Ethiopian snapshots: Still to come

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I told many people that I was going to Ethiopia to visit the sacred and historical sights. Am I procrastinating the posting of a story about my trip to the headwaters of the Blue Nile, the island monasteries on Lake Tana and the ancient monolithic stone churches of Lalibela? I have many photos of all that from both our Ethiopian-Italian cousins and myself. Continue Reading

Ghanaians in Minnesota to launch Academic Foundation on Independence Day

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The Ghanaian Association of Minnesota (GhanAM) is preparing to celebrate Ghana’s 57th Independence Day with a bold launch of a foundation with the express mission of awarding academic scholarships to deserving students who lack the financial wherewithal to further their education.The Ghana independence celebration, which will be held at the Coon Rapids Civic Center on March 8th, will also serve as the launch event for the Academic Foundation for the Development of Responsible Citizens. The event begins at 8:00PM.GhanAm president, Kwao Amegashie, said his community has long felt financial assistance to qualified students who lack the resources but are motivated to further their education was important as that will help such students become responsible citizens.Reg Chapman, WCCO TV News reporter will deliver the keynote address which will focus on the youth. Amegashie said Mr. Chapman in his keynote, will address “the transition of youth into responsible citizenship by engagement in community service and mentoring programs, (and) development of leadership skills”.Ghana played a significant role in the liberation struggle across the African continent with the efforts of Kwame Nkrumah, independent Ghana’s first president.This article is reposted from TCDP media partner Mshale. Check out the links below for other recent Mshale stories:Rich diversity of African artists are Minnesota boundAnalyst Calls for Accountability at White House Africa Summit At the March 8 celebration, Tiyumba Cultural Group will provide the entertainment while Sister-C Catering Services will cater Ghanaian dishes.March 6 is the actual Independence Day for Ghana and members of the Minnesota Ghanaian community will be volunteering at Second Harvest Heartland in Golden Valley on March 6th from 6pm -8pm. Second Harvest describes itself as the Upper Midwest’s “largest hunger relief organization.”Advance tickets are $40 per person or $70 for couples. Continue Reading

Ethiopian snapshots: Goats and food security

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I see goats all over the city here in Addis Ababa in small herds crossing the chaotic urban street’s seemingly lawless traffic. Every day one can see herds of cattle, sheep and goats grazing in open urban fields. Given that back home in Minneapolis there is an active local food movement growing month by month, year by year, this experience here tells me that a lot of our foreign born neighbors know something about HOW to live with livestock in urban settings. I don’t think we will do what I see here in Ethiopia, but change is coming as the necessity to localize food production unfolds. We currently allow for chickens under certain conditions in the Twin Cities. I have never seen goats actually running wild or being unruly here in Addis. It seems to me with effective rules of law, goats could be a part of the movement for food security. Continue Reading

Israeli Apartheid Week 2014

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Israeli Apartheid Week this year is February 24 through March 2. IAW is the annual event to educate Americans about the reality of the situation in Israel/Palestine. Some events are planned across the state include film showings and panel discussions. Since the week overlaps with the end of African American History Month, there are also events planned to celebrate both African Americans and Palestinians.Educating Americans about Israel/Palestine has always been an uphill battle. The facts have been out there, but the media, academia and government have ignored all but a single narrative. Continue Reading

Ethiopian snapshots: Water and electricity

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I have lived in the Land of 10,000 Lakes since 1964. There have been times when the lakes and streams have receded below normal levels, but the water has never been a shut off. Water shut-offs in Addis Ababa happens on a weekly basis. In some unfortunate barrios water can be off for a whole week. People will travel by foot to a public faucet with large recycled plastic jugs to gather water for cooking and washing. Bottled water is sold just about everywhere. It looks to me that many people don’t drink water directly from the faucets…not tourists, not residents. Continue Reading

Pulled toward Africa: History, blackness and family

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Why have I since high school felt some interest or pull toward Africa during a time when there was such a negative attitude about anything black or African? The Underground Railroad placed my Mother’s family in Canada and some of the “benefits” of assimilation: Education that provided reading, writing and speaking skills and an ability to understand and negotiate white, Western culture. Sometimes that “benefit” was via skin color so someone appearing white, sometimes had the option, if one could stomach it, of disappearing into the white world temporarily or long term.  If you stayed within your African American, mixed race family or community, being “high yellow”, “redbone” or almost white, gave you access or status.  

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