From: Biniam Tekle (biniamt@dehai.org)
Date: Thu Sep 11 2008 - 12:38:55 EDT
African Diaspora for Obama
*Anna Otieno* , Mshale Special Correspondent Published 09/10/2008 - 3:19
p.m. GMT
*ABOUT THE AUTHOR*
<javascript:MM_openBrWindow('/Monarch/Widgets/ArticleWidgets/GeneralWidgets/AuthorPopupWidget/AuthorPopupWidget.cfm?id=57','authorBio','width=560,height=470');>
*Anna Otieno * *Website:
**http://www.mshale.com * *Email:
**aotieno@mshale.com *
You've heard it before and it will be said again: we are witnessing history
in the making. The 2008 U.S. Presidential Election is right around the
corner and the Democratic Party presidential nominee is an individual who
has instilled hope and optimism in the hearts and minds of all Americans,
including its newest immigrants.
Senator Barack Obama's "Yes We Can" campaign tagline has inspired thousands,
including the African Diaspora – and the Diaspora is speaking back. First,
second and third generation Africans in America are coming together to bring
their community's issues and needs to the political forefront.
So what does this mean for Africans in the United States? For the first
time, thousands of new Americans are participating in the democratic process
and African support for Obama is remarkably high. From Kenya to Kansas,
Cape Town to California, Africans are joining the race to support the
candidate they believe has the vision and insight for a more prosperous and
peaceful world.
With an urgent need for more engagement, several communities have worked to
create grassroots political organizations, such as Ethiopians for Obama,
Eritreans for Obama and the African Immigrant Movement for Obama. These
efforts have pushed to provide voter registration drives, community
briefings and panel discussions, volunteer opportunities, and an overall
surge of political mobilization in African communities.
One particular organization, African Diaspora for Obama, is grabbing African
representatives from across the country and building a powerful constituency
base for this year's elections and beyond.
Founded in Washington, DC by a handful of inspired Africans who were born or
raised in America, African Diaspora for Obama is raising awareness on
Senator Barack Obama's candidacy within the African communities and creating
a coalition among various African groups who represent the common concerns
and needs of the African Diaspora in the United States.
Networking websites such as Facebook and YouTube are loaded with clips from
African groups, as evidenced on African Diaspora for Obama's Facebook page.
So what does this mean for Barack Obama? Well, a lot. Like so many others,
the African Diaspora has placed their faith in a man who is promising change
… for all. It means moving the continent of Africa from the shadows of
political darkness to a light of opportunity. It means indispensable
perspective on diverse African issues. It means appreciating the many
countries of Africa for their international contributions – past, present &
future. It means recognizing the legitimacy of the African constituency in
the United States. It means change. Positive change.
Sure, it's a tall order to fill but it looks like the African Diaspora is
ready to lend a helping hand in the name of change.
*For more information on African Diaspora for Obama, please e-mail Semhar
Araia at info@AfricansforObama2008.com or visit AfricanDiasporaforObama.com*
----[This List to be used for Eritrea Related News Only]----