Bred in Ethiopia, Raised in America

Tezeta Girma, TsehaiNY.com
Published May 29, 2009

The Ethiopian Diaspora falls under two categories: either the current generation has migrated from their home country or is born abroad.  In either case, they are Ethiopians who now live in a country that is foreign to them.

As an immigrant myself, I fall in the first category.  I decided to write this article because I realize that almost on a daily basis something reminds me that I come from another country.  It could be someone asking me what my name means, carrying a conversation in Amharic with a friend, or someone bluntly asking me what my nationality is.  This daily “reminder” made me think some more.

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Two Decades Later…The Long-Awaited Journey Back to Ethiopia (Part 1)

Tiberah Tsehai, TsehaiNY.com
Published May 6, 2009

In search of a better life, my family and I left Ethiopia when I was just 6-years-old.  It has been 20 years since that dreaded departure and in less than a month I will return to Ethiopia.  Though I will only be there for 3 weeks, I will savor my trip until the last minute.  It feels kind of surreal that after being away for so long to finally be in Ethiopia. To be one in the crowd walking Addis Ababa’s busy paths, to be surrounded by those who resemble me, to smell the air and no longer have to imagine what it feels like, to walk amongst the churches, to see where my parents got married, and where I spent the earliest years of my life.  My origin has been unknown to me and this trip, I believe, will unlock answers to some of my questions about my identity.

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Tiberah Tsehai, TsehaiNY.com Staff
Published February 14, 2009

‘There wasn’t any opportunity I missed because my mother always had my back.’

Each year on Valentine’s Day my mother and I exchange small gifts.  It is a tradition that we have grown accustomed to and it is a sweet way for us to tell each other how much we love one another.  This year though, each time I think about what to get her, no gift ideas come to mind.

My mother is a person full of love.  Whether it is taking added care of her patients or staying up late to make sure I got home safe from class, she always goes that extra mile. She is the strongest person that I know and has taught me the most important lessons in life.  To be true to oneself, perseverance and respect.  She is a great inspiration and has done a fine job with raising me and my two brothers.    

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The Real Wedding Happens In…

Tezeta Girma, Tsehainy.com
Published December, 16thth 2008


...Ethiopia! So I will be departing for Ethi in roughly two weeks for my friend’s wedding. I am ironically caught between running out of time before I am set for the trip and the time not going fast enough until I reach Addis. There is a huge group of people making this trip to be present for this special day-or should I say days! Yep-our traditional wedding ceremony starts weeks before the actual reception and lasts far beyond the actual day.

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By: Selam Retta, Tsehainy.com
Published October 21, 2008

Free Market? The only time that ever came close to existence is probably during the early stage of this nation’s founder’s time. I mean, the whole basis for revolution was that, taxation without representation to the King, Monarch, Big-Bank, Big-Government, and Big-Corporation who wish to control their lives. They armed themselves to reserve their right to revolt again, if they have to. The citizens then were a lot more informed and aware of things than those of us today. Do we have true free market today? … absolutely not. The term is just passed around to conceal the fact that some are privileged with more access to wealth, influence and power than others. You can call them the “invisible government”.

Op-Ed: Obama…He’s Not Only One of Us

Mimi, TsehaiNY.com
Published September 22, 2008

So much emphasis has been put on Barack Obama this presidential election, that if elected, he would be the first black president in the history of the good old United States of America.  Everywhere in churches, bars and bus stops, black people are already celebrating.  What the?!

Let us not overlook the big picture here, people: Obama is half black and white.  Let me repeat it again: Obama is half black and white. 

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Berhan Tsehai
Tsehainy.com
Published June 14th 2008

Yesterday, while at work I heard the disturbing news about Tim Russert. The host of 'Meet The Press' had suddenly died of a heart attack at the age of 58. Like most Americans I was shocked. I understand that death is inevitable, and our entire life is essentially leading up to it, yet the news was shocking because Tim Russert seemed to still have been in the prime of his career. The senior vice president of NBC News was arguably the best in the business. His weekly show on Sunday mornings is one I hardley ever miss.

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To Have or Not to Have Them Early?

As with anything, the issue of having children early has both pros and cons.  It can be claimed that having children early is a plus since the parents are young and will have the much-needed energy to play with and raise their children.  In addition, when the children grow up, there is usually a friendship type of relationship between parents and themselves.  

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Tezeta Girma, Tsehainy.com
Published, March 16th 2008

Ok, so I was moving.  Not a very fun thing to do but regardless one that had to be done. Let’s just say not every step of the process was smooth.  Because of the frustration and not so helpful individuals I had to deal with, I did not expect anyone to be sympathetic to me and I was not going to show sympathy towards anyone.  However, my assumption was reversed once I went to pick up the moving truck.

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Note from the Editor:
Below is a creative peice written by Albert (Bekele) Carrasco about the battle of Adwa.

Hoping when this letter reaches you, that you are in the best of health, and that you are enjoying your independence just as much as I certainly am.  I had much time on my hands, and I was sort of feeling melancholy, and I sort of remembered with much glee and appreciation that by the time you have read this letter, that it will be March 1, 2008. Read More

Tezeta Girma, Tsehainy.com Staff
Published January 29th, 2008

When a bride says "I Do" to her groom, she is not only accepting him but everything he comes with-his family!  So it got me thinking, how do we Habeshas feel about interracial or intercultural union between a man and a woman?  This question brings up another can of worms in its own such as "Are Ethiopians racist?", "Do we consider ourselves black or African American?"

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