Summary Report
Los Angeles Oromo Conference and Martyrs Memorial Event.
April 26, 2003The much-anticipated Oromo Martyrs Day memorial and conference of Oromo Communities of North America celebrated with all the fanfares, whereas Oromumma impassioned in the heart of the beautiful down town Los Angeles on April 26, 2003. It is fair to say that everything about the event the conference, the theme, the staging, the words, (the Spoken words) and the music - touched the fervent nationalist and other ordinary participants equally. The attendance was great and one of the highlights of the event when Oromos descend to Los Angeles from all part of California and beyond.
The Conference started at 10 AM and concluded at 7 PM. The cultural show started at 8:00 PM with the legendry singer Nuhoo M. Gobana, and lasted until 2 AM. At the beginning of the show, in the foreground all Oromos held their hands together high into the sky while the Oromo national anthem was sung as well as other national songs like “Alaba Oromiyaa” (flag of Oromia), Tokumma ya ilmaan Oromoo Tokumma” (children of Oromia unite) while oversized flag of Oromia was shining on the background.
Oromumma was also manifested in the preparation of the Oromo diet (food) and it was plentiful for all to enjoy. Both men and women participated in the preparation and serving. Those from Orange County prepared breakfast, Riverside County prepared lunch, and Los Angeles County provided Dinner. The atmosphere was representative of Oromo “Daabo” (Daago) tradition. The spirit of Oromumma filled the air (Oromo tradition of mutual love and affection towards nation) and led to the very successful conference, memorial day and cultural show.
Among the honored guests were African Americans, although, most of the presentation was in Afaan Oromo, an effort was made to have them understand in summary what was said. They were exposed to the rich Oromo traditions and cultures such as the Gada way of life and immensely enjoyed the events. Some quipped even surprised by the richness of the Oromo tradition, and thoughtfulness. Many Oromos and friends of Oromos have commented that the event was goal oriented, productive, and they recommend such event be repeated to enrich Oromo culture and advance the cause.
While the adults conducted the conference, the Oromo children enjoyed socializing amongst their peers. The children made up games for each other reminiscent of small villages throughout Oromia. As minor an event it may seem, to the children (to our future) the time they spent together was also very memorable and educational. The majority Oromo parents made exceptional effort to bring their Children to spend time with their fellow Oromos to instill in them a sense of pride in ones tradition and culture. Manifestly, our youngsters participated in our cultural show with enthusiasm and confidence.
The page that follows will give you brief synopsis from the conference.
Present:
Minneapolis Oromo Community, Washington DC Metropolitan Area Oromo Community, San Diego Oromo Community, Northern California (San Jose, San Francisco, Oakland, Stockton, Fresno, Sacramento) Oromo Community, members of Portland Oromo Community, Las Vegas Oromo Community, members of Utah Oromo Community, Union of Oromo Communities in the USA, OLF representative, Oromiyaa Liberation Council President, the distinguished professor Hamdasa Tuso. Representatives from Seattle Oromo Community had to cancel their flights due to some unforeseen circumstances, and yet, sent a message of encouragement
The theme of the day was,
“Uplifting the Spirit of Oromumma”, Oromummaf Sabbonumma Jabbesu”
Strengthening Oromo mass movement via community associationsHighlights from Oromo Community Representatives
The conference commenced with brief introduction by Dr. Gudeta the president of the hosting Oromo community of Los Angeles. A moment of silence was observed in recognition of the many thousands of Oromo Martyrs who fell as they struggled to restore the last dignity of the Oromo people and freedom. Dr. Namara, and Obbo Gemechu member of executive committee of Los Angeles Oromo Community presented a chorological overview of the invasion, colonization of Oromia and its consequences including that of other Nations and nationalities. The audiences were invited to travel back in time with their imaginations and re-visit, feel, the cruelty of the invaders epitomized by the mutilation and massacre of Oromos at Annolle and Calaanqo in 1886 and 1887 respectively.
The OLF representative, Jalle Lencho Bati, assessed the current situation of the Oromo people languishing under the repressive TPLF government. He called on all oppressed people of the Ethiopian Empire abroad and back home to strengthen their effort to dismantle century old repressive system, ingrained by Abyssinians backward, intolerant values. To this end, it should be exposed and revealed to the international communities, governments and all peace loving people of the world. Therefore, we are all are ambassadors to this endeavor on the road to freedom. Furthermore, the problem of the East African region recurrent civil war and famine directly or indirectly connected for the lack of equity and greater participation particularly by the Oromos since the Oromos represent the majority of the people.
Obbo Sisai Ibsa, president of Oromiyaa Liberation Council explored the rise of the Oromo Nationalism at home and abroad. In particular, he mentioned about Oromo student movement in Europe and North America during 1980s and the roll they played as the surrogate of Oromo liberation movements. He also reminded all the major players and concerned party who would like to sea the east African region achieves lasting peace and prosperity, it is imperative to support the Oromo people to restore their basic right. Nothing tangible can be achieved while the minority government of Ethiopia using sheer violence to stay in power.
Both Ibsa and Bati concluded their emotional speech by appealing to the International communities, human right organizations, and governments to monitor very closely the massive human right abuse and as thousand languish in prisons throughout Ethiopian Empire for their political believes or merely as suspect. Helping and saving the Oromo people from untold misery never recorded in human history is not only the right things to do, or a good policy and good will. All the same, it is a common sense, “If you must save your children, you must save ours”.
The keynote speaker distinguished professor Dr. Hamdessa Tuso, the father of Oromo Communities in North America, discussed the retrospective and prospective views of Oromo communities. The importance of Oromo grasses root movement and involvement of Oromo families to continue a generational link as essential ingredient of Oromo struggle.
The Oromo Community representative from different areas presented their perspective on the foundation, growth, and difficulties they encountered.
Obbo Mohamed Oromo President and Dr Asfaw Beyene, member of San Diego Oromo Community proposed ideas to form a network among Oromo communities aimed at holding workshops and sharing information on fund raising efforts and writing project proposals that advances financial self-sufficiency.
Obbo Bula Atomsa, President of Minneapolis Oromo Community, accompanied by Obbo Marcos and Judge Nuro, elaborated on the achievements of Oromos in his State, which included informing the local population, government agencies, and many others about the plight of the Oromo people. In addition, this effort is highlighted by the recognition and allocation of Oromo Day by the city of Minneapolis. The community has been the forerunner in advocating youth activities like Soccer teams, fashion and cultural shows. Despite the staggering number of Oromos and many successes, he added, there is much remained to be done. Building a bigger Oromo center is one of the projects to be completed in the near the future.
Obbo Kamal and Jarso of Las Vegas presented their messages in focusing on tolerance among each other and strengthening the sprit Oromumma and Tokumma.
Northern California Oromo Community President Obbo Nigussie Hayie went through the rich experience of Bay Area Oromos and appealed to the participant to be truthful and trust worthy of each other. Many other members of his community ably participated in various lively discussions and came to a consensus of strengthening the grass root of Oromo mass movement in North America.
Obbo Jalata a member of Portland Oromo Community expressed his opportune presence in the conference and pleaded with the audience to commit ourselves and rally behind the Oromo cause. He also shared the achievement and difficulties facing his Organization.
Rundassa Eshete, Utah Oromo community member presented the weakest links that hinders or enhances the Oromo Communities. These barriers includes, religion, region, cultural assimilation that resulted from century old colonization of Oromia. He argued to uplift the sprit of Oromumma beyond such barriers, be guided, and adopt the basic principles of the Gada system as a common denominator.
Mesfin Abdi, representative of Washington DC metropolitan Area Oromo Community Organization and current president of the Oromo communities in North America gave the synopsis of his community activities and the recent launching of Afaan Oromo radio station to inform Oromos and have a medium to express views and participate in rebuilding the Oromo culture. Then he presented the efforts made by various Community Organization aimed at the establishment and incorporation of an Umbrella Organization, which shall bring all Oromo communities In North America efforts to build a viable organization which can be a force to reckon with. Intense arguments were exchanged and the participating communities reached a common understanding. He called on all Oromos to join their local community and advance Oromumma.
We the participants of Los Angeles Conference of Oromo Communities in the USA, in pursuant to the power vested upon us by our respective Oromo Community Organizations, have utterly discussed and voted to pass the following resolution. Here after to be referred to as the Los Angeles Oromo Community Conference agreement.
Resolutions:
(1) Establish and strengthen local Oromo Communities
(2) Encourage each Oromo community to join the Federation of the Oromo
communities of Northern America and effectively network the Oromo mass
movement
(3) Establish Worldwide Federations of the Oromo Communities
(4) Work towards enriching Oromo Unity
(5) Adopt Oromumma and the Gada System as an ideology.
(6) Remember and recognize Oromo Martyrs and the sacrifices of many selfless
Oromo nationalists and Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) who are engaged
with the invading forces in the struggle to reclaim the rights and freedom of
our people.
(7) Recommit individually our dedication to the Oromo cause
(8) Protest the subjugation of our people and the embezzlement of our resources
by various forces
(9) Work on improving the involvement of Oromo women and children in various
activities and establish youth club to enhance their Orommuma
10) Setup networks to share the skills to enhance Oromo self-sufficiency among
individuals groups, and communities
11) Institute to enable Oromo professionals to participate in their prospective
communities to share their expertise.
12) Initiate workshops where communities share experiencesWe the Oromo community of Los Angeles appreciates your participation. We are in turn committed more than ever to uplift Oromumma to the higher level based on the principle of the Gada system. In respect of the agreement we entered to, we here by declare that we shall do our part and we hope all others will value and strive to fulfill the commitment as to the above the resolutions. Towards that end we promise and keep you finger crossed there is more to come. This is just the beginning. We say this because we are committed to thrive and prosper based on the following ideals we adapted.
Coming together is a
‘Beginning’
Keeping together is
‘Progress’
Working together is
‘Success’
Liberation together is
‘The ultimate’We shall over come!
Victory to the Oromo people!Oromo community of Los Angeles and Area
The resolution committee Los Angeles Oromo Conference
