GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — "This is the battle that essentially confirmed Ethiopia's 3,000-year-old independence, by defeating a modern army with spears and sticks and swords," said Orion Netsanet, a member of the leadership team for the Ethiopian Community of Michigan.
Netsanet is referring to the Battle of Adwa, a battle that occurred in the northern Ethiopian city of Adwa in March of 1896.
The battle saw Ethiopia successfully defend itself against invasion from the Italian army, resulting in Ethiopia being the sole African nation to have never been colonized by a European country.
At Frontline Community Church in Grand Rapids, members of Michigan's Ethiopian community gathered to commemorate the anniversary.
Throughout Saturday afternoon, community members enjoyed nearly three hours of traditional dancing, poetry, presentations and speeches.
Ethiopian actress Alemtsehaye Wedajo took part in the celebration, performing as Empress Taytu Bitul, who alongside Emperor Menelik II refused to surrender and successfully defended Ethiopia.
Wedajo said it's important to continue celebrating Adwa because it's a victory for all humankind.
"We have to celebrate it, there are still people who doesn't have freedom, who are under invasion of some kind," said Wedajo.
"This is a very important holiday for Ethiopians, but for Africans in general, African Americans, those that may be from the Caribbean as well, this was the beginning of Pan Africanism, so this battle was a global movement that occurred," said Netsanet.
The program encouraged community members to continue demonstrating the values fought for by Ethiopian historical figures in their lives in the U.S.
Congresswoman Hillary Scholten spoke during the ceremony to honor West Michigan's Ethiopian community and delivered a special proclamation recognizing the Ethiopian Community Association of Grand Rapids.
"The diverse membership reflects the rich diversity of Ethiopia and through social, cultural and philanthropic means they educate, empower and advocate for members within its community, while promoting understanding and harmony between and among Ethiopians and members of the wider West Michigan community," said Scholten to the audience.
U.S. Senate Candidate Hill Harper also spoke during the ceremony.
Following the official program, community members gathered to eat traditional food, and observe a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony.
Around 3,000 Ethiopian Americans call Michigan their home, as Netsanet said many Ethiopians came to Michigan in the 1960s and 1970s as students perusing higher education at the University of Michigan and Michigan State. Others also came as refugees during conflict in the 1970s and 1980s.
"Michigan is the home for many Ethiopians, and it continues to be a home. It's a great state," said Netsanet.
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