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Profile of the Ethiopian World Federation, Inc.
THE ETHIOPIAN WORLD FEDERATION, INCORPORATED
Dedicated to the Freedom and Independence of Africa, and the Cause of Right, Justice and Full Opportunity for Black Peoples Everywhere
217 East 70th Street, # 706, New York, New York 10021 Phone 347-897-8211
http://www.ewfheadquarters.org
ewfheadquarters@gmail.com
http://www.facebook.com/ewfheadquarters
AN ORGANIZATION IN SPECIAL CONSULTATIVE RELATIONSHIP WITH THE UNITED NATIONS ECOSOC
The Ethiopian World Federation, Incorporated, (known as the “EWF” or “Federation”) was incorporated August 25, 1937 in the State of New York, and is registered as a 501 (c) 4 civic league, social welfare, tax exempt membership organization. The EWF, Inc. is also registered in Ethiopia and in the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) as a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), and is devoted to uphold global peace and justice and engage in providing charitable services and projects for the upliftment of its members and communities in Africa and in the Diaspora.
HISTORY:
The organization was founded by His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia at the request of leaders of the Harlem community in New York who visited the Emperor who was in exile in Bath, England during the Italian invasion of Ethiopia (1935-1941). They sought an audience with HIM to discuss financial matters. In response the Emperor directed His emissary and personal physician, Dr. Malaku E. Bayen to incorporate the organization with one of its tasks — to streamline fund raising efforts for the war by the sons and daughters of African Slaves in the Diaspora who, despite their limited means, rallied and raised funds to help Ethiopia repel Mussolini’s fascist forces. Outraged by the war, many even travelled to Ethiopia to join the Ethiopian Army. One such American was Colonel John C. Robinson from Chicago who was both an EWF, Inc. member and a member of Marcus Garvey’s United Negro Improvement Association (UNIA). Given the name The “Black Eagle” he was later to become head of the Emperor’s Royal Air Force.
His Imperial Majesty also gave, through The Ethiopian World Federation, Inc., a Constitution and Bylaws for “ALL THE BLACK PEOPLES OF THE WORLD” which provided a guide for self-determination and self-government for the Black family worldwide who were severely oppressed by institutionalized racism. It is still relevant today.
THE SHASHEMENE LAND GRANT, REPATRIATION
In keeping with the trust he had assigned the EWF, Inc. as a protectorate of the Black Peoples of the World, in 1948 the Emperor granted lands in Shashemene, Ethiopia in the name of the Ethiopian World Federation for people of African Heritage in the Diaspora desiring to return to the Motherland, with a promise to provide more lands in the future as needed – thereby creating a perpetual Land Grant. Many attempts had been previously made by the Emperor encouraging Africans in the Diaspora to take up employment opportunities to help in the development of Ethiopia. There weren’t many takers despite tempting benefits like free housing, free cars and paid extended vacations including airfare. In 1970, the Emperor personally appointed Ras Solomon Wolfe, a Director of the EWF, Inc. Local Charter #43 in Jamaica, as Administrator of the Land Grant. Ras Solomon Wolfe, along with Chief Resident Country Representative, B. J. Moody represent the EWF, Inc. head office in Ethiopia on the Land Grant under the oversight of the Executive Council at the Headquarters in New York. In response to a 1961 Back-to-Africa fact-finding mission underwritten by the Government of Jamaica, other African governments also gave lands through the Ethiopian World Federation, Inc. for resettlement of the sons and daughters of African Slaves in the Diaspora.
RASTAFARI
Although meant to be an organization for all Black peoples, over the years the Rastafarian community has embraced the EWF, Inc. and has been identified with the organization because of the organization’s ties to His Imperial Majesty Emperor Haile Selassie I. His Majesty’s name prior to His Coronation was Ras Tafari – the name by which the community and its members are called. The EWF, Inc’s charge of the Land Grant and its Constitutional mandate for African redemption, repatriation and reparations given by His Majesty, also played a big role in causing the Rastafarian community to look to the organization for leadership on the “statical” side. The Back to Africa movement of Marcus Garvey and other Jamaican fighters for Black liberation and separatism was the fuel and forerunner of the Rastafari movement on the island. A little known fact: one of the largest and most well known Rastafari mansions is the Twelve Tribes of Israel was once a Chartered EWF, Inc. Local (Number 15) out of Chicago.
SERVICE AND PROJECTS:
Today the overall focus of the membership is service to humanity in general with a focus on the improvement in the lives of Africans at home and abroad; the development and protection of the African Continent, its people, traditions and culture, and the organized Repatriation to Africa for those in the Diaspora desiring return home.
All members are encouraged to become involved in a revitalized effort by the organization, which includes
- (a) attaining the high aims and objectives of the Constitution;
- (b) an international membership drive
- (c) developing local charitable programs;
- (d) expanding the Rainwater Harvesting Project in Sashemene to other Ethiopian regions and countries in Africa (US$600 provides one concrete tank for a family to provide water for domestic use, gardening etc. during times of drought;
- (e) breaking ground for a Vocational Training Institute (which includes an Orphanage);
- (f) development of a Self-Sustainable African Model City on the Land Grant
- (g) organized Repatriation with adequate Reparations for the Black Family in the Diaspora with involvement of International agencies, world governments and other entities that benefitted from the African holocaust .
- (h) Each member should function as a member of a Local and an International Special Committee
- (i) Achievement of the 2003 Convention Resolutions
LOCAL CHARTERS:
Locals (child organs, branches or charters) of the Federation are located worldwide; the Caribbean, the USA, Europe, Africa and South America. The Constitution has guidelines for the function of Locals and the Executive Council (Headquarters), and provides for Committees and units addressing matters including membership, ways and means (financing), education, information, juvenile and musical units, women’s issues, publicity, health, a Death benefit, etc. Properly registered and Chartered Locals are entitled to participate in annual Conventions/Elections of the Executive Council held July 16 each year. Membership joining fee still remains at US$1.00 and membership dues are only 10c per week – as it was in 1937. Donations are welcome.
LEGAL PROBLEMS
Prospective members and donors are being advised to be careful that they are dealing with the constitutional and legal EWF, Inc. A period of inactivity in the New York Headquarters during the 1970’s – 1980’s resulted in a power struggle for leadership when the Headquarters was revived in the early 90’s. In 2010 the Supreme Court of New York closed the last case denying titles and privilege of leadership to a group that filed to hold Convention in Jamaica, and acceded rights of leadership to the Executive Council headed by Sister Gem Morrison. Those parties ignored the Court’s order and still hold themselves out as the “Executive Council” and not only held that Convention which the Court denied, but held another “Convention” in Jamaica the following year as well, misleading the worldwide membership and creating discord within the organization. Many other individuals continue to misrepresent themselves as the Ethiopian World Federation, Inc., utilizing the Internet to commit a fraud upon the organization.
CONTACT: International President and Agent of Service, G. Eveta Morrison at 347-897-8211 for more information.
COMPLETE THIS CONTACT FORM SO WE CAN KEEP YOU UPDATED
The Traditional Ethiopian Anthem
The Anthem is sung at all Membership Meetings of the Ethiopian World Federation. Where available, or where drummers are able to perform, the Anthem is accompanied by drumming. Sometimes to start the meeting, or to close it, or both. If you are a member of a Local and you do not notice the Anthem being sung, please remind the members as new Locals and members may not be aware of the tradition. It is considered the official anthem of the Ethiopian World Federation, Incorporated.
THE UNIVERSAL ETHIOPIAN ANTHEM
Ethiopia the land of our Fathers,
The Land where our Gods love to be,
As the swift bees to hive sudden gather,
Thy children all gather to thee.
With our Red, Gold and Green floating o’er us,
With our Emperor to shield us from wrong,
With our God and our future before us
We will hail thee with shout and with song.
Chorus:
God Bless our NEGUS, NEGUS I,
And keep Ethiopia free
To Advance / To Advance
With TRUTH and RIGHT / truth and right
To Advance / To Advance
with LOVE and LIGHT/ love and light
With RIGHTEOUSNESS leading
We hail to our God and King
Humanity’s pleading – One God for us all
O Eternal thou God of the ages
Grant unto THY sons that lead
THY wisdom thou hast given through the ages
When Israel was sore in need.
THY voice through the dim past has spoken
ETHIOPIA shall stretch forth HER hand
By THEE shall all barriers be broken
And Zion bless our dear MOTHERLAND
(Chorus)
ETHIOPIA, the tyrants are fallen,
Who smote thee upon thy knees
THY children are heartically calling
From over the distant seas
JEHOVAH THE GREAT ONE has heard us,
HE has noted our sighs and our tears
With the Spirit of LOVE HE has stirred us
To be one all through the trodding years.
(Chorus)
THE EWF, INC HEADQUARTERS 