SPRINGFIELD – As the son of an Ethiopian refugee, as the very first Ethiopian-American to take the oath of office to serve in the Illinois Senate, State Senator Mike Simmons proudly rose during session to recognize March 2 as Adwa Day, a national holiday in Ethiopia commemorating the pivotal Battle of Adwa, celebrated by more than 130 million people throughout the Ethiopian Diaspora.
“In Illinois, and indeed in the 7th District, there is a sizable Ethiopian and Eritrean population,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “As the son of an Ethiopian refugee, and as the very first Ethiopian-American to take the oath of office, I am proud to uplift our history and celebrate Adwa Day.”
Adwa Day commemorates the pivotal Battle of Adwa where a militia of more than 100,000 men and women decisively fought off European colonialism on March 2, 1896 in the mountain town of Adwa. Ethiopia holds the place as the only African nation to remain independent and sovereign, never colonized, and officially recognized by global powers throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.
Emperor Menelik II and his wife Empress Taitu successfully united the ethnic provincial groups of Tigray, Gonder, Wello, Oromo, Gojjam, and parts of modern day Eritrea – ethnic groups and provinces spread out more than 1,000 miles – across very high altitudes and rugged terrain during a time of ethnic division.
Menelik miraculously mobilized troops from all over Ethiopia, while Taitu created the blueprint that led to the overwhelming defeat of the army of the Kingdom of Italy which at the time was seeking to establish a colonial empire in East Africa.
“I especially want to commemorate the women involved, as the battle would not have been won if women did not participate in helping defend Ethiopia,” said Simmons. “On behalf of the 7th District, and as a proud Habesha, I’m honored to share this proud heritage and shine a light on and give flowers to the extended Ethiopian community throughout the 7th District and across Illinois.”
Adwa Day is celebrated on March 2 and offers inspiration for the ages not just to those of African descent, but for all freedom-loving people everywhere now and for generations to come.
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