For Immediate Release

From: Shashemene African Diaspora Rastafarian Development Association
Date: April 18, 2012

For Immediate Release

Returning Home, is the title of the upcoming seminar for African Ambassadors and other stakeholders working on the integration of the African Diaspora into Africa. The seminar will be held on Friday April 27th through Sunday April 29th at Lilly of the Valley Hotel and Conference Center in Shashemene and is hosted by the Shashemene African Diaspora Rastafarian Development Association (SADRDA).

The seminar has been encouraged by the local government, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Diaspora Directorate and African Union CIDO office as an important event to share experiences and ideas which can foster stronger relations and cooperation between Africans at home and abroad towards Ethiopia/Africa’s development. Several African Ambassadors from countries such as Ghana and Tanzania have also lauded the efforts of the Rastafarians who are at the helm of the seminar on behalf of the African Diaspora in general. Hon. Priest Paul, President of SADRDA and first Chairman for the Diaspora Ras Tafari Committee within Kebele 010 in Shashemene states, "We the descendants of Africans enslaved during the most heinous crime against humanity known as the Trans Atlantic Slave Trade, have never given up on returning home. We realize not only our divine right to return home but our inherent responsibility to help in the development of Ethiopia/Africa as the slave trade hurt those at home and abroad. We do this for all the Africans of the world."

Returning Home will bring together Pan African academicians, activists, artists, business owners, students and more to discuss some of the challenges and opportunities faced on the Shashemene Land Grant and beyond as Africans from the Diaspora strive to strengthen forces with Ethiopians and Africans in general in realizing our Renaissance. The event will also bring long needed clarity regarding Shashemene which is the first recorded attempt of any African country to welcome home Africans from abroad. The Shashemene land-grant was gifted by Emperor Haile Selassie in the early 1950's to "Black people of the West" as a show of gratitude for the outpouring of support by Africans in the Diaspora who stood with Ethiopia against the fascists Italian invasion in the 1940's. The land-grant, which was to be administered by the Ethiopian World Federation, now has over 250 families and businesses established over the past fifty years and had several civil society organizations who have built schools and agricultural institutions while working closely with local government to enhance security, social, cultural and economic initiatives.

The seminar opens on Friday with registration and various activities. On Saturday Professor Abiye Ford, well known academician and Pan African historian, will moderate the panel discussing legal mechanisms and parliamentary procedures for integration as well as partnerships and networks towards substantive engagement. Several African Ambassadors including Tanzania Ambassador His Excellency Professor Joram M. Biswaro will also give presentations along with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Diaspora Directorate. Ras Kabinda, a well known agriculturist and Pan African activist will make a presentation regarding growth and development, focusing on nation building endeavors. Dr. Desta Meghoo, a recognized, proficient advisor and organizer within the movements, is due to deliver the keynote speech, "The Evolution of Rastafari within the Pan-African Movements". Closing ceremonies are scheduled for Sunday.

The seminar is open to the public but seating is limited. Please contact the organizing committee chairman Ras Tsedai at 251-916821827 or email shashamane123@gmail.com to register for the event. The media is welcome.