Monday, January 26, 2009

Images of Ethiopia in America

Since the start of my adoption journey I have kept a file on positive articles and profiles of successful, prominent, or noted Abesha or Ethio-American people. I have been collecting these stories because I want the kids to see themselves reflected in images and positive stories of people who look like them and have life experiences similar to their own. I did not want the children to have to look to ancient history to find reasons to be proud but to also have contemporary examples of what was happening at the time that they came to this country.

I wanted to share this story with you all about Wayna Wondewossen. Some of you will understanding the significance in the name alone. She is a young Ethiopian born woman that came to the U.S. with her mother at a very young age. [Read her story]

This year she was nominated for a Grammy for her rendition of Minnie Ripperton's Lovin' U. Yes, Minnie Ripperton takes some nerve, I know. Amazing that this year she is not the only Ethiopian born Grammy nominee. Kenna was also nominated in the same Urban Alternative category.

6 comments:

Angela said...

That really rocks! I need to listen to the radio!

hazel said...

What a fantastic interpretation of such a beautiful song.

jodes said...

i think that's wonderful! We haven't officially started our adoption, but already I'm trying to collect articles, papers and whatever i can find to share with my kids some day. Thanks for sharing this!

The Andersons said...

Hi Valerie - I'm a fellow IAN-er. Thank you for this post! I love the idea of collecting and compiling these things. I wondered if you'd be willing to share some of the things you have found, maybe as a document on our IAN group or on your blog?

Thanks - Kerry

Shawn said...

She is awesome! On the style of a Jill Scott/Erika Badu. I have to check out her CD.

Tami said...

Who knew. I really like her. And Kenna? Cool. I'm glad you are my friend so Baby I will have all the cool stuff like this! LOL

Original Court Date: April 18, 2009
Final Court Date: May 18, 2009
[607 total days & 165 days w/IAN]