Ethiopians take part in MLK Parade

By Mahdere Andinet Staff

January 20, 2006

Ethiopians in Atlanta have been actively engaged in civil rights issues (Photo shows a protest rally in Atalta against gross human rights violations in Ethiopia. Ethiopian Americans have been calling on the Bush administration to denounce the crimes being perpetrated against the Ethiopian people by Meles Zenawi, one of Africa’s most ruthless tyrants.

Isaac Newton Farris, Jr., president and CEO of The King Center, left, and Christine King Farris, treasurer of The King Center, sing during the 38th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Service at the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, Monday, Jan. 16, 2006. (AP Photo/Ric Feld)

ATLANTA – Ethiopians in Atlanta took part in the National Parade organized in honor of the 77th birthday of Civil Rights leader Martin Luther King last Monday.
The parade that came to an end at King’s Memorial Center, via Peachtree Street, was a good opportunity for the Ethiopian group who distributed flyers and leaflets exposing the untold atrocities being committed by the tyrant Meles Zenawi.

The demonstrators also held various placards calling the Bush Administration to stop supporting the authoritarian and the fascist regime in Addis Ababa and at the same time asking the international community to assist the Ethiopian people in their struggle for equality, democracy and the formation of good governance based on the will of the people.

The demonstrators were met with highly charged and cheering by-standers especially when they reached at the famous Auburn Avenue. Some were showing their thumbs up while others raised victory sign.

A couple in their mid sixties showed vigorous sign of solidarity when they were given the pamphlet. When asked why they were so enthusiastic, the couple replied,”We oppose tyranny anywhere in the world. We are so excited because you are fighting tyranny in your country and we are totally behind your noble cause.”

This was the first time that Ethiopians participated in King’s Celebration parade that lasted for more than 2 hours.

(Prepared by staff writer of Mahidere Andinet)