I joined representatives of the Ethiopian American Youth Initiative at a meeting in Washington on January 2, 2010, to encourage young Ethiopian-Americans to learn more about their homeland and to consider engaging in some positive way in Ethiopia. I was impressed by their enthusiasm and continuing interest in their country of origin. This event was strictly apolitical although it was criticized by some members of the diaspora because it took place at the Ethiopian embassy. As Samuel Gebru pointed out, the embassy belongs to all Ethiopians. You can read my remarks
here.
Caption: "The Ethiopian American Youth Initiative held a public meeting in Washington, D.C. at the Embassy of Ethiopia on Saturday, January 2, 2010. The meeting featured Samuel Gebru, President of EAYI; David Shinn, former U.S. Ambassador to Ethiopia; Georgis Kefale, an Ethiopian physician; and Wondimu Asamnew, Ethiopia's charge d'affaires." Photo Credit:
Rosa Pineda Photography.
Caption: "David Shinn, Ph.D., former United States Ambassador to Ethiopia, gives remarks on his involvement with Ethiopia, on how Ethiopian youth can contribute to the development of Ethiopia and what are some problems that need youth can become change agents for." Photo Credit:
Rosa Pineda Photography.
