Habesha (haa·buh·shuh) is a term used to refer to those who come from Ethiopian and Eritrean backgrounds. It is a term of pride that is used to eliminate the distinction between different tribes and celebrates the unity of all those descending from the same region of Africa. During their tenure at Bishop O’Connell High School in Arlington, a group of students noticed an increase of Habesha students within the community. After establishing the idea of a club, they gathered fellow classmates and refined the mission of the Habesha Student Association (HSA).
“We thought it would be beneficial to create a club that would allow students to get together, discuss our culture and reflect that upon the O’Connell community,” said senior Abigail Yacob, the HSA historian. “We hope that through this we can encourage other communities to do the same.”
All O’Connell students are welcome to join to gain knowledge and experience about the Habesha culture. Once or twice a month, the club members meet to learn everyday vocabulary, dances and traditional foods, and discuss current events regarding Habeshas throughout the world. They also compare and contrast the Ethiopian Orthodox Church and the Catholic Church.
Although only formed in mid-November, the HSA has made a great impact by hosting a plethora of gatherings filled with lively music, traditional dishes, and the sharing of cultural knowledge and experiences. As a result, the number of members has expanded greatly. The club has had opportunities to display its culture by participating in a fashion show during the school’s Black History Month Assembly and providing traditional music to be played in the hallways on Fridays. Throughout Black History Month, the HSA filled a display case with Ethiopian Coptic art and artifacts. The eye-catching display brought students and faculty to the Trinidad Street lobby to learn more about Ethiopia’s Orthodox background.
The Habesha impact does not stop there. For the past few years, Ethiopia has experienced political unrest. Many people have lost their lives to senseless violence, while others live in fear and lack basic resources. In mid-February, the HSA organized a school supply and clothing drive for the people of Ethiopia. In addition to the supplies provided by the O’Connell community, they raised more than $1,000 for these efforts. Members of the club headed to local stores and filled shopping carts with more school supplies and necessary goods.
“My favorite memory was the look of astonishment of the Target employees when we told them what we were doing and why,” said senior Rebecca Tamirat, club secretary. “It instilled a sense of pride and honor to be giving back to my community.”
The HSA was not only founded to grow stronger relationships with Habeshas in the school, but also to strengthen the O’Connell community by embracing the culture. Furthermore, it has a mission to give back to Habeshas throughout the world. As the club continues to thrive and grow in number, the executive board is determined to maintain its emphasis on making an impact and giving back. They also hope that their actions can influence other Habeshas in schools around the diocese to make a difference together. The many accomplishments of the HSA have been an essential part of cultural change in the community and will continue to do so for many years to come.
