Ethiopian Americans Council Making a Mark in US Politics

Sep. 28, 2006

Like Asian Americans, Hispanic Americans, and many more before them Ethiopian Americans are testing
the waters of American politics. In several U.S. states, especially larger cities, interest groups that cater to
Ethiopian immigrants’ needs in their new home country, and their deep desire to affect democratic change
in their country of birth are maturing. It is with these themes in mind that one such organization – the
Ethiopian American Council (EAC) is making its presence felt on American political scene.
Ethiopian Americans Voters are increasingly unhappy with the current regime in Ethiopia, and they are
very much aware of the increasing danger their country of origin is facing and are doing their best to avert
this crisis; they need the support of the international community and all peace loving
people to help them in their time of need.

Ethiopian Americans Council (EAC) is actively working in different states to mobilize the eligible
Ethiopian Americans voters to make their presence felt at the polls.

On September 10th 2006, the Ethiopian Americans Council Minnesota Chapter (EAC-MN) held Get Out
the Vote (GOTV) rally during the Ethiopian New Year celebration in Mathew Park in Minneapolis to
inform Ethiopian Americans to vote the primary and the Nov. 7th general elections similar activities took
place in San Jose CA.

The Sep 12th primary elections in Fifth District Ethiopian Americans playeda crucial roll in supporting
Keith Ellison who may become the first Muslim and African American from Minnesota going to the Hill.
At the Capitol Hill, thanks to the tireless efforts of the Honorable Congressman Chris Smith of New Jersey,
Ethiopia Freedom, Democracy, and Human Rights Advancement Act of 2006 (HR5680) has made it to the
full house. There is no doubt that Ethiopian Americans at grassroots level will continue to make
a tremendous pressure on the US law makers to pass the legislation

HR 5680 means so much to many Ethiopians who are languishing under the totalitarian regime. It
reassures millions of Ethiopians that this great nation, the United States of America, stands firmly by the
side of the people who are yearning for peace, democracy, and the rule of law. Ethiopians believe that this
is consistent with the values and principles of the United States.

EAC encourages registered voters to remind themselves that the passage of HR5680 is the most important
agenda for Ethiopian Americans community. States like California, Minnesota, Texas, Washington,
Washington, D.C., Virginia and Maryland where Ethiopian Americans are heavily populated and their
votes are series factor in national election results, the Council remind Ethiopian Americans voters to judge
a candidate based on his/her support to the freedom, human rights and democracy in Ethiopia.

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EAC is a national organization devoted to serving the Ethiopian American community in the United States.
EAC mission is to empower the Ethiopian Americans community through political awareness to encourage
the participation of the Ethiopian Americans in the American political process.