BY HAFTU GEBREZGABIHER
“The Spirit of Victory of Adwa would be repeated for the realization of GERD” is the motto adopted by Ethiopians residing in the US state of Colorado (CEC) for the 125th anniversary of the victory of Adwa.
According to Samuel Gebremichael, leadership member of the CEC, the community has been celebrating the anniversary of the Victory of Adwa in an organized manner at least for the last four years. More than 40,000 Ethiopians live in Colorado State of the US representing among the largest foreign community there.
He says what makes this year’s even unique is that it is going to be held virtually due to the alarming prevalence of COVID-19 in the area. However in order to make the event more colorful, sensitizing and historical various high profile Ethiopians were invited to offer educational speeches about the significance of the victory.
In addition to the virtual events, the community has also held five kilometers running, walking and biking event to spread the awareness of the nearby society about the historical significance of the Victory of Adwa, Samuel noted.
Samuel further indicated that the events are opportune moment to raise awareness of the society about the values of the victory as it is closely commemorated along with the annual Black History Month, which is inspired by the victory of Adwa.
Apart from Colorado, many Ethiopians in Europe, America, Africa and Asian countries have also celebrated the anniversary with various ceremonies.
As we are poised to celebrate Adwa, a victory that left an indelible mark of independence on Ethiopia, it’s important to note that modern day coercions & attempts at bulldozing Ethiopia’s sovereignty are unacceptable, Nebyat Getachew, an Ethiopian Ambassador to Algeria stated in his official twitter account.
“On the auspicious occasion of the anniversary of the 125th Adwa victory, let us emulate the unity and solidarity forged by our forefathers and demonstrate that there is no challenge we cannot overcome if united. Let us make our own Adwa and inspire the next generation.”
The Ethiopian Embassy in Ankara, Turkey stated in its official page portal that Ethiopia’s decisive victory over Italy at the battle of Adwa became a source of inspiration for struggles for freedom throughout Africa. The victory of Adwa ignited the flame of Pan-Africanism which eventually led to the independence of many African countries.
In an exclusive interview with The Ethiopian Herald, the Ethiopian Diaspora Agency Director General Selamawit Dawit said that in order to celebrate the 125th Adwa Victory day in a better way, the government has established a national committee that works with the Ethiopian Tourism and Culture Ministry.
To this end, the diaspora community is also expected to maximize its participation in the anniversary day and to increase the national feeling, patriotism and unity. For this diaspora engagement, the Agency is shouldered with coordinating the activities in the diaspora community, she further stated.
“The celebrations in different parts of the includes among others; in collaborations between our foreign mission and the respective universities, we have organized panel discussions and using webinars in the countries who are still in shut down due to covid 19 pandemic.”
Therefore, this year’s anniversary is definitely colorfull and in a way that shows better national feelings, she went on to say adding that the day is marked for example in Kampala, Uganda and London through various discussions as the victory is not only Ethiopian victory, it is an African victory and the victory of black people, she outlined.
“Africans are not marking the Adwa victory day, but they own the victory, quoted Selamawit.
The Ethiopian Embassy in Uganda and Makerere University mark the 125th Anniversary of the Battle and the Victory of Adwa, a decisive and inspiring victory of Ethiopia over Italian colonialism, Ugnada Kampala. The victory of Adwa showed the strength of Africa. It was an inspiration for Pan Africanism and the rise for the rights of Blacks worldwide, noted Dr. Nabukeera Josephine, who presented a paper representing the University.
The Ethiopian Herald March 2/2021
