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Key Note Speaker, Guest Speakers and
Solidarity Statements:
The
stage was then set for the representatives of various organizations to
deliver messages of solidarity and statements of support. It was an
impressive group in the offices they represent and the eloquence and
clarity with which they deliver the messages, statements, and
declarations. The following were among them:
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City of Chicago
Mayor’s Office : Mr. Arnold Romeo, Director, City of Chicago
Commission of Human Relations – Advisory Council of African Affairs
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Representative from
the office of Alderman 46th Ward
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Representative from
Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky
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Mr. Kaleab
Kiflegiorgis, American Forum for Democracy in Eritrea
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Ms. Dee Merriman,
United Nations Association , Chairperson Education Committee, Sate
of Illinois Division
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Ali Kabba, President,
United African Organization
This
group gave the festival an image of diversity expressed by the different
opinions, statements, and declarations. It showed the involvement of
the Chicago Branch members in different activities and forge
relationship with different organizations. The clarity with which the
representatives delivered their messages was encouraging. The audience
could not help it but stand on its feet and applaud them.
The
first guest speaker was the distinguished Tricia (AKA Tirhas) Redeker
Hepner. She received a deserving a big welcome reception when she
introduce her self in Tigrinia. She is intimately familiar with the
political situation in Eritrea. From her speech, the audience came to
understand that she has been the victim of name calling and “what do you
know about Eritrea?’ and other tactics of intimidation of keeping her
quiet. She is not a woman to keep silent when the people she was hoping
a lot for are under oppression. She drove all the way from Tennessee
and that tells the kind of care and concern she has for the Eritrean
people. She spoke in Tigrinia when interacting with Tigrinia speakers
when ever she could. Her husband was in attendance, and stood to
applaud her with every one else after she finished her speech and that
shows that is a household conviction.
The
second guest speaker, professor Prexy Nesbitt, is a natural mobilizer
and activist who cares a great deal about the African nations not only
from afar but by getting involved in many practical ways. He eloquently
described the Isayas regime clearly and defined its characteristics as
any good Eritrean speaker or better. He elaborated other similar
dictatorship problems facing by other African nations. His demeanor and
style showed his experience of delivery as an activist and educator.
These
two educators, activists, and dedicated humanitarian right advocators
gave the audience fresh outlook and it gave a clear picture that the
dictatorial Isayas regime has been exposed to its naked bones and the
world has come to know it for what it is.
Now, it is up to the Eritrean people in the
Diaspora and the educated to follow the lead instead of being at the
fore front in their own people’s affair. It is truly a historical
blunder for foreigners to teach you the sufferings of your own country
men and women.
It was
then time for a standing ovation for the devoted democratic fighter key
note speaker, Mengisteab Asmerom, Head of News and Cultural Office of
the Executive Committee of ELF-RC. For the sake of saving time, his
speech in English was distributed to the non-Tigrinia speakers. He
touched many important subject matters of grave concern about the state
of our nation and the state of the opposition. He outlined the vision
of ELF-RC for the future and its decision to dissolve itself and form a
forward looking party which includes all willing with the same program
and individuals.
It was
a representative of Eritrean National Salvation, Asghedom Hagos,
delivered a statement of solidarity and good wish from his
organization. He then used the opportunity to deliver a moving and
eloquent speech. His traditional style and to the point blunt comments
was both effective and entertaining. He called on the leaders of
organizations to videotape the meetings they hold with among
organizations so that their members can verify who is not working for a
united work. His message was well received.
Please
join us on the next reportage
Nharnet
Rep from the windy city
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