The Adwa Historical and Cultural Alliance in Dallas has awarded its 8th Exemplary Person of the Year Award to journalist and autobiographer Ezra Ejigu.

The recognition ceremony was held on Thursday, June 20, 2024 at the Yod Abyssinian Cultural Restaurant, in the presence of Lensa Mekonnen, Minister of Tourism.

Ezra Ejigu has authored numerous biographies and personal histories, including a CD/DVD biography of the country’s Tsehafe Tezaze Akililu. Since 2009, he has made over 45 media appearances to share his work.

In addition to publishing individual biographies, Ejigu and his organization have popularized around 30 books on Ethiopian history and culture, such as “Mama in the Besemay” and “Mahlet Akililu’s Note.” He has also compiled the histories of 180 prominent Ethiopian media figures from 1950-2004.

Ezra’s own published works include “Yeankoru in Geniva,” “Return to Self,” “Ethiopia Under the Poverty Bottleneck,” “Maru Abebe,” “Development Veteran David yechi seat,” and “Colonel Yilma Mengele’s Memoir of My Life.” He currently has several new biographies in development, including on General Asefa Ayene, Dejazmach yemane Hassen, and an Ethiopian in Atlanta, as well as a second volume of the Dictionary of Media and Literary History.

Beyond his writing, Ezra maintains an active online presence through his website, Facebook, and YouTube channel, where he aims to inspire millions of people to document their personal histories in a single page over the next 10 years.

This year’s Exemplary Person Award was presented to Ezra Ejigu by a panel of 15 distinguished individuals, including the “father of Ethiopian tourism” Habteslasse Tafesse, painter Werku Mamo, Colonel Kassa Gebremariam, architect Faisal Giorgis, and playwright Ayalneh Mulatu.

Through his tireless efforts to preserve and share personal narratives, Ezra Ejigu has made an invaluable contribution to documenting Ethiopia’s rich cultural heritage. This award recognizes his exemplary work in the field of autobiography and personal history.