Boston honors Birtukan Mideksa

Boston group

February 1, 2006

Ethiopia’s jailed opposition leader Birtukan Mideksa continues to impress millions of her fellow compatriots to promote the struggle for the triumph of democracy over tyranny

BOSTON, Massachusetts – Her name is Birtukan, whose English equivalent is “orange.” Recently a poet nuanced in her name that the struggle for democracy throughout Ethiopia would exude the good smell of an “orange.” Months earlier when security forces encircled her home for her arrest, the entire neighborhood erupted in protest against the forces loyal to the ruthless tyrant Meles Zenawi.

When the bloody confrontation continued on the second day, the young leader of Ethiopia’s popular opposition turned herself in – vowing no force would stop the national struggle for democracy in her country. Singers and writers adore her as a national icon, as a symbol of the triumph of democracy over tyranny.

It’s in this spirit that Ethiopian Americans in Boston hosted a Sunday afternoon social gathering on January 29, 2006 in honor of Birtukan. It was an occasion of expressing solidarity with those Ethiopian opposition leaders who confronted the forces of tyranny through the ballot box but the tyrannical regime tried to crush the struggle through violence.

Their arrest has – contrary to the interest of the ruling party – rallied Ethiopians around the ideals of democracy, and galvanized the struggle against national repression. Earlier on December 17 in Boston, a fund-raising was held to help the families of those who have been imprisoned on fabricated charges of “treason” and “genocide.”

Artistes Tamagne Beyene, Shambel Belaineh and Newai Debebe also added color to the occasion. In recognition of her contribution to the democratic, peaceful struggle, January 29th was commemorated as “Birtukan Mideksa Day.” Her courage and steadfastness symbolizes the Ethiopian people’s resolve for Freedom and Democracy.

The occasion also drew an inspiring presentation by Mariamawit Sileshi, who briefed the gathering on the history of women in leadership in Ethiopia, and the struggle of Birtukan in that perspective. “We are confident that such role models will have a positive contribution to the future generation.”

Kinijit Support Group’s annual report for the year 2005, and its plan of action for 2006 was also presented at the time. A lively discussion focused on the need to build a network of Ethiopians for peace, democracy and justice in Ethiopia.
The Kinijit Support Group avails itself of this opportunity to extend appreciation to all friends and fellow compatriots who made the occasion a success.