Ethiopian Embassy Hosts Landmark Black History Month Event Celebrating the 200th Anniversary of the Abyssinian Baptist Church and Ties to the African American Community

Washington, D.C. (February 26, 2008)--In celebration of Black History Month, the Embassy of Ethiopia drew more than 300 guests to an elegant reception and dinner on Feb. 25. The inaugural event recognized the strong relationships between Ethiopia, the United States and the African American community.

The Embassy paid tribute to an institution that best exemplifies this distinctive bond, celebrating the 200th anniversary of the historic Abyssinian Baptist Church and honoring its leader the Rev. Dr. Calvin O. Butts III.

The event signals a major effort to reach out to African Americans.

Senior officials from the Department of Defense and the Department of State--including Assistant Secretary of State Jendayi Frazer--were in attendance, as were the top leaders of national African American organizations.

After being presented with a vibrant mixed-media painting by Ethiopian artist Fasil Dawit, Rev. Butts delivered a powerful statement praising the relationship between his church and Ethiopia and vowing to continue efforts to strengthen ties between the African American community and Ethiopia.

In addition to remarks by Reverend Butts and Ethiopian Ambassador Dr. Samuel Assefa, attendees also heard from a series of respected Ethiopian thinkers: Professors Ephraim Isaac, Abiye Ford and Alem Habtu.

Ms. Sharma Davis of the Abyssinian Church performed two vocal solos accompanied by Mr. Jim Davis. More than 50 other Abyssinian church members took part in the celebration, traveling to Washington by bus from New York for the event.

Following the program, guests mingled in the Embassy’s stunning atrium space while dining on a combination of American and Ethiopian cuisines.

For more information please contact:

Assefa Delil
(202) 274-4551
assefadelil@yahoo.com