By: Cyndi Amaya

Traveling to far off places often leaves us with inspiration; whether it’s a new outlook on life or an insight to a culture different from ours. For Barbara Abbatemaggio, traveling always works as an inspiration to her and her fashion line, Sorelle Firenze. One particular recent trip to Ethiopia, has inspired her and her business partner and sister, Monica, to bring in traditional Ethiopian textiles and techniques and blend it to their chic New York City style.

Check out our interview below of Barbara and what inspired her recent scarf collection for Sorelle Firenze. Read More

Photo: IRIN Photos

On Friday, the number of famine zones was cut in half, as U.S. and U.N. food agencies said aid had reduced death rates due to malnutrition. In spite of this good news, 250 million Somalis are facing starvation largely because military battles are preventing food deliveries. The famine in Somalia is reported to be the worst in the world as well as the worst in the Horn of Africa since the region’s 1991-92 famine.

International aid effort has been credited with helping to decrease the food shortage. The U.S. and U.N. food agencies downgraded the famine rating in three areas of Somalia to emergency status. However, there are three other areas, including the refugee communities of Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu, that still remain in the famine zone. Read More

Photo: Cindy Funk

Here at MarcusSamuelsson.com, we love when we see Ethiopian culture injected into pop culture. So we thought it fitting to show you a clip of a recent episode from The Simpsons, where Marge, Bart, and Lisa visit “Little Ethiopia” in Springfield. Not only does the clip highlight the great tasting Ethiopian food, but it also mentions aspects of the “foodie” world. The episode was accurate in finding traditional Ethiopian music and also highlighted the custom of ‘gursha’ where Ethiopians lovingly offer food to one another. The “pancake” that is mentioned in the episode is the staple bread in Ethiopia called Injera. Most importantly, this clip shows how the younger generation is sometimes now more open to trying other ethnic foods and customs which can slowly help break down stereotypes and cultural divides. If anything, we think it’s a funny clip to start off your weekend! Happy Friday everyone! Read More

By: Maya Haile

Today I discuss the final part of my journey to Ethiopia. After giving out our donations at Togojalya, I decided to visit further deep into Somaliland. We were advised that since it was Muslim land that my arms and legs must be covered in order to be allowed to enter. I had just regular clothing so I had to improvise. I found a quick solution when we found a street tailor that could make me a quick garment. I bought the fabric and within a few moments, I had a handmade dress made from native fabric that I could wear when crossing the Muslim lands. I also had a scarf with me that I could wear, so I felt like I fit in. I was happy to be able to partake of the local culture at least with my clothing; especially being in Ethiopia and Somalia, since both cultures are so similar, so I was super happy to follow their culture.

When we went further into that area, we visited the children’s school. But their school was nothing like we know a school to be, in fact it was technically just two trees. Read More

By: Maya Haile

As I described in Part I of my journey, we were welcomed to Togojalya with open arms. Togojalya is comprised of 5 tribes, each comprised of 200 families, totaling 1000 families in that area. We visited one in particular named Muhammad’s Tribe, which is registered with the Ethiopian government and are more willing to accept visitors. In this case, they welcomed us since we went with good intentions to help the families affected by the famine.

At Muhammad’s tribe, we passed out our donated food to each family, about 75 kilos (165 pounds) of food; 25 kilos (55 pounds) of each grain (rice, corn, and lentils). Read More

By: Maya Haile

As many of you know, I just recently returned from my charity trip to Ethiopia. The main goal for my trip was to distribute relief to the numerous famine victims affected by the worst drought that has hit Africa in more than 60 years. With the collected funds from Marcus’ and my Brunch for the Horn, I traveled back to my homeland and with the help of kind Ethiopia people, I was able to pass out our donations in the form of much-needed food. It was good trip, although a bit risky since Marcus wasn’t with me. But at the same time I had a lot of good energy with me from all of your support and the support of our staff and I took the good energy with me to Africa.

I had an amazing experience during my trip. Read More

Photo: Cathrine White

Last month, my wife Maya and I held a Sunday Brunch at our Harlem home to help the current famine victims in Somalia and Ethiopia. Thanks to the support of our sponsors and all of the guests that came out, we were able to raise money for those being affected by the famine, as Maya will be giving away clothes, food, water, and medicine during a trip to Ethiopia. One of our sponsors for the Brunch was Tadias, a New York based online magazine tailored towards the Ethiopian-American community. They were also present at the Brunch and taped some footage of our guests and the festivities. Read More

Photo: United Nations Photo

Early this month, The United Nations confirmed the 6^th famine zone in Somalias Bay Region. This now brings the number of Somalis struck by famine to an alarming 4 million people which accounts for more than half the country. The famine has already claimed thousands of lives between Kenya, Djibouti, Somalia, Ethiopia. Despite relief efforts, the United Nations reports that 750,000 people are at risk of death over the next 4 months in Somalia. Read More

Photo: Maggie Hoffman

As seen in the New York Times the other day, PepsiCo announced a new undertaking to increase its source for chickpeas while expanding business for local farmers in Ethiopia, and ultimately address famine related issues that continue to cripple the Horn of Africa. Working in conjunction with The World Food Programme and USAID (United States Agency for International Development), the project has a multi-fold purpose with both immediate and long-term benefits to the country. Read More

Photo: Catherine White

I want to say thank you for all of those who joined me yesterday in my home during “Brunch for the Horn of Africa.” Around 200 people joined my wife Maya and me yesterday as we hosted guests in our Harlem home to raise money for Ethiopian and Somali famine victims. I’m happy to say that we raised a great amount of money for this important cause and Maya can’t wait to travel to Ethiopia to deliver our relief efforts.

It was really exciting for us to host such an event and we didn’t imagine we would get as much support in putting it together as we did. Read More