Amanuel Biedemariam

If one is to ask, what do Eritrean martyrs believe are their biggest achievements and, what is the picture of future-Eritrea they like to see, what would it be? How is it best to honor their life and their legacy? Regardless of the answers, these are the kinds of questions that every Eritrean must ask every day, in their honor.

In a funeral service, a preacher once described the human life as; a bouquet of flowers. These flowers are cut from a plant for beautification, to express feelings in good and sad times, for smell and so on… We nurture them, we put them in vases with water, give them food and the right temperature just to keep them flowering as long as possible. However, the truth is that these flowers are dead the minute they were cut from the rooted plant. We are just buying long enough-time until they dry to ultimately decompose or dust-away…

He proceeded: the human life is the same. We are dead the minute we are born. The only thing eternal about us is our souls. We are flesh, bone and blood. After we die we will be buried to decompose just like the flower. We can become wealthy, own big-homes, cars, jewelry and a have a material rich lifestyle. We can be famous, popular and posses the wherewithal to get our-ways anytime anywhere. We can feel powerful because we are in a position of authority. But what we forget is that we are humans. We don’t know what could happen the next second let alone the next day. That is what we forget. We forget that we are in this world on borrowed time. We need to understand and believe that our eternal life is…Therefore, let us pray for the living and continued…

There is not-much to disagree about what the preacher said unless, one is-not a believer. The question is, can the above apply to Eritrean martyrs? The plain answer is no! I believe that our martyrs cannot be seen like the average human for many reasons. Firstly, the word “dead” does not apply to them because they are alive since their life has given life to millions. Secondly, it is because they seeded life of a nation based on their principles and values.

In Eritrea, a nation they freed from the barbaric rules of colonizers; one can walk, drive, ride or swim anywhere and certainly feel their breath. One can witness reminders of how they lived and passed. A drive from Asmara to Keren will reveal many reminders of their legacy. The city of Massawa is a living memorial, Fenkil. In short, Eritrea as a whole stands as a living memorial of these brave souls. Everywhere in Eritrea, there are reminders of the life they lived and their sacrifices.

This was displayed during the last Martyrs-Day commemoration in Nakfa in a glaring fashion. A moving musical drama was conducted live on the actual location that many fought and perished. These are tunnels and fortifications that saw the most defining war in the history of Eritrea-being used as a stage where the true life stories were told in a drama. The music, the drama that accompanied it, and the way the stories were told jerked the tears and emotions of all that witnessed the event. But more gripping was the stories of bravery and selflessness.

The drama was about one group of fighters that knew have no time to dig graves once the intense battles started so they dug graves ahead of the battles. But, as they dug the graves; it was amusing to see them fight and argue about how long, wide and deep they want their individual graves to be. There was one martyr that argued and fought to dig his grave in accordance with his specification saying that it was-not large enough, wide enough and deep enough for him. And ironically he ended up being buried in that very grave that he dug with his own hands. These are true stories. There is no place on earth where one can witness a live drama; where the honored are exhumed to be reburied with the honor they deserve while the whole country led by President Isaias Afewerki bared witness. Through the stories we were able to share their life for a moment. It was real. It was a reminder that Eritrea is a stage that could reveal many untold stories no matter where you go.

To face martyrdom, to sacrifice self in order to save others and, committing self before all was a hallmark of these brave men and women. They knew why they were giving life. They knew that their sacrifices would mean life to the nation they desperately want to see- free. In their wisdom, they also saw that giving life alone will not fulfill their dreams and aspirations. So they coupled it with a foundation; a principled approach to life and governance; justice, equal justice, social justice and a just approach to life. They saw life that is independent of fear. Life that is based on relying on self; life that inspired and aspired to do; life based on determination to finish everything they started; life that didn’t know the word quit; and ultimately life that knows nothing but victory. They lived for victory by and for the masses. They created traditions based on their values. They established a work-ethic that is second to none unseen anywhere in Africa ever. They did it in good spirit, with joy, laughter, music and dancing. They did it while embracing each other and their people. They did it in the spirit of service with strong belief in unity and with loyalty to the nation each other. They did it respecting religion, region, culture, and traditional ways of life and gender equality. And with utmost brilliance, smarts and vision.

In short, they left the perfect template for the future of Eritrea. They left plenty of examples for Eritreans to emulate and draw strength from. They left Eritrea with the greatest examples and meaning of courage, perseverance and selflessness. They are the true role models of every Eritrean. They were strong, stealthy and yet, walked-soft with a humble spirit and patience that appears to defy logic-at-times. They epitomized the optimal nature of human decency. And through it all never lost sight of what is important. They empowered the mass and gave those underserved and underprivileged a will and a way out. They always saw the future far-ahead and never wavered until they realized their objectives. They never sacrificed the future for immediate gratification or political expediency. They remained true to their core principles no matter what.

The question then becomes; were these angels a reflection of the people of Eritrea? Of course they are; they are part and parcel. Thence, is the current Eritrea a reflection of these brave souls? Is Eritrea living by the standards they established? Are we fighting and keeping the legacy as hard as we could and should? The answers require deep reflection. It begs for each and every one of us to search for the meaning and implications deep from within. It calls on all to aspire and strive for greater achievements in their honor.

These questions are important in light of the fact of Eritrea’s short history as a free nation has been full of intrigues, turns and twists. The challenges Eritrea keeps facing would have brought down any society or nation as it does in Africa everywhere. And what makes Eritrea’s perseverance endearing is the fact that those who want to bring Eritrea down, the mighty, have brought all their might and yet, the people of Eritrea stood firm as one and won all the challenges. However, that doesn’t mean that the enemies are going to stop or be deterred. They will continue because they have perceived that Eritrea’s fundamental approach to life to be a threat to their ways. Therefore Eritreans need to raise the level of their fight to a higher level.

The Enemies

Who are the enemies of Eritrea? Moving forward it is crucial to define the enemies. Even if we can safely say that Eritrea has no enemies with one exception; our independent approach to life has in effect created enemies. International powers that are used to pillage and plunder Africa’s wealth have perceived Eritrea as a threat. As the saying goes, there are no permanent friends or enemies; just permanent interests. These powers are after their geopolitical and economic interests. However, they are deadly and will use all the power at their disposal in pursuit of their interests. When it comes to Eritrea, they have brought all their tactics including their kitchen sink and failed. So they have resorted to using Africans as a strategy to pass punitive measures designed to decapitate Eritrea and suffocate it. The first sanction the US passed on Xmas Eve was called an “African initiative.” This round, they used their puppet regime in Addis to push yet another measure based on lies. This is the lowest this international body has stooped thus far. They used a genocidal tyrant that is in violation of international laws, a criminal that committed heinous crimes against humanity as a principal author of the language, tone, content and punitive action-plan against a nation that he is at war with, Eritrea.

The Somali Monitoring Group they tasked to pursue the punitive measure against Eritrea is not a legal body and it doesn’t have a legal process to stand. It is not a court of law where the plaintiff, the defendant and witnesses stand in front a of the judge to litigate; it is not an investigative body that has the ability to conduct its own investigation and present evidences; it is not an elected body beholden to any constituency; it is PR tool whose directives come from the State Department designed to legitimize illegal UN actions on nations that have no representation or voice. It is a dangerous international precedent concocted by the previous US administration. The question is why the UN/US allowed Ethiopia to author the allegations using a regional group with mechanisms that could infringe on American rights.

The simple answer is because they have become desperate in their inability to bring Eritrea down to the level of their alms recipient client states and, because they know that the principal enemy of the people of Eritrea is the Weyane clique. The minority clique is the number one enemy of the government and people of Eritrea. It is in a perpetual conflict-mode looking to destroy Eritrea and nullify the existence of Eritrea as a nation. It is an existential question. These are the dirtiest group people one can have as an enemy. They are vile, jealous and dangerous.

The people of Eritrea fought the traditional enemies of developing countries extremely hard and climbed the hill. And when they started to launch their life successfully; the clique is going berserk and targeted what they believe will propel Eritrea. They targeted individuals in the Diaspora that love their country; targeted resources they believed will be the future life-line of the people; targeted the new mining sector and remittances families receive from Eritreans in the Diaspora. However, the best example of how indecent, disloyal and vile the TPLF clique is when they targeted money’s Eritreans send to the families of fallen heroes. These are families of Eritreans that fought alongside the clique in good spirits and helped them to power. It is difficult to imagine that we actually saw these people as friends at one moment in our history. It is unsettling to know there are jealous humans scheming day and night to bring their neighbor down. After all the thousands of lives lost, after the thousands Eritreans they deported; these people are showing the world one more time that they will never be satisfied until the blood of every Eritrean runs dry.

The West/US knows this and, they also know their errand boys in Addis are the best agents that they could use to bring Eritrea to the level of the clique. They know and understand the clique suffers from deep inferiority-complex when it comes to Eritreans. They know that the TPLF want to see Eritreans beg like them. Hence, they are using Weyane as stick against Eritrea.

The TPLF clan have-been at this for a long time albeit unsuccessfully. They understand the mentality and ingenuity of the Eritrean people. They know they cannot stop Eritrea so they are having nightmares in every turn. And it is showing. Every day they wake up they are witnessing Eritrea transforming. The glitter of gold is clouding their brains; the thought of potash is making them crazy; the airlines and the united joy of Eritreans are just killing them alive. They just simply do not know what to do with the daily joyful transformation of Eritrea while they are free falling into the dark holes of hell.

As the saying goes, misery loves company. Hence, the TPLF has hired agents that call themselves Eritreans to help it. And collectively, their dances have become more pronounced than ever. These people are as bad as or worse than Weyane clique. They are hypocrites that claim to fight injustice while true injustices are perpetrated against the people of Eritrea. They claim to be for religious tolerance while inciting hate and instability in churches in the Diaspora. They are lying in the name of God to elders, using fear tactics to garner support and terrorizing those who just arrived with their livelihood. Their crimes are too long to detail.

The average Eritrean understands this well and have been fighting the scourge for a long time. However, as the recent scramble to strangulate Eritrea using sanctions showed; Eritrea’s struggles to control her future and destiny is being put to the test. After decades of hard work, after the thousands of lives that we paid; after all the limbs; after all the destruction of property; after Eritrea reached a turning point and started to unearth her riches, we are being told you do not have the right to exist. Just because the people of Eritrea chose patience and the prevalence of the rule of law; the rights of Eritreans are being trampled. They are undermining the rights of Eritreans while supporting a rogue regime occupying sovereign Eritrean territories in violation of international laws.

Conclusion

This is truly a transitional moment in the history of Eritrea. We are at a turning point and they are doing all they can to thwart it. The people and leaders have done their level best to cleanse the dirt and start anew based on the foundations the martyrs established. The result could be summed by the 20th independence celebrations and festival that highlighted the united joy of Eritrea.

This begs the question, are we the dead flowers just blossoming for show, beauty and smell? Or are we the plant that was seeded by our martyrs to flourish for generations? What the enemies are trying to do is clear and they will not stop. They will continue to play their dirty games. Are we helpless? Do we have what it takes to stand and uphold the legacies of our martyrs? Do we have a fight in every of us?

Eritrea is standing and flourishing today for one reason; united approach to life. We need to use all our resources, know how, efforts, education, hard work and everything else we can to transition Eritrea into the country the martyrs envisioned. We have come a long way to be stopped by anyone. This is a crucial test and it will take a great deal to muzzle the dogs of injustices. So let’s make sure they rut in the dustbin of history. Now is not the time to let our guards down or be complacent.

Wetru Awet N-Hafash

Zelealemawi Zikrin kibrin N Semat-tat-na

Awetnayu@hotmail.com

Eritrean

By Amanuel Biedemariam

If one runs into any Eritrean and ask how she or he is doing; the answer is always, “Al Hamdu Li-Lah” or “Temesghen Amlakh”, which means thanks to God/Allah. This is true no matter what the time, place or prevailing circumstances. It is Eritrean nature to always be grateful no matter what.

During the struggle for our Independence; Eritrea faced some of the darkest moments in her history. Yet, from the beginning of the struggle until independence, Eritreans espoused unshakable faith, confidence and gratefulness. When the archaic monarchy of Ethiopia ascended on the people of Eritrea and started killing and imprisoning Eritreans en mass; Eritreans gathered their faith and braced for the struggle ahead. After the start of the struggle, Eritrea gradually turned into a big prison. Villages were being torched by Ethiopian soldiers to teach Eritrean communities lessons with one aim, to quell the rebellion. And as the struggle progressed Eritrea’s trials and tribulations intensified. Yet, Eritreans doubly intensified their faith and braced for more.

To make matters worse, on top of the war with Ethiopia, Eritreans fought a civil war that cost the lives of thousands of dear Eritrean youth. This was a source of major anguish for the mothers and fathers that saw their beloved perish needlessly. In addition the Derg hankered down, shutting all the check points, cutting cities from villages in an effort to secure its stronghold. Families were cut-off from each other and barriers were created making traditional trade difficult. People were unable to get commodities. Everything was scarce and expensive. People were unable to work; schools were shut forcing students to become aimless wanderers.

Those days were very dark. Eritrean families were beset by problem after problem mired in a cycle of seemingly endless violence that affected the lives of every family. With the help of the Soviet Union, the military regime of Ethiopia intensified its military campaigns that suffocated every aspect of Eritrean life and forced thousands to flee to Sudan. At one moment, it seemed as though Ethiopia succeeded in destroying Eritrea’s aspiration and momentum. Eritreans also faced daunting instabilities when villages, cities and towns were changing hands between the fronts and Ethiopia. The hardship, the killing and the bad news kept on mounting. Eritrea became hell on earth to compel some to say, “Even the stones are burning.” People were destroying furniture for wood, no electricity, water, food or money. It was extremely dire that it felt time stood-still as the nation was being torched. It was a nightmare and hell on earth. While Eritreans have endured many challenges; those were the darkest days that could serve as a measuring stick to the depth of sufferings Eritrea endured to get to here and now.

However, Eritrean mothers and fathers remained faithful and thankful and prayed day in and out. They prayed for the victorious return of their children and peaceful life. They prayed to free their children from shackles and Ethiopia’s dungeon-prisons. They prayed and kept praying anguished. Yet they remained faithful and grateful.

Then freedom, jubilations and hope for a better future resonated on the hearts of all Eritreans after 1991. However, the TPLF regime, at the behest of its masters cast darkness into the fresh wounds of a nation that just begun to exhale in a brief respite. That was a calculated move based on a belief that Eritreans have let their guards down. But, to quote President Isaias, “Eritreans reacted like bee, when its hive gets attacked.”  Mothers, fathers and kids escorted their sons, daughters, brothers and sisters with joy handing them whatever they can. Mothers went to the fronts giving those fighting milk and comfort. That too passed. As it passed, it tested the will, endurance, the unity, commitment, loyalty and above all, it tested the will-to-sacrifice of every Eritrean. And Eritreans passed it with flying colors.

But, why did Eritrea succeed when all the weight of the world was weighing mightily on them?  How did Eritreans manage when all was denied to them? How did Eritrea survive when all those who were tested in a similar manner faltered in despair? How did Eritrea use that negative into a positive? What inspires Eritrea to persevere? What is the secret?

Eritrea survived and is thriving in a transformative stage as a young nation. We can credit it to unity, perseverance, dedication, commitment, selflessness and sacrifice and so on for the successes…but, gratitude stands as the key ingredient above all tying it all together. When things were rough, scarce and, people suffered as a result; Eritreans never lost their gracious nature. Neighbors looked-out and supported each other with grace. No matter how bad things got, Eritreans always raised their level of tolerance and perseverance knowing those golden days will arrive. There was no time-frame, just a hopeful outlook, a can do spirit and a belief that our better future lays ahead.

At the height of the wars, it was uplifting to see mothers gathering everything they had and, take it to the fronts with the hopes of seeing their sons and daughters. They gave all they had to support their kids at a great risk to their lives. They traveled a great distance often on foot following a hunch of the whereabouts of their kids. On the way, they always encountered Ethiopian military check points that conducted intrusive and extensive searches. When they reached the areas occupied by Eritrean fighters (Tegadelti) they were not often successful to find their sons and daughters. However, they got satisfaction by spending time with the Tegadelti. Here is a beauty. These mothers never asked their kids to come back with them. They always encouraged their kids and wished them success and went back to their hollowed lives in the Ethiopian occupied cities. When asked, “why do you trouble these much?” those mothers always said, “Temesghen, intay Kefiuna n-skum eko ale-khumo” or, “Thank God/Allah we are not the ones suffering; you are our concerns”. These mothers followed every step their kids stepped on. They gave them moral support, comforted them and provided assistance. One must keep in mind that the mothers were visiting hardened fighters that did not want to have emotional attachment with their families once they joined the struggle.

When one has nothing, anything becomes plenty. For Eritreans gratitude is and remains necessary for continuity and success. When the struggle started, Eritreans had nothing. No medicine, clothing, ammunition, tanks, money, supplies, women’s-needs and necessities. They didn’t have regular food supplies, set stations that they can call home. All they had was each other and a vision of a free Eritrea. They scavenged for a lot of their needs. They built the Eritrean army from munitions that they took from the Ethiopian military. When they killed enemy soldiers and stripped their guns and other belongings, it was a sense of accomplishment. When they took away Ethiopia’s armored vehicles and tank, it was a joyous moment and a sign that their ideas and endurance is paying off big. It was a beginning of bigger successes to come.

When Eritreans liberated areas and settled in it; students that use to learn in caves and under trees started to learn in class rooms. Eritreans grew their food and started to implement the programs that are based on the self reliance ideals. The villagers gathered and built roads with bare hands and shovels. Eritrea manufactured her own plastic cups and other plastic products. It manufactured her own shoes “Shida” that is the symbol of the struggle and a reminder of those that passed. They manufactured soaps and other industrial needs within the liberated areas. In other words it was the birth of a nation; a nation that believed; a nation that could not look for others to stand for her and knew that others will not stand for her. This was also the mindset of all Eritreans abroad. They knew no-one will come to the aid of Eritrea. They understood their responsibilities and worked hand and glove and struggled with their brothers and sisters. That was a synergy that served as a foundation for today’s Eritrea.

Eritreans have been thankful and remain thankful for every little achievement because that is a step forward and a departure from the past. It is also the basis that served as a foundation for what Eritrea is today. Most forget that Eritreans believed and worked to be self reliant from the very beginning. The foundation for what Eritrea is today was set decades back. The pharmaceutical industry that is sprouting started in caves during thick war times. The Fred Hollows Hospital in the center of Asmara that is exporting all types of optical products, in a way, started in the fields of Eritrea. The water dams and agricultural infrastructures that Eritrea put in place is an example of a visionary nation that is ahead of all. It is a reason to celebrate and be thankful because people in other countries are rioting for scarcity and price hikes of food and fuel.

It takes a certain characteristics to say thanks and work hard regardless of the times. That is what defines Eritreans. Eritreans have always sacrificed for Eritrea and each other often at great personal price. While most Africans and people from the Middle East focused on themselves; Eritreans focused on their country and each other. Every one that passed through Sudan, Italy and other places knows the generosity of Eritrean mothers. Eritrean mothers abroad cleaned floors to support their families, the struggle and the refugees all at the same time. They gave all they had including their Jewelry in times of needs. This was not a onetime event. It is a way of life for Eritreans everywhere. The signs of Eritrean gratefulness are in every aspect of Eritrean life today. The railroad industry that is attracting worldwide attention is one. After Westerners demanded billions to repair the railroads tracks; Eritrea looked inward and used indigenous talent. Those that revived the railroads and the trains are revered and appreciated for leaving a legacy. They are the true role model for future generations.

Conclusion

As we embark on the 20th Anniversary of the independence of Eritrea, it is crucial that we look back as we focus ahead and appreciate what makes Eritrea tick. It is all around us with vivid examples. Those who live a thankless life and failed to be grateful live empty lives that a friend calls a “Black-Hole.” They are missing a lot of good to focus on perceived negatives and as a result distancing themselves further and further. Their thankless nature is the quicksand to their inevitable demise. They forget to site a famous quote, “Those who declared death on Eritrea have died and Eritrea is still there and those who are declaring death on Eritrea will die and Eritrea will always be there!”

Yes, that is true; Eritrea is marching gracefully; more thankful than ever because while the enemies are being sifted as dirt, Eritreans are uplifted and lifted to a new level. That is a result of all the small graces that Eritreans embraced throughout the history of the blessed nation. Eritreans have always known how blessed they are. All the blessings of our parents have come to fruition and graced Eritrea with humble leaders and gracious people that have become the envy of oppressed people in the region and beyond. And every day that goes by, the secret of the people of Eritrea is being exposed to the world. Therefore, in-order to grow what we have, we must all be cognizant and be fully aware of the great blessings that surrounds us. We must appreciate, as we always do, the joy and the blessing that we have on each other and make it blossom to new levels. We must appreciate the efforts of each other, be thankful for any little contribution and make it grow.

Above all, we must give thanks to those who fought for years to bring the joy that is Eritrea.  We must be grateful to those who paid with limbs, eyes ears and mental damages. We must be grateful for those who lead Eritrea to where it is today. Most of all, we must not forget those who perished to sustain Eritrea with their blood. Because the greatest payoff for them is Eritrea’s success and continued gratitude for their life. As we approach the 20the Anniversary of Eritrea’s Independence, let us remind ourselves to be grateful and keep in mind how lucky we are as we celebrate in honor of the martyrs.

Wetru Awet N-Hafash

Awetnayu@hotmail.com

Biniam has made it. Currently he is waiting to start studying medicine. Until he starts, Biniam works as a first aid lecturer for the Johanniter Unfall-Hilfe.

Integration is an issue that Biniam has been intensively pushing since three years now. In his neighborhood Linden-Süd you could experience firsthand both the difficulties and success. He noticed the differences and similarities regarding one’s ethnic and religious background. For those who know him and have seen him will notice that he is a man of plain and direct words. Beating around the bush is not his style. His open-minded, friendly and supportive nature helps building a comfortable and trustworthy environment, which makes it easier to talk to him even about difficult topics.

He has often witnessed that integration problems are based on massive problems within migrant families, which they cannot resolve on their own. Issues about money, cultural and family traditions often do not enable children to develop freely as it is desired in our society’s ideals. Success in school and at work is missing. This is Biniam’s starting point. Within the Eritrean community in Germany he made people aware of these problems. In numerous personal discussions and on events he crossed taboos – risky, but successful. One could say he has reminded many migrants of their responsibility. His commitment aims to improve the mutual understanding of Germans and migrants as well as strengthening the willingness to engage in a dialogue. As a result, Biniam functions as counselor and adviser for both big and small problems.

In a series of organized seminars across Germany you could present his view and could establish contacts to representatives of political parties. You can find more about it on his homepage www.integrationsseminare.de

Furthermore, he is an active member of HeartHelp Hannover. HeartHelp was founded in 2008 in Hannover. The association consists of doctors, nurses and supporters who all pursue the goal to establish an independent heart surgery in Eritrea. By today a total of 12 patients underwent a cardiac surgery. Thanks to this programme, they can continue to live a life without pain or constraints.

Biniam has lived all his life in Linden-Süd, since the day he was born. Both his parents came from Eritrea. All family members are German citizens by now. Biniam explains: “I am happy to successfully contribute to integration as an Eritrean, and I am interested to strengthen the German-Eritrean friendship”.

His Christian belief supports him to pursue his goals fully committed. Biniam is politically active as well. He is member of the social democratic party SPD in Linden-Limmer and member of the SPD council group’s working group “Migration”. His hobbies are fitness and endurance sports. In future, Biniam wants to promote a successful integration even more in his urban district.

More Info:

Biniam1@web.de

Zersenay Tadese

By Amanuel Biedemariam

Ever since he burst upon the scene in 2002, Zersenay Tadese has proven that he is the embodiment and example of what Eritrea is all about; resilient, consistent and victorious. Like my fellow Eritreans around the world, I have been wowed by what he has been able to achieve for himself and, by extension, for the people of Eritrea in general.

In a sport that requires tremendous amount of team support and organizational structure for any success, Zersenay has single handedly placed himself in a position of international acclaim and placed Eritrea in a map of a sport that has traditionally been dominated by a handful of nations.

My aim therefore, is to thank Zersenay Tadese for all the joyous moments that he brought into the faces of all Eritreans every time we saw him. We are happy to see him compete, meeting and enjoying Eritrean communities in the Diaspora and happy when he went back to Eritrea and contributed to the lives of Eritreans in many ways. We were also happy when he was received by the biggest victory-welcome accorded him by the people of Eritrea from the President down to the youngest that revere this deserving soul. Eritrea needed Zersenay to be the best possible human being that he could be and he delivered with his heart, dignity and humble nature. He brought a sense of decency and became a true model for Eritreans and the world for those who chose to notice. He is my hero and the hero of millions of Eritreans. I am thankful that he set the bar high for all to follow, and grateful for the example he set for future generations of Eritrean athletes.

Clearly his professional accomplishments speak volumes of the type of hard working and dedicated individual that he is. He is the current record holder of world’s half Marathon. He won a bronze medal in the 10,000 meters in 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greek making him the first-ever Eritrean Olympic medalist. He has won over twenty medals ranging from bronze to gold all over the world. He is the epitome of success with a demeanor that is a true reflection of what Eritreans are; courteous and gracious to a fault. And he did it graced by an Eritrean flag that was tailor fitted for him. However; what stands out is that outfit exudes a national soul that is confident and determined to show the world what Eritrea is all about.

I want to thank Zersenay for being the true anchor of Eritrean sports based on international standards. I want to thank him for setting THE example of what it means to achieve success and yet remain grounded while firmly connecting with his country at all levels. I want to thank him for his strength and for remaining steady just like Eritrea has over the last ten years when many were ganging up to frustrate her into submission. He never gave up even when teams ganged up on him. On the contrary, he saw what he needed and recruited others into becoming a part of his team. He helped to expand the size and quality of Eritrean athletes in a world stage.

While much could be said about all the achievements of this giant; all the accolades would have meant nothing if Zersenay was selfish and irresponsible. However, Zersenay understood his historic responsibilities and his place in the history books of Eritrea and etched it by embracing his people and reveling on their support. Zersenay Tadese, I thank you for making Eritrea proud. I thank you for being the anchor and pillar of a nation. I thank you for the foundation and legacy you have established. Thank you Warsay – a pride of Yekealo!

Awetnayu@hotmail.com

A group of 34 refugees (33 Eritreans and a Somali woman) has spent their first night in Italy in a former elementary school in the village of San Lupo, in the Sannio region, outside Benevento (not far from Naples).

They were welcomed by the mayor Irma de Angelis in accordance with the project “Small Municipalities, Large Solidarity”, as part of a wider EU initiative for the 12007-2013 period.

The refugees were also welcomed by representatives from the NGO’s “Connecting People” and the “Amistade Consortium” of Benevento. In the town hall there was a related event attended among others by Soulib Briss and Fabiola Conti from UNHCR Italy. The group of refugees began their ordeal five years ago, traversing several African countries; the group include nine women, two of whom pregnant.

“As mayor and citizen of San Lupo – said Irma de Angelis yesterday – I am pleased to be here today to welcome you and assure you that the town and the local people are happy to receive you. San Lupo, even if small, is generous and all of us will try to help you integrate in our territory”. Orazio Micalizzi, vice-president of ‘Connecting People’, which manages the facility offered in San Lupo as well as the welcome Center where the fefugges were housed before in Salina Grande (Trapani, Sicily), told the refugees:

“Our consortium, with the backing of Amistade, will assure you will get all the services that you need; at the end of the Easter holiday, the various activities provided by the project, starting from Italian language classes, and all the children will be promptly enrolled in local schools and kindergartens”.

Connecting People shall also handle the management of training, socialization and orientation programs, apprenticeships in small artisanal factories and tourism facilities in the area of Benevento. Giuseppe Lorenti, training and research manager at Connecting People stressed:

“the consortium shall ensure for the 24 month duration of the project all services and activities needed to achieve a true socio-economic integration of the recipients, aimed at ensuring them, once the project is over, the greatest possible degree of independence. Apart from the basic housing and foods services, the guests will be given cultural mediation services, social, first-aid and psychological assistance.”

As for San Lupo, it was rebuilt after an earthquake in the XV century on a spur of rock at 500 meters elevation now traversed by a municipal highway linking Benevento to the town of Campobasso. San Lupo is famous for its olive oil but its citizens over the past century have spread throughout the world, from North America to Australia, the country shall now reach, thanks to the newly arrived residents, a total population of some 800 people.

Remembering the 18th century fountain of Capodacqua and, through its saint, the ties to France, the mayor conclude a chat with MISNA saying: “Milca, a nine year old vivacious Eritrean girl, made me smile when she said: yes, I like San Lupo, but I was hoping that it had the sea..” Source(Misna)

The influx of new rap talent over the last couple of years might have you thinking every new rapper is a tight jeans-wearing hipster. Luckily for those of you that just want some gangsta shit, there’s Ermias “Nipsey Hussle” Asghedom, who, as anyone that’s peeped the video for “Hussle In The House” knows, is a Rollin 60s Crip.

However, even while embracing the uglier aspects of growing up in Los Angeles, Nipsey continued to put time and money into building his music career. But simply being a thug on the microphone won’t inspire much of a following. It’s his intricate flows and stellar Bullets Ain’t Got No Name mixtape series that have earned him heavy co-signs from Snoop Dogg and Game, as well as a spot on XXL’s prestigious “2010 Freshmen Class” cover for best new rap artists.

While in New York working on his highly anticipated debut, South Central State Of Mind, which features production from DJ Khalil, The Runners, Scott Storch, Play-N-Skillz, Mr. Lee, and J.R. Rotem. Nipsey spoke to Complex about visiting Eritrea, why radio wouldn’t play “Hussle In The House,” and how he feels about rappers reppin’ gangs.

Complex: What was it like of being put on the XXL “2010 Freshman” cover?

Nipsey Hussle: That was big. That was my first major cover. Really my first cover. But especially for a publication that got so much exposure and reach, I just feel like another milestone, another goal accomplished, and we just gon’ keep rollin’ and pressin’. I wasn’t mad or bitter [about not getting the cover last time], but I just felt like we were making a lotta noise last year, especially as a L.A. artist. If you just pay attention to the region, there wasn’t too many artists making as much noise and who were as visible as us, but it’s cool, they got their mind right in ’10.

Complex: You’re half Eritrean, right?

Nipsey Hussle: Yeah, it’s a country in East Africa. My mom is American, so I was raised in her household in my formative years. But as I got older, my pops tried to keep me involved with the culture by telling me the stories of the conflict between Ethiopia and Eritrea, how he came to America, and about our family back home, because all that side of my family, my aunties, grandparents, is in Africa. When I went back home in 2004, I went for three months. That was my first time in Africa at all. My first time meeting my Granny, aunties, and cousins. It was me, my brother, and my pops.

Complex: What was that experience like?

Nipsey Hussle: It was A1. At first, I experienced culture shock. The shit that we rely on day-to-day out here, your cell phone, Internet, e-mail, and your females, [laughs] and your daily movement, it’s all cut off once you get out there. It’s more about the interaction with people.

Complex: What was it like being somewhere where gang culture wasn’t such an integral part of everyday life?

Nipsey Hussle: It wasn’t as dominant. That wasn’t the culture. You had your fake little pop-up gangs, but that wasn’t the culture of that place. It was an actual conflict over land, over the border. A generational, decades old conflict. That was more or less the culture of the young people. It was like, “I’mma go to war, fight, and go to the frontlines for my country.” But it was a good experience. It put me in touch with my roots. If you don’t know your full-throttle history, the whole story of how you came to where you are, it’s kind of hard to put things together. That filled in a blank spot for me, as far as understanding myself.

Complex: Was it weird to be in a place where you actually weren’t a minority?

Nipsey Hussle: For sure. You saw that in key positions; president, government, police, everybody’s the same [color]. It’s a country run by its people. No racial class, everybody feels a part of it.

Complex: Did you attend college for a bit?

Nipsey Hussle: When I first stopped going to high school, I was about 15, 16. It had to be like 2000, 2001. I got put out and went to boot camp for a little bit. They tried to say that I was involved in a robbery at the school. There was a computer lab that was broken into, and all the computers got stolen. I didn’t do it. [Laughs.] I went to this little program through the Lennox Sheriff department. It was a juvenile [program], so if you fucking up in school, you get put out. My mom went to my court date and expressed her frustration, and they were like, “We got a place for him, don’t trip.” [Laughs.] It wasn’t no penitentiary. From there, I didn’t wanna be looked at as no idiot, and I didn’t wanna feel like I was uneducated, because I really stopped going to school at 15. I was never ignorant, as far as being experienced in classrooms and learning about different subjects and actually soaking it up, so I checked into college for a little bit. I took classes at a community college in West L.A. I took psychology, English, and philosophy.

Complex: Oh, ok. Why’d you stop going?

Nipsey Hussle: I was trying to get money, and get back into the music. Once I passed the classes with As and Bs, even my English teacher got at me and was like, “Are you plagiarizing this shit? You’re 15 and quoting Plato in your essays, what’s going on?” and I was like, “Nah, I’m just into it.” I was taking an English class and a philosophy class. We were learning about all the different philosophers in the world.

Complex: Do you still read philosophy at all?

Nipsey Hussle: Well, right now it’s kind of hard to, because I’m focusing on the music, but I still got a cold library of books that I’ve either read or I plan on getting to. I done read damn near on every topic, from history, the black experience in America, the old Greek philosophy, the conflict in Egypt, and all that.

Complex: What’s the last good book you’ve read?

Nipsey Hussle: It’s a book called Three Magic Words, about the power of the minds. It’s about projection of your thoughts into reality. That’s one of the books I read most recently. I done read a gang of shit, man. 48 Laws of Power, Blood In My Eye, which was the George Jonathan Jackson story, and Soul On Ice by Eldridge Cleaver.

Complex: You were in a movie with Ving Rhames called The Wrath of Cain. How did you start working with him?

Nipsey Hussle: Ving is a street nigga from New York. He’s big now, and obviously a successful actor, but he heard my mixtape on the fluke. He grabbed his stepdaughter’s iPod and hopped on a flight to South Africa, and all she had was Lil Wayne and my shit. [Laughs.] He listened to my tape top to bottom, and said he felt my struggle and story. So he wrote a whole concept for a film when he was in South Africa, and when he got back he reached out to my management and we got together. He pitched the concept, and I was like, “Hell yeah, let’s do it.” Even aside from the movie, I connected with Ving cause he’s a sincere, A1 nigga, and the whole concept of the movie is just based on what he heard on my project.

Complex: Another person you collaborated with is Drake. How did that come about?

Nipsey Hussle: That was like, we were both bubbling at the time right after the BET Awards. Right when So Far Gone was taking off. It was a little bit after that shit dropped. Cuz just went on Twitter and said “Nipsey Hussle is the hardest out!” and people just started hitting me, bitches and shit, like, “You see what Drake said about you on Twitter!?” [Laughs.] So I checked on it, and hit Cuz back like “I’m a fan of your shit, my nigga, keep doing your thing.” Then Cuz reached out to the label, and they hit me like “Drake’s tryna holler at you, we gonna put you on the line with him.” So we just chopped it up and had mutual respect for each other’s movements. And then he was like “I got a record that’s crazy, I’ma shoot it to you.” And it didn’t have no hook, just a verse. The shit was hot. I locked my verse in, shot it back, and he was like, “Do the hook.” And I was like, “Nah, you do the hook my nigga! This what you do! Do the auto-tune shit, make the shit hot, knock it out, cuz!” A week later he sent it back, and I was like, “Yeah, that’s on fire.”

Complex: Your manager, Big U, has a well-known street rep in L.A. How did you link with him?

Nipsey Hussle: We from the neighborhood, and Big U been locked up since I was a little kid. They gave him 25, and he did 13. So he’s been gone since the early ‘90s. Right when he was about to get out is when my movement was heavy. I was about 16, 17, dropping mixtapes in the ‘hood, putting my money into posters, and started saturating the streets. The whole ‘hood already knew what was going on with me, and everything trickled up to the jailhouses and the penitentiaries. All the homies on the yard was hearing, “Oh yeah there’s a young homie Nipsey doin this thing,” and Big U was always plugged in the industry. He used to manage Kurupt, he fucked with Snoop, and had a lot of other relationships. His little brother was killed as a bodyguard for Kurupt in an altercation in early 1999.

Complex: What happened?

Nipsey Hussle: Kurupt, Dogg Pound, and a couple other guys got into an altercation. The niggas they had got into it with had left and then came back shooting. When they started shooting, everybody ran inside and closed the door, and left Draws outside. He was they security. It was on some “close the door” shit. They looked up, asked “Where’s Draws at?” Come outside, and he’s leaking, shot dead. U was in the pen when his brother got killed, and his brother was heavy in the game on the security tip as well as helping manage artists and get a foot in. So based on Draws’ prior experience in the industry and also him being a figure in the hood, when he got home he was like, “Yeah, let’s sit down and chop it.” Niggas already heard stories about Cuz and how treacherous he was in the streets, but I was like “Yeah, we can sit down and chop it, my nigga.” I had never met him or none of that, I had just heard stories.

Complex: When did this happen?

Nipsey Hussle: It had to be like 2004. We just chopped it up, and we started moving as partners. He set up meetings with every major label, they all turned us down at first. A lot of the music on Bullets Ain’t Got No Name, Vol. 1 and 2, we went to the meetings with, and they were always excited about the music. They saw the vision, but they’d get a call when we leave, like “Yeah, them is the 60s. That’s Big U. That’s another Suge. Don’t do it.” That was the word. The first time I came to New York, took a meeting with Epic, and we got the deal. All the labels in LA turned us down though. They were all like “Yeah,” but then we never got the calls from the lawyers. We were supposed to meet with Jimmy Iovine, and they sent [his nephew] DeeJay down, I was like, “Hold on, we already met the A&Rs and played the music, we already had this meeting already.” [Laughs.] For whatever reason, we ended up not doing nothing with any of the labels in LA. We met with Jon [Shapiro], and Jon had the situation at Epic. We met with the people at Epic, they believed in it.

Complex: You have had a bit of trouble getting traction with a buzz single for the album. I heard L.A. radio stations wouldn’t play “Hussle in the House” because they felt it promoted gangbangin’.

Nipsey Hussle: I mean, that was the actual mothers calling the station saying, “Do you know what this record is saying? He’s from the 60s. Playing this record is promoting the [gang] stuff going on in L.A.” In my eyes, it’s like, Nah I’m not promoting it. I’m just speaking on it. The radio people had to heed to that pressure and cut it off a little bit. My homegirl Devi Dev, she works for KDAY [LA radio station, 93.5.], she told me they were getting calls every day over that record. Either they were loving it, or they were like, “How can you play this song on the radio?” But it was a success for me. Any time I do a show, the whole crowd knows the song. Every city I go to, that’s what they know me for. So I wouldn’t trade it. A lot of artists come into the game with a radio record, but they don’t establish the fans as fans of their style of music. It’s just that they’re a fan of that song, and after that song plays out, it’s real hard for ‘em.

Complex: How hard is it coming up in the gang culture to switch to the perspective of being an artist?

Nipsey Hussle: I feel like I’m an ambassador. Not just to pump myself or none of that, but nobody ain’t, other than Snoop, and Snoop’s my homeboy, and he comes from a different era, but as far as my generation and where we came from, I don’t know nobody in the streets and was active with this gangbang shit like I was and my homie was. And I ain’t the hardest nigga, that ain’t what I’m saying. We were just out here with the shit for real. That was our day-to-day. It’s hard at the same time, but I know that what I’m doing is a first, so I accept that feeling of being in unfamiliar territory right now. I feel like I’d be spitting on my blessing to go back in, backtracking, and doing some shit that’ll risk my freedom. I got a daughter now, so it’s a different state of mind.

Complex: Does it bother you at all when certain rappers like Lil Wayne or Jim Jones rep Bloods?

Nipsey Hussle: If you 35, 28, or 30 years old, and you decide you’re gonna pick up a rag and start bangin’, and you can look yourself in the mirror and you still feel like you’re a man? That’s cool, do your thing. My concern is the niggas that are really in the shit. I’m more focused on giving solutions and inspiration more than anything. But to answer your question, I feel like it’s fraudulent. Straight up. If you ain’t put on to this shit, you wasn’t courted on, you ain’t going to the back of the buildings to fight, your homies didn’t get put on, you not from a gang. Not only are you not from a gang, if you ain’t press a line and put in work, not necessarily kill nobody but you know, put yours on the line. It ain’t just you a Blood when it’s convenient, cause you got a camera and it looks cool. When you around 100 Crips, you still a Blood. When 40-Glocc and them run up on you, you still a Blood. And I ain’t talking about Wayne. I got respect for they movement and I like the dude as an artist. But I’m just saying on some gangbang shit, when you go to the county jail and you walk in the court tank and it’s 50 of your enemies, you still gonna say the 60s (Rollin 60 Neighborhood Crips). Or you not a gangbanger. Your homies gonna hear about it, beat you up, kick you in your ass, and you was for nothin’. I know in the real world in this shit, a lot of niggas wouldn’t make it. So like I said, it’s an overstanding I got about it. I look at it like these niggas is totally out of character.

Complex: Being a new artist from the West Coast, how important has it been to have established artists such as Game And Snoop Dogg embrace you?

Nipsey Hussle: As far as Snoop, that’s the biggest thing to me, as far as like the way he did it. Snoop didn’t ask me to sign to him, ask for no percentage, ask for no cut, and he more or less just took his visibility and his celebrity and co-signed and spoke real highly of me as opposed to being like “Oh, fuck this young nigga. They always talkin’ about he reminds them of me.’” He didn’t take that as a negative. He embraced it, included me in his project, tried to step back, set the stage for me, and put me on the show venues. Every time I see Snoop, he keeps it 100. So I respect Snoop even aside from the music, just as a man, and especially the way he still represents who he is, after being a pop star and an icon. He’s done it successfully and has still been able to balance it. I got the utmost respect. And Game, too, him being a Blood from Compton, and right now the biggest nigga from the west since Snoop, he didn’t have to fuck with me neither. He embraced what I was doing with open arms. Soon as I got out the county [jail], he brought me in on his studio session when he was working on L.A.X., did a record with me, which became “They Roll,” which went on Power 106, spoke highly in city, and kind of just set it off. It’s always a question of “Well, you’re killin’ the streets, but how do these niggas feel about you?” Like if you kill it in New York, they’re gonna wanna know how Jay-Z feels about you. It’s the same in L.A. They’re gonna wanna know how Snoop and Game feel about you, and they were real vocal, like “He the next one.”

Complex: Although Snoop has obviously been very supportive of you, Bishop Lamont had spoke last year of doing a mixtape called No Country For Old Men because he felt like older artists like Snoop Dogg and Ice Cube weren’t supporting the new movement. Do you feel like that was fair?

Nipsey Hussle: The way I was raised, I was a man, even when I was 13, homie. Don’t do me no favors. Let me run mine, you feel me? I don’t need no help. You signed to Dr. Dre, how can somebody prevent you from doing what you gotta do? You got a record deal, you got a label behind you, money behind you. You have access to a studio. All you have to do is make hot shit. So how can a motherfucker prevent you? At the end of the day, I was doing it by myself in the studio. A lot of niggas did that, created their brand, went out into the world and did what they did without a co-sign. Dre did it by his own. My thing is that I don’t give no person that much power over my path that I’m walking. Not one person can make or break what I’m doing, except me or God. Not the label, Dr. Dre, Snoop, Game, and much respect to all them niggas, but as a man, that’s not how I was raised. Source (Complex)

There are few things that inspire me more than hearing the stories of others and how their personal journeys birth amazing ideas that they couragelously bring forth to the world. Because of this I always thought I would have more interviews in this space featuring creative goddesses, but for whatever reason it hasn’t happened until now.

I met Viva in 2006 when we worked together in a highly creative, yet very corporate environment. You know how when you meet certain people you just get a feeling that they are destined for greatness? Well, I felt that way about Viva.

I remember when we worked together that I would always keep a notebook with me because she would say these things that were so funny and quote-worthy that I would have to write them down. When she started telling me about her ideas for Inheritrea, I could feel the passion radiating from her and have been so inspired watching her turn a beautiful dream into a reality. I was so honored when she agreed to let me interview her here in my tiny space. I hope you can all see the beauty in her as well.… and no joke, these are the softest t-shirts i have ever felt.

**********************************

Hi Viva, I am so happy to be able to talk to you today about Inheritrea and introduce you to those who come to this space. Thank you for taking the time to talk with me and answer some questions.

Hi Stace!  Thank YOU for taking an interest in what Inheritrea is all about.

Tell us about Inheritrea. What does the name mean and what is the mission of your business?

The name merges the word, “inherit” and, “Eritrea” to capture the idea of truly cherishing what has been left to us by generations past.  My family is from Eritrea, a small country on the east coast of Africa that has a long and triumphant history.  So, for Eritreans like myself, it may mean our language, culture, traditions; but it’s such a universal theme!  For others, it may mean their maiden name, inheriting the Earth, even family recipes.  In essence, I wanted Inheritrea to be a source of pride for Eritreans, but also serve as a way to educate the rest of the world about Eritrea and be a reminder of how we all share many more similarities than differences.  So, that’s the philosophical translation.  How am I planning to achieve such a lofty goal?  That’s easy: t-shirts!  Our mission statement reads as follows:

Our mission is clear.
Inheritrea aims to give Eritreans, and friends of Eritrea, the opportunity to SOW SEEDS OF PROGRESS. We seek to accomplish this by marketing high–quality apparel inspired by the richness of our culture and the fortitude of those that came before us. Net proceeds of Inheritrea are channeled to non–profit organizations and charities that support the further development of the State of Eritrea.

When did you first conceive the idea of Inheritrea and how long did it take you to launch from conception to reality?

This is always such a challenging question to answer because I think that on some level I always knew I would pursue a project like this.  My mother and siblings emigrated to the states right before I was born so I had never been to Eritrea until the summer of 2008.  That trip came at a time when I was really asking myself what I wanted my future to look like and, through an arduous and emotional journey, I found my answer.  Visiting Eritrea prompted me to find a way to give back to Eritrea, a country that has been so overlooked by mainstream media.  It was several months before I got the actual idea for Inheritrea.  I attended a concert of the hip-hop artist K’naan and was truly moved by one of the songs he performed – “Waving Flag.”  The next morning the idea for Inheritrea was born.  That was February 2009 so it took close to a year to launch the webstore.

I know you are a non-profit organization so how are you funding your business?

I would love to say that I have dozens of contributors, but the truth is that so far it’s been a one-woman show!  From funding to designing to photographing shirts to shipping them out, it’s just been me.  I know you can relate to this!

I must say that I’ve had loads of support from unexpected places, which has been the most encouraging.  It reminds of the line from The Alchemist: “When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you achieve it.”  So dope.

How are you marketing yourself to get your name out into the world.

So far, I’ve been trying to get some exposure on different blogs and sites related to non-profit causes but it’s been a slow-moving process.  I recently set up shop at a charity event and got some great feedback so part of me thinks this will be the more fruitful route in the future.  The spring and summer is actually full of many Eritrean events and celebrations that I’ll be excited to attend, as well.  I really feel that the shirts need to be seen and felt in person to truly appreciate.  Lately, I’ve also been toying with the idea of starting a blog to share more about who I am, how this idea came to be, etc.  I’ll have to take a poll and see how many people would actually read it!

I would definitely read it and am sure many others would as well.

What has been the most rewarding aspect for you so far of starting your own business? What about the most challenging?

As I mentioned earlier, I think the most heart-warming and rewarding part of this has been the unexpected support.  Former bosses, past co-workers, friends from high school – all people that bought an Inheritrea tee or even just took a few moments to write an encouraging email.  When you’re working on something in your own little bubble it’s hard to know how it’s going to be received so a few words really do go a long way!  I hope to make our first contribution to the National Union of Eritrean Women at the end of summer, so I expect that will be rank pretty high up on my “proudest moments” scale.  On the flip side, self-promotion has never really been my strongest skill so I’ve had to remind myself that this is a cause that I believe very deeply in and use that as my motivation to say, “Hey, guess what I’m working on…”

I know your background is in fashion, how much of your prior knowledge in the industry help you while you were designing your line? Did you learn some new things with this endeavor.

Yes, my first “grown-up” job after college was for a manufacturer in downtown Los Angeles that also did in-house screen-printing.  I learned so much there.  Like don’t wear a Napoleon Dynamite t-shirt on a day when you’ve got meetings with partners.  Not that that happened to me or anything.  Seriously though, my position was in customer service and working with sales representatives across the country.  I did get knowledge on fabrics, screen-printing, and merchandising techniques that has really helped with creating Inheritrea.  But since my background was much more based in the business aspect of the industry, I’ve essentially been really working on developing a more creative eye, particularly on the graphics side of things.  To give you an idea of where I was at when I started – I had NEVER worked on Illustrator before and have been teaching it to myself!  I’m really enjoying viewing the world differently.  I’ve gotten inspiration for future graphics from things that used to be mundane – even being stuck in traffic!

I absolutely adore my Inheritrea logo t-shirt, it’s incredibly soft and the fit is one of the most flattering I have ever worn. Can you tell us a bit about what went into the actual design process for your shirts from graphics to the yummy fit, they really are the perfect t-shirt in many ways.

You have no idea how happy it makes me to hear that!  Quality is VERY important to me.  I knew that if this project was going to be successful, fit and fabric had to be just right.  So, I started my hunt for the perfect tee.  I ordered several different styles before I found the Holy Grail of t-shirts – Alternative Apparel.  I fell deeply in love with the fit of their Organic Scoop Neck Tee.  I adore the open neck line since I am usually the girl you see stomping around in the shirt with the neck cut out of it!  It’s the softest organic cotton I’ve ever felt.  And, on a selfish note, I needed the shirt to be nice and long.  I’m close to 5’10” so didn’t want a tee that I was going to have to keep tugging at!  Since I’ve had friends of all shapes comment on how flattering the silhouette is, I know I made the right choice.

When I received my t-shirt it came with a beautiful postcard filled with all sorts of inspiring quotes and sayings. Where did these come from?

Honestly, Stacy – sometimes at home alone, I’ll catch myself gazing at that card when I need a boost of hope and inspiration.  And the lovely thing about it is that many of those quotes were collected when I asked dozens of friends to answer the question, “what is your inheritance?”  They’re true and honest answers from real people in my life.

I incorporated some Eritrean references and words in Tigrinya, our native language.  It’s so powerful to see it all in print.  And that’s exactly the type of feeling that I want to continue to capture with Inheritrea.

Do you have any advice or tips for others who are wishing to start their own businesses?

As corny as it sounds, (cue the violins) I think the most important thing is to follow your heart!  I would have wanted to give up a million times if this wasn’t something that I felt the world needed.  Next, I’d say organization is key.  I always thought I was an organized person until I started this project.  The earlier you start with that, the better – trust me!  And you actually recommended The Seed Handbook, which has been an invaluable tool.  If you’re interested specifically in starting a non-profit endeavor, check out Starting and Building a Non-Profit:  A Practical Guide.  It’s really direct and easy to follow.  And lastly, I’m learning to cut myself some slack.  Mistakes are going to happen and, when they do, do your best not to get bogged down in “coulda, woulda, shoulda.”  Just pick up, be joyous, and do good work.

Thank you so much Viva for taking the time to share a bit about your wonderful, heart-filled company. I adore your passion and vibrancy and wish you wild success.

******************************

If you are interested in your wearing your own Inheritrea organic cotton yummy softeness t-shirt that promotes awareness of the country of Eritrea visit http://www.inheritrea.bigcartel.com/

Aight people back to the fabulafricana interview part of the blog, this time meet Eritrean model and journalist student, Elsabel Yemane.

I wanted to interview her because I wanted to know about the experience of an Eritrean fabulafricana . I wanted to know who she was at the heart, why she became a model, why she was inspired to be a journalist student at the same time while she could have just gone and focus on her modelling career. She’s signed to Elite/South Africa and Profile Models.

Let’s gooooo!!

1- How do define yourself?

I would define myself as an all around fun loving, social, caring person. I can be shy sometimes, over confident other times. I try to adapt to people and my surroundings.

2- How long have you been modelling and how hard is it for you to pursue both your studying and your modelling?

I’ve only recently took on studying and modelling at the same time. My new agency, Profile Models, are great. They’ve been putting me forward for a lot of jobs and I’m lucky to only be studying 3 evenings a week, therefore the two don’t often collide.

3-Why did you pick journalism? how challeging is it, what year are u?what is your ultimate professional goal?

I love writing, its so easy and almost therapeutic to write and just flow everything to paper.

I definitely want to pursue a career further in the fashion industry and a Fashion Journalism course perfectly suited me. Freelance journalism for top fashion publications and online/TV documenting would be fun to work on but i actually do want to go more into the business and management sides of fashion. I’m a passionate maniac when it comes to planning and organising projects and events. Succeeding in Fashion Management & Journalism would be my ultimate goal Alongside Modelling!

4-How do define yourself as an eritrean woman and is there a huge eritrean community in england where you reside?

I’ve been living here in london since i was about 6 so I’ve very much moulded into the British culture. However, I’m lucky to go back home to an Eritrean household everyday. I live with my sisters, we speak our Eritrean language with my mum, who occasionally cooks the most delicious Eritrean food! I think there are strong morals and values set for females in our culture, as they is for any other culture. But its refreshing to see the ladies of Asmara have a healthy balance of happiness and love of fun that compliments there manners, self respect, and respect for others.

5- For someone who’s never been to your country if they were to visit where would you take them and why?

Ive only been back home to Asmara once. I’m hoping to go back again very soon. I would say it’s one of those places where you can just trust where the wind takes you eventually stumble across all the different sides and characteristics, the country has to offer. After all, its not a big country!

6-In your blog i feel like you are really try to empower other through postive thinking, how did u get to be so positive?

Naturally, as I’m growing up I’m learning to be more aware of my emotions and my attributes as a young woman. I cant really say i exercice positivity well, or through, but i try to. I’m aso learning my ways with others. I’d like to think I naturally have good intuition with people, feelings and emotions. Reading books like “The Power of Now” and basically learning from my ongoing experiences in life, have taught me to be more conscious of many things.

7-Which eritrean people that you admire you wish the rest of the world knew about?

I love a special song called “Emotions”, by a European Eritrean artist, Winta ( also my sisters name). She has that lovely Aaliyah feel to her music. I hope she becomes more popoluar over here.

8-Do you feel connected to the rest of africa, for example have u visted other african countries, do you have good friends from other african countries?

I’ve been to Lagos ,Nigeria for new year. I spent 3months in Cape Town modelling and also saw part of Johannesburg. I kind of felt bad being in these African countries, because i felt i should of spent that time in my own country, visiting my family especially my grand- parents.

I didn’t really feel connected to these countries though. They had there own culture but it was special to experience other African ways of life.

9- Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

Graduated, in business and marketing, a well experienced model venturing into new paths and succeeding. Hopefully engaged and soon having a baby!

10-Who are some of your fav’ african writers, musicians, photographers, painters ?(if any)

Wow, I’m a bit unfamiliar with the works of African artists. I visited wonderful antique stores just outside of Cape Town. I loved all the south African crafts and sculptures, but i don’t really follow any one in particular.

11- What’s the biggest misconception about eritrean people in your opinion?

That the country doesn’t even exist! Most people haven’t even heard of Eritrea. It’s probably one of the newest countries. We only recently gained Independence from Ethiopia, through Italian colonisation. I think people just instantly see us as Ethiopians.

12- How do u get your hair to be so healthy and beautiful?

I’ve actually just been online searching for a fabulous new lace wig. My agency have had me keep my my natural curly afro hair to shoot in for a while. I’m so used to straightening my hair or having a nice weave. I’m so fed up with the funky, natural look. Aussie hair conditioning treatment is the best for softening hair. I comb it through and leave it on when i go to the steam room. Smooth hair with serum after while still wet, hair creams are a bit light and grease is too thick and clumpy!

13-What’s one african political event that took place that you will never forget (besides obama’s election)

I think this is where my blond hair dye really wants to come out.  I don’t follow politics either. I really should as a journalism student right?!

14-What would people be surprised to know about you?

I can be really shy sometimes. I’m a geek for TV documentaries and the discovery channel. I love organising dinner parties and i can cook!

15- How important is financial stability for you, are there some good books on the matter that help you?

Well, its as important as all your responsibilities- money probably handles all your responsibilities. Having a good job is obviously important for a secure, regular income but be happy with what you do. Start up some savings accounts. One you cant touch at all, a not so secure one for dipping into now and again and maybe another for when your saving for something particular.

16- How important is spirituality for you and what faith do you practice?

My mum is a born again Christan. I don’t really go to church, I’ve had my moments of going for a couple months here and there. But I believe in God and i confide in him in my prayers.

17-What do u wish men knew about women?

We are emotionally more advanced. They should understand us more. And i guess we should understand them more too, as they’re logically more advanced. Being a bit too fair here, sorry ladies.

18-Are you involved in helping your eritrean community how or do u plan to and how?

I hope to start a charity one day where I will personally donate money to the disadvantaged people back home and even all around the world. I would personally work on organising projects to better lives.

19-Whats the nicest compliment u’ve ever received?

I just got a nice one, from my friend on facebook chat.”You’re like my little sister, I tell everyone that”.

20-What do u know for sure in life?

Everyone is different, with different opinions and knowledge from life experiences. Try your best to be happy and make others happy in the process.

Here’s her blog:

http://elsabelonline.blogspot.com

You can follow her on twitter:

twitter.com/y_elsabel

You can find her profile at these 2 model agencies:

www.profile-models.com

http://www.elitemodel-world.com

Thank you for this very honest interview Elsabel, we wish you the very best in all aspects of your life…Thanks for reppin’ for us on the runaway, on editorial pages, and on paper as a future establised journalist

Djaa my Eritrean sistas sont trop dedans:)

Eyeee Wayee:)

Miss East Africa Beauty pageant, Rwanda chapter has attracted 40 belles, a sign it is going to be a tough contest this year.

Aware of the stiff competition, the prestige and the huge role Miss East Africa plays in the region, Rwanda is has assembled tested and talented beautifies.

Christian Gakwaya, Chief Executive Officer Rwanda Events, contracted by Rena Events, a Tanzanian based firm behind the beauty pageant said contestants must be presentable.

“In Rwanda we are checking on intellect, modeling, expression, behavior and answering questions before short listing ,” said Gakwaya. At the close of registration Monday last week, Miss Kigali, Miss Kigali Institute of Science Technology (KIST), and Miss Kigali Health Institute (KIH) were on the list of contestants.

The lucky two winners will be sent to join other 26 contestants drawn from Burundi , Kenya , Tanzania and Uganda. They will also face beauties from Sudan , Ethiopia and Somalia , Eritrea , Seychelles , Comoro and Mauritius are also slated to participate.

Last year Claudia Niyonzima, a Burundi belle scooped the 2008 Miss East Africa crown. The born again law student from Light University , Bujumbura beat contestants from ten East Africa countries.

The contestants were from Burundi , Rwanda , Uganda , Tanzania , Kenya , Eritrea , Ethiopia , Somalia , Mauritius and Djibouti

Gakwaya says, “We shall field the best two from Rwanda for finals in Dar Es Salaam .” This year, Miss East Africa will walk away with a prize of Range Rover, worth US$165,000 on December 19.

It will be the fourth time Rena Events, a Tanzania based firm will be organizing Miss East Africa Beauty Pageant. Source: (East African Business Week)

Mr Oktoberfest 2009

Each year during the Oktoberfest (Beer Festival) in Munich, Germany, around 6 million people from around the world gather to consume 60,000 hectolitres of beer. Many of them are dressed in traditional Bavarian Lederhosen (leather trousers).

For example, the Herald Tribune’s International edition reports that people get so intoxicated or super drunk that they loose things like prosthetic legs, wheelchairs, superman costumes and once a man lost 15,000 Deutsche Mark in soiled pair of Lederhosen.

The only thing authorities did not keep track of is the vast number of teary-eyed teenage girls who lost their boyfriends.

The Oktoberfest is known all over the world and is celebrated from Shanghai to Ohio. No surprise that every little village in Germany has its own Oktoberfest with a yearly crowning of Mrs and Mr Oktoberfest.

The Beer Festival also takes place in the German city of Konstanz near the Swiss border, which is called the Swiss-German Oktoberfest due to its proximity to Switzerland.

The Mr Oktoberfest 2009 nominated this year in Konstanz is nor of Swiss or German origin. You would not believe it, the winner is a 21 year old by the name of Sahle Fessehaye who was born in Germany with parents from Eritrea.

When Sahle Fessehaye was asked how he got the idea to apply for the Mr Oktoberfest 2009, he replied that his friends convinced him to enter the competition. The vote for Mr Oktoberfest 2009 was held through the Internet by a large online audience.

After Sahle Fessehaye found out that he had won, he received a second message saying that his girl friend has been announced Mrs October fest 2009 in the female’s competition. This is probably the first couple ever to win the competition in the same year at the same Beer Festival.

The 21 year old apprentice says about his election, “This is quite an experience; you meet a lot of important people. There are a lot of VIP boxes I had to visit in order to represent the Oktoberfest Committee. My girlfriend and I shook hands with the governor and hand him gifts, which is a traditional task of Mrs and Mr Oktoberfest – this is an opportunity I would never have had.“

One of the most frequently asked question is how people react to his crowning; the reply from Sahle Fessehaye is that reactions are different but mostly friendly with a lot of hugs, handshakes and kisses. He says that people seem to be happy that a black man can win the Mr. Oktoberfest title; this is why he sees himself as an ambassador and representative of multi cultural diversity.

You do not come around Eritreans in Lederhosen very often. However, Sahle Fessehaye seems to like them as he points out, “I must say: Lederhosen are very comfortable and I will treasure them for the rest of my life and I will keep them in any case as a reminder.”

Fetsum Sebhat

Fetsum Sebhat is on his way to become Eritrea’s new rising Soul Star. He’s got it all, “soulful, passionate and a good voice”. His first music video for his single “Meet you in Paradise” has just been released.

The video is deeply emotional, plays in Rio de Janeiro and tends to be slightly melancholic.

Understanding his background might help you to understand the depth of his music a little better. His mother emigrated from Eritrea to Cairo in Egypt where he was born.

Shortly after, they left Egypt in order to move to a friend of his mothers in Rome. Fetsum and his mother spent his early childhood in Italy before they moved to Germany in the beginning of the 80s.

His language skills helped him to write songs in English, German and Italian such as the Italian song called “Sei TU” meaning “Only You”. Although, music played an important role in his childhood it came never into his mind that he will one day become a musician. He rather thought of becoming a doctor, athlete or a president.

After playing with a hip hop band, he got to know the right people and befriended many music artists, who helped him to get on his own feet to start a solo career as a soul singer. In addition to his own concerts he was also acting as a background singer for other well known bands.

In 2003 Fetsum dropped his university degree in political science and tried to make a living out of his voice for the first time. Two years later in 2005 he got signed to a major German recording label and produced his first small album. Fetsums’ future plans are to release his first major album “Colours of Hope” early next year in spring.

He is going to release a track each month from the album as a single until the following spring. One single released from the album is “Emotional Android”, which is a reggae theme with a style resembling former Fugees star Lauryn Hill. Listen to this song here: Video