Afewerk Tekle to Speak at Stanford

Afewerk Tekle, the internationally renowned Ethiopian artist, will be this year’s speaker at the fourth annual Pioneers Forum organized by the Stanford Ethiopian Student Union. The forum is an annual landmark event for the student organization and it attracts large crowds both from Stanford University and the larger Ethiopian-American community in the Bay Area.

During his visit on March 7th, 2004, the acclaimed artist is expected to discuss contemporary Ethiopian and African art and its role in present day African issues. Maitre de Artiste World Laureate Afewerk Tekle, a native-born Ethiopian, is a recipient of numerous awards, including medals and high decorations from heads of states of many countries. He received his most recent honor four years ago, when he was chosen as World Laureate of the American Biographical Institute at the 27th International Congress Millennium on the Arts and Communication in Washington, D.C.

In addition to his valuable contributions to Ethiopian and African art in general, his early paintings contributed to the ideals of the anti-colonization struggle that engulfed the African continent in the 1950’s and 1960’s. His works such as “Backbones of African Civilization”, “African Movement”, “African Atmosphere”, and “African Unity”, are all testimony to his role in the freedom movement. His internationally famous 150 m2 stainedglass work is located in the entrance to the headquarters of the United Nations in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The work represents in its three panels Africa’s sorrowful past with colonization, its present struggle, and its high aspirations for the future.

“His contributions to the ideals of African liberation and unity make his presence on campus, following the Black Liberation Month, an appropriate one,” says Meklit Workneh, the current President of the Stanford Ethiopian Student Union.

Pioneers Forum has been the landmark event for the student group each year. In the past, the organization has hosted such personalities as Mr. Noah Samara, founder and CEO of World Space Corporation, Ms. Elleni Gebreamlak West, founder and director of African AIDS Initiative International, and Haile Gerima, internationally acclaimed film director and producer of classics such as “Sankofa” and “Adwa”.

“The works of these pioneers have proved to be of great interest to the Stanford community and the greater Ethiopian-American population in the Bay Area,” says Miss Workneh. “We are confident that the great works, talents, and accomplishments of Maitre Afewerk Tekle will also be of interest to both communities.”

For more information on the event, please contact the organizers at: wmeklit@stanford.edu