News

CCEM Press Release |
March 7, 2007

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WASHINGTON, DC – From exquisite cultural shows to scholarly works, from freedom marches to spectacular soccer games are a few of the programs that will highlight when the Ethiopian Millennium celebration is launched in Washington DC from September 7 to 12, 2007.

This was disclosed by the Committee for the Celebration of the Ethiopian Millennium (CCEM) while addressing an audience at the Unification Church on February 7, 2007.

“The once-in-a-thousand-years event bears an enormous important to Ethiopians,” the self-initiated organizers said, adding “the event has no connection with government-sponsored activities under way in Ethiopia.”

“Since Meskerem 1, 2000 falls on Wednesday September 12, 2007, the four-day event of celebrating the Millennium begins on September 7, 2007,” the organizers said in a statement released to Ethiomedia.

Accordingly, the four-day event consists of a:

1. Symposium: Under the theme of “Reflections on the Millennium and Lights into the Future”, scholars in various fields are invited to partake in assessing our past, present and shed some light what ought to be expected of Ethiopia and Ethiopians in the new millennium;
2. Musical Gala: In what will be one of the most extraordinary coordination and collaboration of many Ethiopian artists, a musical celebration of Ethiopian cultural and modern music and dance will be in display;
3. Football Competition: In cooperation with Ethiopian soccer clubs in North America, a mini-soccer competition is in the making;
4. Prayer Vigil: In collaboration with the many faiths of Ethiopia, this event will mark a program of prayer for Ethiopia and Ethiopians as we embark on a new millennium;
5. Demonstration and Parade: There will be a public parade and demonstration of hope for a “Democratic Millennium in Ethiopia”. Unlike demonstrations against certain events, this parade and gathering will be a coming together of thousands of Ethiopians to show their best wishes to Ethiopia and Ethiopians for democracy, peace, justice, good governance, economic and social elevation in the coming millennium.

CCEM related to the public that although the New Year Celebration is planned in Washington D.C., the committee is comprised of individuals and organizations across the United States. The Committee is also in touch with organizers of similar events in Europe and Australia.

The townhall participants shared their admiration for CCEM and what has been accomplished so far and informed their desire to work with the Committee. Moreover, the participants conveyed to CCEM many concrete ideas and supportive suggestions. The following are some of the major ideas:

• To create a working bylaw and division of responsibility for the remaining months;
• To include additional volunteers in the sub-committees;
• To include an Award program as part of the celebration of this Millennium;
• To intensify the fund-raising effort through the Media and organizations;
• To safe-guard the planning from potential disruptors and duplicated committees not-representatives of the interests of the Diaspora;

The participants of the meeting consisting of representatives of Ethiopian churches, civic organizations, political parties, print, radio and TV, women and youth organizations, musicians association, sports clubs and interested individuals pledged to contribute their share to make the coming New Year the best celebration ever. A follow-up meeting is scheduled for March 13, 2007.

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