Oromo Mega Fest 2008
July 18th – August 3rd 2008
The Oliqaa Foundation is proud to present Oromo Mega Fest 2008. This year's festivities will build upon the success of Oromo Mega Fest 2007, which received a resounding reception as people from across the globe descended upon Minneapolis; for two weeks full of festivities. The 2007 event made such a huge impact on the Minneapolis/ Saint Paul area, the Mayor of the City of Saint Paul issued a proclamation which declared the week of July 22nd - July 29th Oromo Week.
This year, The Oliqaa Foundation is back to present an event that will set a precedent for future events. The festivities which will commence on July 20th will consist of:
The Oromo Sports Federation in North America (OSFNA) in partnership with the Oliqaa Foundation will host the 13th Annual Oromo Soccer championship, in which Madda Walaabuu of Seattle prevailed in 2007. Last year's tournament proved to be a huge success as fans flocked to the stadium to see an organized tournament that exemplified good sportsmanship from those involved. The event was the first time the players were provided with accommodations to rest and prepare for the games; OSFNA was able to implement new policies and procedures which benefited the players, coaches, and fans. The Oliqaa Foundation provided a venue where each team received incentives for participating. The anticipation of this tournament is intense, as the teams look to dethrone Madda Walaabuu; while the fans rock the stadium with their team's chants.
The Oromo American Citizen Council (OACC) will be hosting its 3rd human rights council discussing the serious human rights and political challenges in Ethiopia and surrounding countries in the Horn of Africa. Last year's conference established an open forum for individuals to voice their opinions, as notable government figures and prominent leaders of the community participated. The council was significant with bringing the atrocities, occurring in the area surrounding the horn of Africa, to the world stage; as a well known leader publicly confessed to and renounced the injustices that continue to plague the people of this region of Africa.
The Oromo Studies Association (OSA) which seeks to promote studies relevant to the Oromo people will also be on hand this year. OSA which is a scholarly, multi-disciplinary, nonprofit organization will host their conference on August 2nd and August 3rd. The OSA publishes the Journal of Oromo Studies and their conference will provide a considerable opportunity for those who wish to create self enrichment and learn through research, history and observation more about Oromo's and the region at large.
The International Oromo Youth Association (IOYA) which calls youth to engage in a multifaceted struggle to bring freedom, justice, equality and development to Oromo people; as well as alleviate economic, social, and human deprivations of the Oromo nation will be on hand to host the 3rd Annual Oromo Youth Leadership Conference. Last year's event entitled "Building the 21st Century Oromian Dream" covered topics such as Oromo Youth at Risk, The Role of Oromo Youth in Politics, The Contribution of Oromo Art and Artists in the Rise of Oromo National Consciousness, Economic Empowerment, Regionalism and Religion, and Gender Equality. Notable leaders were invited to present on each of the topics that were discussed and after each presentation the participants were divided into small groups to discuss their own views of the subjects.
Go for Oromo Leadership Development (GOLD) whose vision is to create a culture of excellence among the Oromo Youth that leads to values of philanthropy and helps build strong community relationships, sponsored a summer poster competition last year. Teams of four were created and the participants were given the task of "creating and effective and deliverable medical services to rural Oromia", each team created a poster that combated the problem. The Oliqaa Foundation presented commemorative plaques and monetary prizes to the top three teams.
Miss Oromia USA 2008 which is a pageant open to any single female of Oromo decent between the ages of 17 and 28 who possesses good moral character. The pageant will be judged on Oromo attire, Talent, Evening Wear, and an Interview on Oromo Culture. Miss Oromia USA seeks to demonstrate to young women the importance of leading a well-balanced life.
Oromo Community Organization (OCO) will be hosting a fundraising party on July 30th; all proceeds will benefit the Washington D.C. Oromo Community Center. Opening a community center in the capital of the United States will assist Oromo's in sharing their plight to a world stage as well as provide an outlet where Oromo's can gather. Uniting as one is extremely important to bring awareness to Oromo causes and we need your support on the journey.
The 2nd Annual Run for Oromia will take place on Saturday August 2nd at Lake Nokomis in Minneapolis. Run for Oromia is a 5k and 10k event that assists in promoting Oromo culture. The inaugural race saw runners from all over the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia and Africa embark upon Minneapolis for the event. The "Run for Oromia" was one of the first opportunities for Oromo's to freely associate themselves with their homeland and the emotions that were demonstrated embodied the long struggle Oromo's had suffered through to finally see the day come to fruition. While the initial run was taking place in Minneapolis, a simultaneous independent run for those who could not participate in Minneapolis was held in cities throughout Oromia, as a symbol of unity, without prize money or recognition being handed out.
Some of the best runners in the world including runners from Team USA participated last year. Yimenasha Taye, an Oromian won the 5k race, which proved to be of great significance to her and others involved. This year the race is more convenient to Minneapolis and Saint Paul, and the prize money has been increased. Run for Oromia, is not just about winning, rather it is about being able to say that you ran and stood for something.
Last year's festivities also included concerts by well known artists Qamar Yuusef, Ilfinish, Qannoo, Mukitaar Usmmaaan, Taaddalaa Gammachuu and Kadir. This year's festivities will also include the 2nd Annual Hoops for Oromia basketball tournament, the inaugural Miss Oromia pageant, the 13th Annual United Oromo Evangelical Churches Spiritual Conference, Oromo Jilbo America Tournament, Mecha Tulema Conference, Waaqeffannaa Conference, the 8th Annual Muslim Conference, Oromo Artists Association Awards Night and many other political and social conferences will be held during the Mega Fest.
The Oliqaa Foundation looks to expand on Oromo Mega Fest 2007's success and invites everyone to come out to Minneapolis/Saint Paul, Minnesota for this grand reunion as we seek to nourish relationships of past and forge new beginnings. The event is not only open to Oromo's, but is open to the general public as well as we look to share our history and culture with the rest of the world.
OROMO MEGA FEST 2008 POSTER
RUN FOR OROMIA 2008 POSTER
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Atlanta
Community Center Grand Opening:
Atlanta Community
Center:
The Oliqaa foundation celebrated the
grand opening of the Oromo Community Center in Atlanta
Georgia on December 17th, 2006. The celebration and
outpouring of love was amazing.
The Foundation was ecstatic to be the sponsor of the
first Oromo Community Center in Atlanta . The center
which is located at 4599 Rockbridge Road Stone Mountain
Georgia 30083, is centrally located in an area which
many Oromos currently reside. Among other things the
Community Center offers a computer, wi-fi, kitchen,
an office, meeting room, and a television lounge which
serves as a gathering space for the community to relax
and enjoy themselves.
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