Ethiopian World Federation, Incorporated

The Ethiopian World Federation, Incorporated (The “EWF” or the “Federation”), 

is a not-for-profit membership organization, incorporated in New York City in 1937, which holds Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations.  It is a tax exempt 501(C)4 Civic League, Social welfare organization having non-profit 501(C)3 status as well. The organizational structure provides for child entities (Locals) functioning to carry out the organization’s Aims and Objects on a grassroots level in their resident domains. The Locals provide the membership base and function through several committees and units each having their own responsibilities – youth, health, education, housing, women’s issues, music, ways and means etc. Any 25 qualifying members can submit a request to form a Local in their community.

§  History

In The Real Facts about Ethiopia, J. A. Rogers, writing of His Imperial Majesty, states: “Lastly, in one of his declarations Haile Selassie announced that he is the head, not only of Ethiopia, but of all people of African descent everywhere.”

During the Italian invasion of Ethiopia (1935-1941) a group of prominent Harlemites who were leaders of United Aid For Africa sought an audience with the Emperor of Ethiopia, His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie I, who was in exile in Bath, England at the time to discuss “financial matters”. In response to their request for His assistance and oversight in providing a coordinated and organized effort to support Ethiopia in her time of need, His Majesty empowered His emissary, cousin and personal physician, Dr. Malaku Emanuel Bayen, to establish the Ethiopian World Federation, Incorporated with a Constitution and Bylaws with a lofty set of aims and objects summarized in this preamble:

“We the Black People of the World, in order to effect Unity, Solidarity, Liberty, Freedom and self-determination, to secure Justice and maintain the Integrity of Ethiopia, which is our divine heritage, do hereby establish and ordain this constitution for The Ethiopian World Federation, Incorporated”.

In 1945 the Emperor granted land in Shashemene, Ethiopia into the care of the EWF, Inc. for sons and daughters of African Slaves in the Diaspora who desired to return to the Motherland – with a promise to provide more land as needed.  He therefore created a Perpetual Land Grant. In 1970, the Emperor personally appointed Ras Marcus Selassie (Solomon Wolfe), then a Director of the EWF, Inc. Charter #43 in Kingston, Jamaica as Administrator of the Land Grant. He still maintains his post, living on the Land Grant, and along with the EWF, Inc. Resident Country Representative, can be reached at: 011-251-4611-03925.

Benefits of Membership

Based on the Constitution and By-laws of our Organization, the following are some of the benefits that The Ethiopian World Federation, Incorporated is expected to provide for its members, and some that it may elect to provide based on its registration, the social and economic issues facing the membership, and the character of the organization.  Locals and Headquarters must work together to attain our aims and objects and provide charitable services “without fee or charge”.  We welcome members and professionals (member or non-member) who can offer services to our members and the communities that we live in – at home and abroad.

§  Sovereignty & Indigenous Rights §  Repatriation & Reparations §  Employment §  All areas and level of Education §  Welfare/Social Services §  Health Services §  Death Benefit

§  Credit Union §  Labor Union §  Housing §  Vocational Training §   Industry, Agriculture, Trade, Cooperatives §  Legal Support §  Prison Services /Ministry

§  Juvenile/Children Services §  Rehabilitation (Drug and Crime) §  Homeless Services §  Music Unit/ Cultural Expression §  Women’s Issues §  Senior Services

The membership of The Ethiopian World Federation, Incorporated is committed to “doing all we can to restore the continent of Ethiopia-Africa to her former state of complete independence and self-reliance thereby effecting a social and economic betterment of the race everywhere and humanity in general.”  All members are encouraged to become involved in a revitalized effort by the organization, which includes:

§  (a) attaining the aims and objects of the Constitution; (

§  b) participating in an international membership drive – each one bring one;

§  (c) developing local charitable programs;

§  (d) participating in at least one Local and one International Committee;

§  (e) helping to raise funds to function the registered projects in Ethiopia,

§  (f) coming together with a united approach for the organized Repatriation with adequate Reparations for the Black Family in the Diaspora with involvement of International agencies, world governments and other entities that benefited from the African holocaust.  Excerpts of the Aims and Objects:

Article I Section 2. The aims and objects of the Ethiopian World Federation, Incorporated, shall be:

§  (a) To promote love and good-will among Ethiopians at home and abroad and thereby to maintain the integrity and sovereignty of Ethiopia, to disseminate the ancient Ethiopian culture among its members, to correct abuses, relieve oppression and carve for ourselves and our posterity, a destiny comparable with our idea of perfect manhood and God’s purpose in creating us; that we may not only save ourselves from annihilation, but carve for ourselves a place in the Sun: in this endeavor, we determine to seek peace and pursue it, for it is the will of God for man.

§  (b) To promote and pursue happiness; for it is the goal of human life and endeavor.

§  (c) To usher in the teaching and practice of the Fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man.

LOCALS

Locals (branches or charters) of the Federation are located worldwide. The Constitution has guidelines for the function of Locals and the Executive Council/Board of Directors/Headquarters, and provides for Committees and units addressing matters including membership, ways and means, education, information, juvenile and musical units, women’s issues, publicity, health, a Death benefit, etc.  Locals must function to benefit their communities by providing charitable services within their domestic domain. Membership joining fee still remains at US$1.00 and membership dues are only 10c per week ($5.20 per year) – as it was in 1937. Donations are also welcome.anthon