THE AFRICAN STUDIES DEPARTMENT

&

Ralph J. Bunche International Affairs Center

 

 

HOWARD UNIVERSITY

Washington, DC

 

PRESENT

 

 

A TALE OF TWO NATIONS:

COMMEMORATING THE CENTENNIAL OF

ETHIOPIAN-UNITED STATES RELATIONS

 

March 25-27, 2004

 

 

THE BLACKBURN CENTER

2400 6th Street, N.W.

Washington, DC

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

 

thursday march 25

 

2nd FLOOR  LOBBY

8:00am – 8:30am

Registration, Fellowship and Light Breakfast

 

                Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony, Ms. Wessen Debela and Ms. Kebebush Tesfaye

 

            Traditional Ethiopian Music

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WEST BALLROOM

8:30am – 10:15am

                Opening Ceremonies

                       

                        Introductory Remarks:

Dr. Robert J. Cummings, Chair of African Studies Dept. Ambassador Horace G. Dawson, Jr., Director Ralph J. Bunche         International Affairs Center

 

Welcome Address:

            H. Patrick Swygert, Esq.

            President, Howard University

 

Keynote Address:

            The Honorable Elijah E. Cummings

            Chairman, Congressional Black Caucus

            United States House of Representatives

 

Remarks by Special Dignitaries:

            The Honorable Mike Honda

            United States House of Representatives

 

            The Honorable Sheila Jackson Lee

            United States House of Representatives

 

            The Honorable Jim Graham

            City Council Member, District of Columbia

 

                                    His Excellency Mr. Kassahun Ayele

                                    Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary

                                    Embassy of Ethiopia, Washington, D.C.

                                                           

                        Recognition of Extraordinary Service to Ethiopia:

                             

                        Introductions: Organizers, Co-Sponsors, Support Groups:

 

                        Announcements:

                                    Location of Displays, etc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AUDITORIUM

10:30am – 12:00am

 

I.  PLENARY

 

Ethiopia, Africa and the Quest for Independence and Unity

                                                Chair:  Dr. Robert J. Cummings

 

 

                                               

Mobilization of African Americans for International Solidarity, Global Justice and

            Equality

                        Dr. Russell L. Adams, Chairman Afro-American Studies Department

                        Howard University

                       

            The Italian-Ethiopian War as a Seminal Event in African American         Consciousness: Peace, Equality and Independence Movements as Galvanizing          Issues

                        Dr. Emory J. Tolbert, Chairman History Department

                        Howard University

           

Ralph J. Bunche and the Decolonization of Africa: Visions, Contributions

                        Dr. Lorenzo Morris, Chairman Political Science Dept.

                        Howard University

                                               

            The Institutionalization of Pan-African Dreams: The Organization of African       Unity in Addis Abba

                        Dr. Mae C. King, Political Science Department

                        Howard University

 

            Ethiopia as an Inspiration of the Pan African Movement

                        Dr. Sulayman S. Nyang, African Studies Department

                        Howard University

                                                                       

            Ethiopia’s Symbolism in Antiquity and Contemporary Events

                        Dr. Thomas C. Battle, Director Moorland Spingarn Research Center

                        Howard University

 

            Martin Delany and the Slogan of Africa for Africans Global Conceptualization of            African Independence

                        Dr. Robert J. Cummings, Chairman African Studies Department

                        Howard University

 

 

 

 

 

Luncheon

EAST BALLROOM

12:00noon– 2:15pm

 

Luncheon Address

Howard University and Ethiopia: Training, Scholarship and Inspiration

                        Ambassador Horace G. Dawson, Jr.

                        Director Ralph J. Bunche International Affairs Center

                       

 

Authentic Ethnic Food Courtesy of

ZED’S ETHIOPIAN CUISINE

Georgetown, District of Columbia

                       

Ethnic Music and Entertainment

                       

 

II.   Concurrent Sessions

 

FORUM

2:15pm – 3:45pm

 

ethiopia: from the origin of humankind to contemporary issues

Chair:  Dr. Emory J. Tolbert

 

            From Origin to Present: Scanning the Millennia of Civilization

                        Dr. Yohannes Zeleke, Dept of Anthropology

                        American University

 

            Ethio-American Paleoanthropological Research Collaboration at the Kesam-     Kebena Study Area, Afar Region of Ethiopia

                        Dr. Tadewos Assebework, Department of Anthropology

                        Indiana University

                       

            Rising to the Occasion: Ethiopia’s Social Capital as a Major Resource for          Confronting its Challenges

                        Dr. Girmay Berhe

                        Marshall University

           

            Towards Constructive Transformation: U.S.-Ethiopian Cooperation in Managing           Conflict

                        Dr. Wubalem Fekade, Conflict Management

                        University of Maryland

                                                           

            Ethiopianism as a Symbol of Freedom and Independence: The Significance of    Ethiopian Continental and Global Connections

                        Dr. Charles Elegelam

                        Executive Director, African Affairs

 

            Ethiopia in Ancient History and the Modern World

                        Dr. Hailu Fullas, ESL

                        The University of the District of Columbia

           

            Ethiopia as a Major U.S. Partner in Regional and Global Policy: Historic,           Contemporary and Future Realities

                        Dr. Mankelklot Haile Sellassie, Chairman

                        United Ethiopian Civic Organization

 

Auditorium

2:15pm-3:45pm

 

Ethiopians in America

Chair: Dr. Sulayman Nyang

 

                An Ethiopian Diaspora: The Reluctant Immigrants         

                        Dr. Wolde-Michael Akalou

                        Mickey Leland Center on World Hunger and Peace

                        Texas Southern University

                                   

            Cultural, Language and Technology as bridges between

            Ethiopia and the U.S.: The Case of Ethiopic Soft Word

                        Dr. Bekele Molla

                        Ethiopian Computers and Software

                                                

                        Dr.

                        Ethiopian Community Center

                        Washington, DC          

                                               

            Ethiopians in the US: A History of New Minority Immigrants                                                     Dr. Maigenet Shifferraw

                        The University of the District of Columbia

 

            Mr. Dawit Belaineh

            Ethiopian Community Service, Washington, DC

 

Ethiopian Immigrants in the United States: Challenges, Adjustments

            Dr. Ahmed Moen

            Allied Health Sciences, Howard University

 

Ethiopians as the New Immigrant on the Block: The Challenges and Opportunities of Building Social Institutions

            Mr. Elias Wondimu

            Tsehai Publishers and Distributors

             

AUDITORIUM

4:00pm – 6:00pm

 

III.   PLENARY

 

Business Roundtable

 

Ethiopian Entrepreneurship and the American Dream:

Ethiopian Businessmen as Inspiration and Exemplars of Success

Moderator: Lemma Senbet

                        Chairman, Finance Department Robert H. Smith

                        School of Business, University of Maryland

 

            Solomon Bekele

                       

            Noah Samara,

            World Space

 

            Fasil Gabre-Mariam

 

            Bisrat Negatu

 

            Kassa Maru

 

            Zewditu Wondimu,

 

 

EAST BALLROOM

7:00pm

 

IV.   EVENING FUNCTION

 

RECEPTION

COURTESY OF THE AFRICAN WORLD PRESS

Kassahun Chekol

 

 

FRIDAY MARCH 26TH

 

WEST BALLROOM

8:00am – 8:30am                                                               

Registration, Fellowship, Light Breakfast

           

            Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony, Ms. Wessen Debela and Ms. Kebebush Tesfaye

 

            Traditional Ethiopian Music

 

 

WEST BALLROOM

8:30am – 9:30am

                Opening Ceremonies

                        Introductory Remarks:

                       

                                Welcome Address:

 

Special Address:

            Dr. Maria E. Carrington

                                    United States Peace Corps

                                   

                                    Mr. Mel Foote

                                    Constituency for Africa

                                                                               

Remarks by Special Dignitaries:

 

Recognition of Extraordinary Service to Ethiopia

                                               

                        Introduction: Organizers, Co-sponsors, Support Groups

                       

                        Announcements:

                                    Location of displays, etc.

                                   

 

FORUM

9:45am – 12:00noon

V.   PLENARY

 

Roundtable

                        the u.s. peace corps program as the best model of

people-to-people diplomacy

Moderator: Marian Haley Beil

 

Part I: Serving with the Peace Corps in Ethiopia

                                    Part II: Peace Corps Volunteers Return

 

Ms. Eileen Baumgartner

 

                        Ms. Marian Haley Beil

 

Ms. Karen DeWitt

 

Mr. David Gurr

 

Mr. Barry Hillenbrand

 

Mr. David Levine

 

Ms. Clare Shea

 

Mr. Mel Foote

 

Luncheon

EAST BALLROOM

12:00noon – 2:15pm

 

Luncheon Address

 

 

 

 

Authentic Ethiopian Cuisine Courtesy of

MEAZA INTERNATIONAL RESTAURANT

Arlington, Virginia

 

 

Music and Entertainment:

 

 

VI.  Concurrent Sessions

           

READING LOUNGE

2:15pm – 3:45pm

ROUNDTABLE

bonds across the atlantic

Chair: Abiyi Ford

                       

Dr. Joseph Harris

Distinguished Professor, History

Howard University

                       

Mini Ford

Howard University

 

            The Preservation of Ethiopia's Manuscripts in the United States

                        Dr. Getatchew Haile

Hill Monastery Manuscripts Library

 

Professor Abiyi Ford

School of Communication

Howard University

 

 

FORUM

2: 15pm – 3:45pm

 

one hundred years of official relations: united states-

ethiopian ties in historical and comtemporary perspectives

Chair: Dr. Lorenzo Morris

 

            Human Rights Issues and Ethiopia-United States Relationship

                        Ojulu T. Ochalla

 

            Ethiopia-United States Relationship: An Historical Background

                        Dr. Getachew Metaferia

 

            The Lion of Judah in the New World: The Personal Diplomacy of Emperor Haile           Selassie in the United States

                        Dr. Theodore M. Vestal

                        Political Science

                        Oklahoma State University

 

            Ethiopia and the United States Relations: 1940-1960

                        Dr. Shumet Sishagne

           

            The United States Role in the Horn of Africa and its Wider Ramifications

                        Dr. Mesfin Araya

                        York College, CUNY

             

            Convergence, Divergence and Reconvergence: Ethiopia’s Connections with       African Americans

                        Dr. Fikru G/Kidan

                        St. Thomas University

                        New Brunswick, Canada

 

            Ethiopian-United States Ties Across the Atlantic: Interests, Perceptions, Realities

                        Dr. Alem Hailu African Studies Department

                        Howard University

                       

 

AUDITORIUM

4:00pm – 6:00pm

VII.   PLENARY

 

DIPLOMATIC ROUNDTABLE

 

A Century of Official Relation: The United States-

Ethiopian Ties in Historical Perspective

 

Co-Chairs:

Ambassador David Shinn             Ambassador Negussie Ayele

                        United States                                             Ethiopia

 

                                               

            The Period from 1903 through WWII and Comments on the EPRDF Period

                        Dr. David Shinn, former United States Ambassador to Ethiopia

                        George Washington University 

                        Dr. Negussie Ayele

                        Former Ethiopian Ambassador

                        University of California, Los Angeles

 

            Ethiopian-United States Relations in Contemporary Perspective

                        Dr. Brook Hailu

                        Minister Plenipotentiary (Deputy Chief of Mission)

                        Embassy of Ethiopia, Washington, D.C.

 

            The United States Embassy in Addis Ababa during the mid-1960s                    

                        Mr. Don Junior, former American diplomat at the United States Embassy                    in Addis Ababa

           

            The Derg and EPRDF  through 2003   

                        Mr.Paul Henze, former American diplomat at the United States Embassy                                in Addis Ababa

                                   

                        Mr. David A. Korn, former American Charge d’Affaires at the United                                     States Embassy in Addis Ababa

 

 

VIII.          SPECIAL EVENT

AUDITORIUM

6:00pm – 6:30pm

 

Dr. Amare Kassaye with the Ethiopian Yared Choir

 

 

 

IX.   EVENING FUNCTION

BALLROOM

7:00pm

RECEPTION

Courtesy of Tsehay Publishers & Distributors

Elias Wondimu

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SATURDAY MARCH 27TH

 

READING LOUNGE

9:00am – 9:30am

                Registration, Fellowship, Light Breakfast

 

Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony

 

Traditional Ethiopian Music

 

 

 

READING LOUNGE

9:30am – 10:15am

                Opening Ceremonies

                        Introductory Remarks:

                       

                                Welcome Address:

 

Keynote Address:

 

Remarks by Special Dignitaries

 

Recognition of Extraordinary Service to Ethiopia:

                                  

                        Introductions: Organizers, Co-sponsors, Support Groups

 

                        Announcements: Location of displays, etc.

                             

 

X.   Concurrent Sessions

FORUM

10:30am – 12:00noon

 

.            CHARTING SUSTAINABLE development: addressing the challenges of             deforestation, famine and environmental degredation

                                                Chair: Dr. Badege Bishaw

 

 

            The Role of ETFF (Ethiopian Tree Fund Foundation) to Combat Deforestation and Land Degradation on the Ethiopian Highlands

Dr. Badege Bishaw

USAID  ALO/EDDI Project Coordinator

Board Chairman and Co-Founder ETFF

Department of Forest Science, Oregon State University

 

           

            A “Different Solution” to the Continuing Crisis of Famine and Food Security in   Ethiopia

                        Mr. Jew Don Boney

                        Mickey Leland Center on World Hunger and Peace

                        Texas Southern University

 

            A Nation that Need Not Starve: Beyond the Tragedies of Famine

Mr. Tewodros Abebe, Founders Library

Howard University

 

The ETFF: A Forestry & Agriculture Oriented NGO Run by Ethiopian Professionals in the USA

Mr. Demissew Gedamu

Past Chairman of ETFF

Norfolk, VA

 

Root-Causes for Recurrence of Famine in Ethiopia

            Dr. Asmare Atalay, Soil and Environmental Scientist

            Agricultural Research Station

            Virginia State University

 

            The United States’ Role in Economic Development of Ethiopia

                        Dr. Gezagn Bekele, Senior International Economist   

U.S. General Accounting Office

 

                        Dr. Desta Beyene

 

 

READING LOUNGE

10:30am – 12:00noon

 

The United States-Ethiopian Military Relations

 

            Ethiopian Military Officers’ Contributions in the United States Led Anti-Invasion            War on the Korean Peninsula

General Webetu Tsegaye

 

United States Contributions in Building the Ethiopian Armed Forces

Colonel Tsegaye Yimer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HILLTOP LOUNGE

10:30am – 12:00noon

 

Haile Selassie I as the Symbol and Inspiration of

Independence and National Rights

Sponsored by the Haile Selassie I International Development Foundation

                        Chair: Dr. Bekele Molla

 

Haile Selassie’s War

Mr. Anthony Mockler

Author, Journalist

Oxford University, UK

 

HIM Emperor Haile Selassie First: A Time to Remember

            Ms. Imani Kali-Nyah

            Ethiopian Holocaust Remembrance Center

 

Emperor Haile Selassie: Father of African Independence and Pan Africanism

            Dr. Bekele Molla

Haile Selassie I International Development Foundation

 

 

Luncheon

READING LOUNGE

12:00noon–2: 00pm

 

Luncheon Address

Dr. William Scott

Dr. Girma Abebe

Former United Nations Diplomat

 

 

Authentic Ethiopian Cuisine Courtesy of

DAMA RESTAURANT AND BAKERY

Arlington, Virginia

 

 

Music and Entertainment

 

 

XI.   Concurrent Sessions

FORUM

2:15pm – 3:45pm

 

                                     Health Care in Trans-Atlantic Perspective                                                          Chair: Dr. Ahmed Moen

           

The State of Health Care, Ethiopians and African Americans: Problems and   

   Solutions      

Leonard Weather Jr., M.D., President African Children’s Health Fund

            Member Board of Trustees, National Medical Association

            New Orleans, Lousiana           

 

Dr. Ahmed Moen, Allied Health Sciences

Howard University

 

                        Rita Wutoh, M.D., Allied Health Sciences

                        Howard University

                         

            Health Care from the Pharmacological Perspective

                        Dr. Bisrat Hailemeskel, School of Pharmacy

                        Director of Drug Information Services

                        Howard University

 

            Emerging Diseases in Ethiopia and Africa

                        Dr. Negist Mesfin

 

 

 

READING ROOM

2:15pm – 3:45pm

 

ETHIOPIAN COMMUNITY IN THE UNITED STATES

                                                Chair: Mr. Abdul Kamus

                                           

            The Experience of Ethiopians in the Last 100 Years and my Personal Experience

           as an Educator in the USA

                        Prof. Epherem Issac

 

            Case Study – Houston, Texas – Building a Successful Community-Based          Organization Through Collaboration and Partnership

                        Mr. Kassahun Bisrat, Executive Director

                        Alliance for Multicultural Community

                        Houston, Texas                       

 

            Successful Ethiopian Business Men/Women and their Participation in Political    Advocacy in the USA

                        Mr. Tamrat GM, Founder

                        Ethiopian American Constituency Foundation (EACF)

 

            The Ethiopian Community Center Formation, Successes and Challenges: Where            are We Heading in the Coming Years?

                        Ms. Harmela Kebede, Executive Director

                        Ethiopian Community Center

                        Washington, DC

 

            The Ethiopian Refugee Experience in the USA

                        Mr. Mitiku Ashebir

                        Office of Refugee Resettlement

 

            The State of Mind of Ethiopians in the USA and their Future Role in Building the            Community

                        Dr. Tedla Wolde Giorgis, Director

                        Multicultural Community Center

 

            The Formation of the Ethiopian Community Mutual Associations in the United    States and their Roles in the 22nd Century

                        Mr. Abdulaziz Kamus, Program Manager

                        African Community Center

 

 

2:15pm – 3:45pm

 

YOUNG AND UPCOMING BUSINESS PROFESSIONALS

                                                Chair: Mr. Demeke Meri

 

                        Mr. Jomo Tariku

 

                        Mr. Christian Degu

 

                        Y. Mekonnen

 

           

                       

*Outdoor Activities are also scheduled for the Afternoon

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks to Co-Sponsors (list)

            Howard University School of Medicine

           

            Morgan State University

 

            Allied Health Services

 

            School of Communications       

 

            The Voice of America

 

            African Affairs

 

            The Center for Northeast-African Studies and Development

 

            Sheiba International, Inc.

 

            Department of Political Sciences

 

            Department of History

 

            Department of Afro-American Studies

 

            Ethiopian American Constituency Foundation (EACF)

 

            Cumming’s foundation

 

            Zed’s Ethiopian Cuisine

 

            Meaza International Restaurant

 

            Dama Restaurant and Bakery

 

            Mickey Leland Center on World Hunger and Peace

 

            American University

 

            University of Maryland

 

            The University of the District of Columbia

 

            OK          OR       St. Thomas U

 

            ETFF  

 

            Community Centers

 

Honored Guests (list)

 

Letter from President Swygert

 

Ethiopian Coffee and Coffee Ceremony

 

 

 

 

Centennial Council Members

 

Tewodros Abebe

Wubalem Fekade

Abiyi Ford

Belai Habte-Jesus

Alem Hailu

Tamrat G. Medhin

Demeke Meri

Yohannes Mesfin

Getachew Metaferia

Hereguin Mismaku

Ahmed Moen

Yohannes Zeleke

 

Sosina Tesfa

Martha Mengesha, clerk

 

 

 

 

 

 


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