Reaching out to help bridge cultural gaps

On Saturday, November 19, 2005, one event brought many communities of different cultures into the “Circle of Unity Dance”. The 3^rd annual Eritrean cultural show and exhibit was sponsored by the National Union of Eritrean Women (NUEW) and the Eritrean Cultural Action Committee (ECAC) in Seattle.

The main purpose of this joint effort was to share the Eritrean culture with other communities in the area, and help bridge the gap that keeps us apart.

For the first time, 30 local Eritrean business owners expressed their support for the cause by donating cash and/or in-kind to help make the evening a success.

The evening started at 5pm with a coffee ceremony. Guests were welcomed by young Eritrean ushers (greeters) and the aroma of freshly roasted coffee. Mothers and sisters of the organizing committee offered their coffee in a finjal (small Eritrean coffee cup) proudly and with smiling faces. This coffee ceremony continued until it was time to serve dinner.

Guests, while enjoying the coffee, were guided to take a look at the silent auction tables that were beautifully decorated and carefully displayed around the hall. Members of the NUEW and the Eritrean Cultural Action Committee donated these auction items. Some were donated by local businesses. All seventy baskets were sold out before the closing of the program.

Meheret Mehanzel, a young member of the NUEW and the Eritrean Cultural Action Committee, introduced the evening’s program. Following introduction, a delicious dinner along with suwa, meiss (homemade light alcohol), and wine was served. These dishes and drinks were prepared by the chefs (Wahalalu) of the NUEW Seattle branch.

After settling down for a meal, a short explanation about the Eritrean Cultural Evening, a historical background of the NUEW and the struggles of Eritrean women in general were presented in a video clip narrated by the former chair of the NUEW in Seattle.

The clip was followed by Keynote Speaker, Dr. Debra Sullivan, president and founder of the Praxis Early Childhood Education Institute. She is also an active member of the African American Community in Seattle. The focus of her speech was the importance of all communities reaching out to one another, and working together for the good of all concerned parties. She emphasized that since our communities are now more diverse culturally than ever before, it is important that we Americans not only teach and expect our new immigrants to assimilate to our culture, but we also try to learn from them. She encouraged the creation of an environment where all new immigrants can live comfortably and be proud of who they are so they can fully realize their potential.

Dr. Sullivan also acknowledged the evening's events as an example of what we all should be doing, and she commended the organizing committee for taking the initiative to reach out to other communities. In her last comments, Dr. Sullivan urged each adult in the audience to take the initiative to become positive role models to their children, and leave them with a legacy of love and respect.

Another highlight of the evening was the cultural performance by Eritrean-American children from the Eritrean Youth Dance Group of Seattle. Senait Ogbe Habte, the Seattle Youth Dance Group Director and Choreographer, introduced performers inspired by Harendua and Kunama, two of the 9 tribes in Eritrea. Mothers and sisters from the NUEW also showed off the delicate, artful and graceful movements of Kuda and Shelil. Both young and adult performers presented their cultural heritage with pride, joy and confidence.

The National Union of Eritrean Women in Seattle also recognized Yegizaw Michael, a renowned Eritrean artist, with an “Appreciation Award” for his continued support of the NUEW organization, and his many efforts in building communities. The idea of forming an Eritrean Cultural Action Committee to introduce the Eritrean culture to other communities was also the brainchild of Yegizaw Michael.

As usual, celebration continued with Eritrean music and dance. Everyone was invited to join in the unity dance circle. The dance floor portrayed a mosaic of cultures dancing to the tune of their individual feelings. The atmosphere was harmonious, as hoped by organizers; people enjoying each other's company and had a lot of fun. Sharing, celebrating, and appreciating continued until closing time.

The Eritrean Cultural Evening will continue to be celebrated annually. The hope is to make it bigger and better by encouraging more Eritreans, especially the youth, to take a lead in introducing their culture to the Seattle community. There is also the desire to help create a situation where the Eritrean community is more active in decisions that impact the new immigrant families, and the community at large. As part of the community, it is vital to understand our rights, responsibilities and obligations, so we have a significant role in the shaping of our present and our future.

The first year’s event was dedicated to the Northwest AIDS Foundation and was a joint sponsorship with the Seattle Art Museum. Proceeds from the second and this year benefit the activities and projects of the National Union of Eritrean Women.

Lette Hadgu