May 16, 2009 | Culture, Current, History
I welcome any opportunity to participate in the history of African people, whether on the Continent or in the Diaspora. The Inauguration of Barack Hussein Obama as the 44th President of the USA on 20th January 2009 presented such an opportunity.
Like many, I had watched Barack’s dignified and strategic campaign against Hilary Clinton and John McCain for the Presidency, during my seven month visit to Africa. I had shared the euphoria of Barack’s Presidential victory with one’s in South Africa, Mozambique and Ethiopia.
Nothing however, compared to the sense of pride and achievement amongst African Americans, that I discovered during my visit to Washington DC for the Inauguration.
African Americans that I spoke to were not of the opinion that Barack’s victory was going to change things overnight, or that he could miraculously improved the serious economic plight that the USA is now suffering from or that he could meet the needs of all black people.
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May 16, 2009 | Culture, Historical Culture, History, Voice of Ethiopia (past)
Article from the original Voice of Ethiopia
Saturday September 11th, 1937
This Historical data was printed with the permission of Professor William L. Hansberry of Howard University and the Ethiopian Research Council of Washington, D.C.
The foregoing references and traditions-all of them except the account of Piankhy’s conquest, drawn from non-Ethiopian sources-reveal that the Ethiopians of antiquity were widely known throughout the ancient world as a people particularly devoted to the promotion of justice and righteousness as living and practical forces among men. In the Middle Ages the trend in events and development was essentially the same.
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May 16, 2009 | Culture, Current
The Ethiopian Government is best known for the tight control it has exerted over the political process of the country. Therefore it comes of something of a surprise to learn that it has made the development of media a priority and with a certain amount of external prompting has liberalised the radio sector.
Two new private radio stations have been launched (more will follow) and community radio stations have also started broadcasting. Well-informed sources say that there will be a new private free-to-air television channel within two years. Against this backdrop, the country is also sustaining a significant local film culture in Amharic.
Based on figures from the last census, there are probably between 1-2 million television sets and around 8 million radio sets in Ethiopia. The Ethiopian Radio and TV Agency have overall responsibility for the state run channels but radio and TV have their own organisation and management. ETV is completely supported by Government money and advertising. There is no licence fee.
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May 16, 2009 | Culture, Food & Health
“Organic produce cannot be treated with sewage sludge, bioengineering.”
Ital requires us to eat as much fruit and vegetables as possible to maximise the intake of nutrients. It is advisable to eat organic produce where possible as they contain far less pesticide residue than intensively grown produce.
Try to eat locally produced fruit and vegetables to maximise nutrients, as nutrients deteriorate over time – such as long distance transportation.
Eating at least five cups of produce daily will provide sufficient nutrients and fibre to maintain good health.
Always try to eat some raw vegetables and fruit to maximise enzyme intake for a healthy digestive system.]]>
May 16, 2009 | Culture, Historical Culture, History
Local 3
A Serious Question of Ethiopian Studies
Five Thousand Ethiopian Manuscripts Abroad, and the International Community
by Dr Richard Panhurst
Introduction
Ethiopic, or Ge’ez, manuscripts [hereafter MSS] are of fundamental importance for scholarship. Ethiopic literature formed a major part of ancient and medieval Christian literature.
Many important Ethiopic works were, and still are, unknown to the outside world: Foreign scholars learnt for example of the Book of Enoch and the Book of Jubilees only because they were preserved in Ethiopia. Though most Ethiopic literature is religious, numerous texts also cover subjects, including history, philosophy, law, mathematics, and medicine.
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May 16, 2009 | Council, Council Reports, H.Q
Greeting & Blessed Love Biruk Fiqir. I give Thanks & Praise to Greet each and everyone in the Name of His & Her Imperial Majesty Emperor Haile Selassie 1st & Empress Wiozero Menen I For Iver.
On 28th November 2008 in Bronx New York at the Sundial Health Facility where the International Council met in person and by conference call, I, Deborah E Walters (Local No. 13) was a Witness to this Historical Meeting where 9 of 10 Officers met to carry out their duties, the first time since the Officers returned forward from Ethiopia for Annual Convention of The EWF Inc.
The Officers have challenges up ahead to overcome with the Grace of Higher Levels seen & unseen, Blessings be bestowed upon them in this Journey. The Meeting forward straight and very Harmonious to the Points. Lots of plans are to be announced by the Council to the Locals.
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May 16, 2009 | Council, Council Reports, H.Q
On the 18th December 2008, the International President and the First Vice President met with Attorney Kiesha N. Brooks in New York to discuss the state of the Ethiopian World Federation Inc.
It was agreed that Ms Brooks would be retained for the purposes of liaising with the Internal Revenue Service, the New York State Department (Division of Corporation) and the New York State Charities Bureau. The organisation will need to budget for legal fees in respect of the retention of Ms Brooks.
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May 16, 2009 | Council, Council Reports, H.Q
From the Office of the International Organiser
I arrived at Montego Bay airport 18.15 on November 29th 2008 to be received by the International President and International Chaplain and resided at an address identified by the Chaplain for the remainder of the visit.
We met with 19 members of the Montego Bay Local No. 32 and approximately the same number at the St Ann’s/Ochi Rios Local No. 17 also Bro Seaton along with Bro Gad (NY) representing Kingston Local No. 43.
Issues of procedure were discussed such as balloting, also lack of communication, previously the inability of delegates to travel to Conventions due to visa restrictions in the USA and Europe.
Also discussed were problems with registration as a Jamaican Limited company causing taxes to be levied. We discussed the land grant model city concept, complaints about monies previously sent to New York which, were unaccounted for and which has led to some members refusing to pay dues because of constant breakdowns in New York.
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May 16, 2009 | Council, Council Speeches, H.Q
Is the Ethiopian World Federation, Incorporated relevant today? That is what one of my brethren asked me recently, of course I replied, it is more relevant today than ever before I believe!
It is an organization of seventy one (71) years and what I see is an institution that was created by His Imperial Majesty Emperor Haile Selassie I specifically to help Ethiopia during the Italio-Ethiopian war and its best the brothers and sisters today participate in organizations such as the Nyahbinghi House, the Twelve tribes of Israel, the Bobo Shanties, the Millennium Council, the JRDC, and any of the other groups or organizations that have been formed over the past years he argued.
I had to remind him that “a people without a knowledge of the their history is like a tree without roots” that is to say that many of the brothers and sisters today are caught up in the cult of personality and have not really engaged in a deep study of their recent history from the beginning of the 20th century.
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May 16, 2009 | Council, Council Speeches, H.Q
Greetings and salutations to all members of The Ethiopian World Federation Incorporated.
As we as black people find ourselves depending solely upon the almighty for guidance and protection from all hurt, harm or danger, firstly we must look within, before we look without.
Many of the problems that we suffer; are simply because we have not taken note from our past and therefore the future looks very bleak, because we refuse to look at the present and take charge of our actions and deeds.
Let us use the next three to four weeks before our local elections to pay close attention to all details of our constitution and bylaws. We need to set a better example for the future generations.
We are facing the same crossroads now as we have for many decades, only now there are fewer solutions than before. We really need to be able to depend on each other for simple responsibility and accountability for we all say and do.
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