable a bright future for the people of Ethiopia."

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Riyadh’s forces are killing defenseless Ethiopian migrants at its border

The United States and other Western allies have all but rubber-stamped Saudi Arabia’s repression at home and abroad. Repeated U.S. failures to hold Saudi Arabia to account for a litany of human rights violations has emboldened the Saudi government, allowing it to act with unbridled impunity as abuses grow ever more horrifying. In late August, Human Rights Watch reported in gruesome detail how Saudi forces are killing hundreds of migrants, including women and children, on the remote, mountainous border with Yemen. Researchers documented Saudi border guards using explosive weapons against Ethiopian migrants and asylum-seekers attempting to cross into Saudi Arabia. The attacks are widespread and systematic. Details in the evidence collected by Human Rights Watch are utterly devastating: “From 150, only seven people survived that day,” a survivor said. “There were remains of people everywhere, scattered everywhere.” A 17-year-old boy said border guards forced him and other survivors to rape two girls after the guards had executed another migrant who refused to rape another girl.

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Contractor for U.S. Government Charged With Spying for Ethiopia

The connection of the contractor to Ethiopia, a country that is a significant recipient of aid from the United States, is unusual. A contractor who has worked for the State and Justice Departments has been arrested and charged with spying for Ethiopia, according to several U.S. officials with knowledge of the situation.

The man, Abraham T. Lemma, 50, of Silver Spring, Md., faces two counts under the Espionage Act and was taken into custody last month. Not much was known about the case, which remains sealed in Federal District Court in Washington and could be made public as early as this week.

Efforts to reach Mr. Lemma’s lawyer and family were unsuccessful. The Justice Department declined to comment. Mr. Lemma’s LinkedIn profile describes him as a part-time systems analyst for the State Department who has worked at the department’s Diplomatic Security Service since 2019.

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5th Annual Taste of Ethiopia

Taste of Ethiopia is an annual cross-cultural showcase festival that brings our community together to celebrate the unique Ethiopian music and folk dances. Taste of Ethiopia’s mission is to bridge the cross-cultural connections of the young Ethio-American generation with their heritages and introduce the unique Ethiopian culture to the Alexandria communities. Enjoy live musical performances alongside food, drinks, clothing vendors, art activities, games for kids and more.

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Suspect, 65, flew into city from Ethiopia and was arrested when drugs found in his rucksack

‘It will be very emotional’: Yellow Wiggle on the search for her birth mother

The 17-year-old Wiggle talks about her incredible rise to become the new face of the supergroup, and the search for her roots.

One day in 2020, The Wiggles’ choreographer Caterina Mete was scrolling through Instagram when she came across a 13-year-old whose natural exuberance and talent for dance were so obvious that Mete immediately invited her to The Wiggles’ Hot Potato Studios to appear alongside the iconic group as a Wiggly Dancer.

For that 13-year-old, Tsehay Hawkins, the invitation was as surprising as it was surreal. Only a decade before, she had been a Wiggles fan, singing and dancing along to classics like Big Red Car and Dorothy The Dinosaur.

“I remember the first day coming into the studio and seeing all of the Wiggles memorabilia and their history on the walls: ‘Oh my gosh, this is so cool, like a childhood dream’.”

Hawkins had started dancing to Wiggles songs as soon as she could walk, but also started taking lessons at age 2 and her skills quickly took her beyond the Dippy Doo Dinosaur Dance. She trained in ballet, jazz, tap, West African and Latin dance and has since gone on to win multiple Australian and world dance titles.

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Taste of Ethiopia brings African flavor to Denver area

There was a celebration in northeast Denver Saturday celebrating Ethiopian food and culture. The Taste of Ethiopia festival was held for the ninth time this weekend. It was well attended but that's no surprise to East Colfax Community Collective Co-Director Nebiyu Asfaw, who says the Ethiopian population in the Denver metro area is between 30,000 and 40,000 people. "That makes it the second-largest foreign-born population in Colorado," said Asfaw. He says the migration from Africa to the Rockies started in the 1970s and has only picked up because Colorado has welcomed Ethiopians with open arms. "The people of Denver have completely embraced us. They've embraced our culture, the music, the food. And we're just happy to be part of the Denver festival scene," said Asfaw.

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‘Little Ethiopia’ business community ready to feel more at home

The Ethiopia native migrated to America with little more than a dream to further his education and a determination to find “a better quality of life.” “I came here to the United States — in Sept. 18, 1970 — with $75 in my pocket, but with $75 million (worth) of hope and confidence knowing that I’m going to make it here,” Girma Zaid said in a recent interview from his Las Vegas office, which is decorated with artifacts representing his East Africa homeland. The U.S. offers a choice between failure and success, he said, and he chose the latter.

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Ethiopian Airlines offering direct flights out of ATL

Ethiopian Airlines is now offering direct fights between Addis Ababa and Atlanta.

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Former Eddie Velado-Tsegaye Accepts Ethiopia Call-Up

Former FC Edmonton forward Marcus Velado-Tsegaye has accepted the call from the Ethiopian national team ahead of their US tour next month. Born in Edmonton to a Salvadoran Mother and Ethiopian Father, he’s had quite a journey en route to what may be his first senior appearance: having initially held out for a Canada U-20 call up, he opted to test the waters the El Salvador U-20 team two years ago, but now looks set to take his first senior steps with Ethiopia instead. The Ethiopian national team will face Guyana on August 2 before facing semi-pro UPSL side Atlanta Rovers three days later.

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When former US president Donald Trump told journalist Bob Woodward about Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam Deal

An excerpt from ‘Trump Tapes: Bob Woodward’s Twenty Interviews with President Donald Trump’, by Bob Woodward.

BW: So what else would you look at, President Trump? DT: Well, let me tell you a quick one. So for five years, Egypt – the Nile, right? The great Nile. Egypt has a large army. And you know Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia. Ethiopia built one of the largest dams in the world. I think the largest dam in Africa, but one of the largest. A massive dam. Hundreds of millions of dollars. And just massive. When I say hundreds of millions, $4 billion. It’s extraordinarily big. And they’ve been building it for years. And they’ve been negotiating with Egypt. Sudan is involved, too. Sudan has no money, but they’re sort of right in the middle. Very warlike. COMMENTARY: Trump is talking about the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, the biggest in Africa. Egypt and Sudan had been in fraught negotiations with Ethiopia for years about how the dam would affect water supply.

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Ethiopian Jews protest all-black Israeli newspaper covers after Knesset vote

Ethiopian activist says Israeli society must stop using the word 'black' as a derogatory term; 'I assume we would never see headlines with the words it's a black day in the US' says lawmaker Pnina Tamano-Shata.

A day after the Knesset passed legislation canceling the Supreme Court's ability to invoke the reasonableness clause, the front pages of major Israeli newspapers were covered in black by an ad placed by protesting high-tech workers, which read in small white print at the bottom: "A Black Day for Israeli Democracy."

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Man convicted of lying about his role in “Red Terror” to get citizenship

A Georgia man was convicted Wednesday in a federal court for obtaining American citizenship by lying about his involvement in a brutal crackdown on teenage political dissenters in Ethiopia, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said Thursday. Mezemr Abebe Belayneh, 67, of Snellville, was convicted by the federal jury in the Northern District of Georgia of “one count of procuring citizenship contrary to law and one count of procuring citizenship to which he was not entitled,” according to a statement by the DOJ. Belayneh had “served as a civilian interrogator at a makeshift prison known as Menafesha in the city of Dilla, Ethiopia” during the country’s communist “Red Terror” in the 1970s, the statement noted. Belayneh “detained teenage victims in a crowded prison for weeks or months, interrogated them about their political beliefs, […] directed and participated in severe beatings in which they were whipped or hit with sticks [and] forced prisoners to physically fight one another for the prison guards’ amusement,” per the statement. Belayneh then “concealed that conduct when he obtained a visa to enter the United States in 2001 and when he naturalized to become a U.S. citizen in 2008,” the statement reported.

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USWNT’s Naomi Girma embraces Ethiopian and American roots on journey to Women’s World Cup

Naomi Girma isn’t just making her Women’s World Cup debut for the United States this summer – she’s inspiring first-generation Americans across the country. The daughter of Ethiopian immigrants, Girma has developed into one of the world’s best women’s soccer players. The 23-year-old California native was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2022 NWSL Draft, joining the San Diego Wave. That was after three seasons at Stanford, where she won the Women’s College Cup in 2019 and graduated with a symbolic systems degree in 2022. In her debut professional season, Girma was named NWSL Rookie of the Year and Defender of the Year. Last month, she signed a new contract extension to remain in San Diego through 2026. While all the accolades and accomplishments are impressive, there’s even more to Girma’s story that most fans don’t know.

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Newsreel 1935: Americans take sides on Italy’s invasion of Ethiopia

In two newsreel clips from 1935, African-American men in Harlem volunteer for service in Ethiopia and three men, Italian-American Frank Magrno, George Haldman of Harlem, and William Reynolds, express their views on Italy's invasion of Ethiopia and the relation of the conflict to the U.S. (abrupt ending in original).

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Top runners from Kenya, Ethiopia to highlight 41st Subaru Buffalo 4-Mile Chase

Grocer teaches North Nashville community about Ethiopian coffee tradition

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Ask most coffee drinkers and they'll say coffee usually tastes best when you have the time enjoy it. On Sunday, the North Nashville community got to see how people in Ethiopia typically enjoy their coffee. A traditional Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony was performed by Martha Lupai, owner of S & E Food Market on Jefferson Street. She demonstrated how making coffee is truly an experience in and of itself.

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Inflation cooled significantly in June, bringing price hikes close to normal levels

Consumer prices rose 3% last month compared to a year ago, marking a significant slowdown and raising hopes that a prolonged bout of heightened inflation is nearing its end.

The fresh data Wednesday morning from the Bureau of Labor Statistics arrives days after a government release indicated that hiring slowed last month but remained solid. The economy, the jobs report suggests, continued a gradual downshift in June amid a central bank effort to dial back activity and slash prices while averting a recession.

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Israeli citizen kidnapped in Ethiopia’s Amhara region

Israel's Foreign Ministry confirmed that an elderly Israeli national has been kidnapped in Ethiopia while visiting the Gondar region.

Israel’s Foreign Ministry confirmed on Tuesday evening that an Israeli citizen was kidnapped while visiting Ethiopia.

‘’Last night we received a report about an Israeli national kidnapped in Ethiopia in the Gondar region," the Foreign Ministry said in a statement. Without identifying his name, the ministry added that the "consular department is in contact with his family members, and also acts vis-a-vis the Interpol. Israel's consul in Ethiopia is in contact with local security authorities in order to bring his release soon and in good health."

Israel’s public broadcaster KAN reported that the person kidnapped is of Ethiopian origin. The 79-year-old Israeli was kidnapped during a trip to Ethiopia a few days ago in the Gondar region. He had sent a voice message to his family members, pleading, "Help me. I'm in the middle of the jungle. It's pouring rain," KAN reported.

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St. Cloud man sues USCIS after 7 years of waiting for family

Rabi Mohamed has waited for his family for seven years now, stuck within a process that should have taken months.

Man sentenced to life in prison after killing 2 in Virginia, fleeing to Ethiopia

FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. - A man was sentenced to life in prison after killing two people in Fairfax County over six years ago before fleeing to Ethiopia to evade capture. On December 22, 2016 investigators say Yohannes Nessibu, 29, was with a group who went to buy marijuana from Henok Yohannes, 22, when a dispute of the payment erupted in gunfire. Prosecutors say Nessibu shot Yohannes twice in the back of the head, killing him.

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Montgomery County parents protest literacy lessons on gender and LGBTQ+ issues

A Maryland law allows parents to opt their kids out of sex education. Many parents say they should also be able to opt their children out of lessons that involve supplemental texts on LGBTQ+ issues.

Hundreds of parents gathered outside the Montgomery County School Board meeting Tuesday to protest a policy that doesn’t allow students to opt out of lessons on gender and LGBTQ+ issues, which many families argue goes against their religious freedom. Montgomery County Public Schools announced in March all students would be required to participate in the lessons with no option to opt out. “I want to be an advocate for my kids,” said Belinda Aggiyem, a mother of three MCPS students. “What they are imposing on them will not help them.”  “It should be the parents’ right,” said Mark Haile, the father of three MCPS students. “Parents should discuss with their kids to decide what they learn.”

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Deaths From Conflicts Doubled In 2022, Due To Wars In Ukraine And Ethiopia

Deaths from conflicts around the world have almost doubled in the past year to reach the highest levels this century, according to a new report released today. While Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 captured the attention of the western media, other conflicts have received far less coverage, including a brutal two-year war in the Tigray region of northern Ethiopia that ended with a peace deal in November 2022, and ongoing instability in Mali and Myanmar. According to the latest edition of the Global Peace Index, published today by the Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP), the number of deaths from conflicts around the world almost doubled last year – in large part because of those two wars.

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Ethiopian heading to West Point

Immigrated from Ethiopia & heading to West Point

A Dallas ISD student is ready to serve the country that gave him so much in return. He's graduating from W.T. White High School and headed to the United States Military Academy at West Point. It's an enormous accomplishment for a teen who immigrated to the U.S. from Ethiopia just a few years ago. Hamersen Bekele had never traveled outside of his country until he moved to Dallas with him mom, who is from the U.S. He did not know a word of English.  Now, he's headed to West Point, the first student from W.T. White High School to do so in more than a decade. Friday was the last day of class for Dallas ISD.

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Project Spotlight: Ethiopian Jews Make Aliyah

Heart-Warming and Unforgettable

Marki told us that ever since he found out he was going to finally make aliyah with The Fellowship, the smile has not left his face. “We have been waiting here for aliyah for 17 years. We came here from a tiny village [in Ethiopia] and finally, thanks to The Fellowship, our dream is coming true.” Marki, 32, made aliyah with his wife Nibret, 30, and his two small children Workito, 9, and Havtami, 3. In Ethiopia, the family lived in a small house with no running water in Gondor, which they rented in hopes to make aliyah soon—but they’ve been waiting for years.

“We heard about The Fellowship and understood that there was hope that someone would take us to the Holy Land,” says Nibret. “My father already made aliyah to Israel ten years ago and I have not seen him since. I want to cry from the excitement that I will finally see my father again. My father is also very emotional to see me and the grandchildren. We have been talking on the telephone for so many years. They will come to the airport to meet us.”

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Little Ethiopia: Clark County cultural district

Little Ethiopia

It’s official: “Little Ethiopia” on Tuesday became Clark County’s first cultural district. “Thank you,” project chair Girma Zaid said repeatedly and bowed after county commissioners voted on a resolution to formalize the district. The designation “will help preserve and celebrate the culture, commerce, food, celebrations, and religion of an estimated Forty Thousand Ethiopian immigrants who have made Clark County their home,” the resolution reads.

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