Ethiopian Yellow Pages 14th Year Anniversary News | Ethiopian Yellow Pages Directory

The celebration started at 5pm with Hallway art exhibition and business vendors’ display. At 7pm, a brief official welcoming speech made by the president of the Ethiopian Yellow Pages Mrs.Yeshimebet T Belay was followed by a splendid Gala dinner. After dinner, a special New Year welcoming musical performance by the traditional music band ignited the night with spectacular scenery by Artist Yehunie Belay who came out singing from the backstage escorted by children who then threw flowers to guests as a gesture of welcoming the Ethiopian New Year. The whole audience responded with great applause.

Then, The Ethiopian Yellow Pages awarded certificate of Appreciation to its twelve long-standing customers who have been pioneers in advertising with the Ethiopian yellow Pages starting 14 years ago, since its inception with the first publication. In the following event, Artist of the Millennium award that honors individuals with significant contribution to musical art profession and musical growth in Ethiopia was awarded, By Artist Yehunie Belay who is also the Vice president of the Ethiopian Yellow pages, to Artist Tilahun Gessese, Artist Mahmoud Ahmed, and Artist Tesfaye Lemma.

Artist Tilahun Gessese’s telephone conversation from Addis Ababa , Ethiopia, with Artist Yehunie Belay was delivered. On the tape recorded that was broadcasted on stage, Artist Tilahun congratulated the Ethiopian Yellow Pages on its 14^th Year anniversary and wished a happy prosperous new Millennium to all Ethiopians.

Artist Yehunie Belay accepting award on behalf of Artist Tilahun Gessese

Artist Mahmoud Ahmed, who was present on the event, humbly accepted his award. Deeply touched after listening Artist Tilahun’s voice, he started crying out of love and respect. In his speech, he expressed how happy he is to be selected by the Ethiopian Yellow Pages as Artist of the Millennium. That moment was a big lesson to witness how these artists respect each other.

Artist Mahmoud Ahmed making speech after accepting award

The third person who got the Millennium Award was Artist Tesfaye Lemma. Introduction about Artist Tesfaye Lemma who is now in his old ages was made on the stage by his long time friend Ledena Schnapper mostly known by Ethiopians as Serkalem.

Artist Tesfaye Lemma was not only the founding member of Orchestra Ethiopia, a performing group formed in 1963 European calendar but also its second director (1966-1975), after the first director El-Dabh left the group. On later years,he was the artistic director of People-to-peoplemusic ensemble when the troupe was on around the world tour.

Artist Tesfaye Lemma accepting award from Mr.Belay and Mrs. Belay

The outstanding achievement and community services award was given to the Late Yohannes Haileyesus who served at the voice of America, Amharic service. It was a sad moment filled with emotions to see his wife accept the Award.

Wife of the late Yohannes Haileyesus receiving award from VOA representative Ato Negussie

The certificate of Excellence award which was anticipated through out the night was given to a life time friend of the Ethiopian community, Honorable Councilmember Jim Graham. During this time, a tip of the ice information about Jim Graham’s contribution to the Ethiopian Community and his success to that effect was read. Upon receiving the award, Honorable Councilmember Jim Graham thanked the Ethiopian Yellow Pages and Ethiopians in General for the award, and for their daily effort to make a difference in the District of Columbia.

Honorable Councilmember Jim Graham showing award

The Ethiopian hospitality kept on to be witnessed throughout the night with more cultural and traditional performances representing different regions of the country being displayed till 1:30 am in the morning. It was a moment that once again proved we have to be proud of our diversified and colorful cultural heritage.

EYP’S RECOGNITION BY DC COUNCIL

Good News! We are pleased and honored as we get recognized by the DC council’s resolution declaring September 15, 2007 to be the “Ethiopian Yellow Pages Recognition Day” in the District of Columbia. This recognition was officially awarded to the president of the Ethiopian Yellow Pages Mrs. Yeshimebet T Belay by Honorable Councilmember Jim Graham. In his address, the Councilmember congratulated the Ethiopian Yellow Pages on its 14^th anniversary and admired the founder personally for her dedication and hard work in changing this one time simple 80 pages directory to its present 1000 pages book not to mention its online website.

This Ethiopian Yellow Pages recognition day resolution by the DC council is a victory for all Ethiopians as it represents recognition and gives acknowledgement for their hard work, dedication, good ethics and their success.