How many Ethiopian-Americans and Ethiopians reside in the United States? Is it ten thousand, one hundred thousand, one million? Although this question always crosses the minds of many, the exact number is unknown. Currently any available numbers of Ethiopians residing in the United States are all based on estimation. That is until now. The 23rd United States census is now officially underway starting April 1, 2010. This is our opportunity to be officially counted. Will you be counted? Will you help us be counted?

As an Ethiopian, regardless if you are a recent immigrant, green card holder or a citizen, it is imperative that you are counted. By law, your immigration status is kept in

Ethiopian-Americans for Change is in the planning stages of putting together a Free Clinic in Alexandria , Virginia. Health care was one of the major concerns cited by those in our community; this is our effort to act according to your needs and to listen to your voice. Moreover, we also believe passionately that having an affordable health care is a right that should be enjoyed not only by the well to do, but by those who work day in and day out to keep up with their bills and yet cannot afford to purchase health care.

However, this program will not be possible if…

By Liya Endale

Monday, November 16, 2009

I must have been 21 when I first sensed the peculiarity of the context in which we normally find the word ‘ferenj’. Growing-up in the States, I heard this term used when talking about the strange encounters associated with adapting to a new environment. Due to the redundant insistence of its use, I grew to accept its oxymoronic connotation; the same way we do not question jumbo shrimp, civil war, and bad luck. We re-apply a meaning to these words which have nothing to do with their literal translation. You know what I’m talking about. “Ye ferenj tata aytawekim”, “ye ferenj libs, migib, segur ina qwanqwa”.

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This was a week for honoring the extraordinary service and profound sacrifice of our men and women in uniform.

Every fall, we set aside a special day to pay tribute to our veterans. But this year, Veteran’s Day took on even greater poignancy and meaning because of the tragic events at Fort Hood.

Initiative Would Transform Federal Government into Model of Veterans Employment

Washington, DC – Today, the White House announced the launch of an initiative that is designed to transform the federal government into the model employer of America’s veterans. This evening, President Obama will be joined by Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki, Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis, Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano and Office of Personnel Management Director John Berry to sign an Executive Order on the Employment of Veterans in the federal government, which establishes the Veterans Employment Initiative for the Executive Branch. The Initiative underscores to federal agencies the importance of recruiting and training veterans, aims to increase the employment of veterans within the Executive Branch, and helps recently hired veterans adjust to service in a civilian capacity.

STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT

ON HOUSE PASSAGE OF HEALTH INSURANCE REFORM LEGISLATION

Rose Garden

A Stunning Turnaround
How Ethiopian-Americans for Change efforts led to a surge in support for Deeds
by EA4C Staff Writer
Thursday, November 5th, 2009
Creigh Deeds and the Democratic ticket suffered a sweeping defeat, turning what Obama turned into a “Blue State” back into the red column of the Republican Party.  The loss suffered by the Democrats was stunning [...]

Choose Action over Memory

Vote on November 3rd in Virginia

Written by EA4C Staff

Dated: Monday, November 2, 2009

Do you remember the euphoria of November 4th 2008? Do you remember the magic you felt when folks of all races, genders, ethnic groups, and religions joined hand for one common goal—change. There stood Ethiopians for Obama joined hands with Eritreans for Obama. There stood Arab-Americans for Obama united with Jewish Americans for Obama. There stood an avowed atheist embracing a devoted Christian. For one brief moment, for one fleeting campaign, it seemed as though we were indeed at the footsteps of mountain top that Martin Luther King espoused in his dream. For one shinning moment, we became one out of many—E Pluribus Unum.

Samuel Getachew
Our Honorable Friend in Canada

Ethiopian-Americans for Change is hosting Know Your Rights forum on Thursday, October 29th at Enat Restaurant in Alexandria VA. This event is free to the public. There will be a panel of election rights and registration experts who will answer your questions and give a complete overview of your rights as a citizen of the United States of American.