The benefit event was held in September at the Harlem residence of Chef Marcus Samuelsson and his wife model Maya Haile.
Tadias Magazine
Events News
Published: Friday, October 7, 2011
New York (TADIAS) – The following is a video coverage of “Brunch for the Horn of Africa,” the fundraiser for famine relief held last month at Marcus Samuelsson and Maya Haile’s home in Harlem. The sold-out event was attended by a diverse crowd from New York and nearby states.
“The big part of this event is to inspire people to do it in their homes” said Marcus. “A brunch like this can raise awareness about a part of the world that is very troubled right now.” He adds: “This is something that as Ethiopians we can’t avoid…12 million people whether it’s on the Somali side or Ethiopian side it doesn’t matter.”
“It sends a signal that it’s very possible for all of us to do something to organize small groups to work within our mahber, book clubs, schools and organizations and set something up to help those who are in our home and our country,” said the author Maaza Mengiste, who attended the event. “I am very proud that as Abehsa we are helping each other, whether we live in Ethiopia or we are in the Diaspora, we can still reach out to those in need.”
“Famine is terrible because it’s something that is preventable,” said Robert Kayinamura, a Harlem resident who also attened the brunch. “I think it’s important not only to create awareness about this event but to continue to be aware of things in Africa.”
Watch: Harlem to Horn: Fundraiser for Famine Relief (Taped on 9/18/2011)
cool music! like the DJ!
Thank you to Marcus and Maya for hosting this event. It’s timely and its necessary. We can not be waiting for others to organize “we are the world” concert for us. Thank you for showing leadership.
Why is she eating while he is talking to camera?
Harlem loves Marcus & Maya…and the little Ethiopian girl in this video is absolutly adorable.
In 1973 failure to adequately handle the famine crisis contributed to the fall of the Imperial government and led to Derg rule. In 1984 a widespread famine devastated Eritrea and Ethiopia from 1984 to 1985. A large number of Ethiopians died in five provinces—Gojjam, Eritrea, Hararghe, Tigray, and Wollo. Mengistu Haile Mariam announced that 46% of the Ethiopian Gross National Product would be allocated to military spending, creating the largest standing army in sub-Saharan Africa; meanwhile, almost one million people perished. The repeated famines that struck Ethiopia are in large part created by government policies. It’s a shame the cycle has repeated itself.
JOJO: Because the food is delicious!
cycle of dependency on foreign aid rather than helping to create real local stability through agricultural abundance is the problem.
Wall street is to blame for the spiraling cost of food. In fact Goldman Sachs created the Food Crisis. Have you heard of the Goldman Sachs Commodity Index (GSCI)?
Hello beautiful people. Thank you a million!! simple, relaxed, homely, fun, abesha food, abesha style, abesha muziqa, global people, celebratory, good cause, good food! jammin DJ, lovely. home run!!
I intend to follow you when I host 15 of my classmates in my dorm this weekend for some abesha feast. For $25 a plate they will enjoy the best Ethiopian food they have ever tested in their life prepared by yours truly! And for $5 a piece, they will get special “gursha” from moi!
My only outstanding issue so far is where to send the money? As Marcus said, it is a big chain and if it does not reach the people, then it does not matter. Any help on that front, would be much appreciated!
Peace and prosperity to all people!
Seble
Harlem is always the first to come to the defense of Ethiopia during the people’s time of struggle. Today is no different. During world war II, one of the most important organizations in Harlem mobilization was the Provisional Committee for the Defense of Ethiopia – PCDE. Kudos to Ato Marcus Samuelsson and his elegant wife Wizero Maya Haile for continuing the tradition. Thank you for your initiative.
I want to congratulate everybody for taking the time to lend a hand. My concern is that talking about famine while feasting gives bad optics, devalue the message.
Cheers!
I am very greatful for Marcus and Maya for opening their house, serve a delicious food and raise money for Hunger. We Ethiopians are kind people but our sense of fundraising is different than that of western culture. Our fundraising comes in a way of helping one another at the time of death, sickness or lending a hand at the time of joy too. I am proud of all of the above but i see how important it is to have famous people or accomplished people to participate in causes like this. besides raising important funds, they tend to highlight what is needed. Hope more of our celebrities take on the flame that is lighted in the living room of Marcus and Maya.
God Bless!
The world produces more food than ever before, yet people still starving!! why?
LA: Don’t forget it’s a brunch. Food is part of it. What’s the point of a brunch if they are not eating?
Los Aangeles,
It’s no big deal. I talk about famine all the time while I am eating . And I have not turned into a pumpkin yet.
Ras