On December 8, 2007, there was a successful public meeting organized by Eritrean-Americans in Indianapolis, Indiana. The meeting took place at The Wingate Inn in the southwestern part of the city.  The conference room was full to capacity. The logistics of securing a place and safety was provided by the local residents.

The quest speaker of the meeting was Tekeste Alem of Cincinnati, Ohio. His topic was Firmly Standing Against Enemies. Tekeste has the experience and knowledge to explain the nature of Eritrean struggle for independence and the meaning of being free, because he was one of those dedicated Eritreans who spent several years in the national movement to make Eritrea free and independent. Tekeste told his audience that national interest must come first and there must be dedication to safeguard what has been achieved. He reiterated that the Eritreans did not fight in vain for 30 years to see Eritrea become an appendage of foreign forces, and to be subservient to the needs of other nations. 

 

At the end of the meeting, the participants had a chance to ask several question. Tekeste answered all of them with facts, tact, diplomacy, and great patience. When some of the participants were asked to express their reactions, they stated," The meeting was fantastic, useful, and very motivating".

 

As an expression of their commitment to challenge any false accusations against Eritrea, and Eritrean- Americans who live in the Hoosier State, the participants elected a seven-member committee that would continue with the task of communicating positive images and historical facts to elected government officials of the state and to local residents.

 

Petitions were signed appealing to Senators, Evan Bayh, Richard Lugar; and Congressman, Dan Burton, to condemn the false accusations labeled against Eritrea and for considering Eritrean-Americans as second-class citizens by the US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Dr. Jandayi Frazer.                   
 
The writer of the story believes this was the first successful public meeting he witnessed in several years in Indianapolis. The participants came with zeal and determination to be ambassadors for their community and place of origin, Eritrea. They showed a sense of purpose, unity, and commitment to do whatever was requested by the government of Eritrea in Asmara and the authorities in the Diaspora.
 
Tekeste concluded his remarks by saying: "Do not blindfold your eyes when your country is being invaded, Glory to our Martyrs, and Victory to the masses".

 

Comments

Add New Search RSS