“The strength of any nation lies not in the might of its armies or the wealth of its resources, but in the unity and solidarity of its people” – His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie I/ (paraphrased from his addresses on nationhood and unity)
When One of Us Hurts, We All Feel It
Across the waters that connect our global Black family, storms have struck our Caribbean brothers and sisters once again. The Category 5, Hurricane Melissa has caused severe damage, such as flooding, landslides, power outages, casualties, structural damage, and displaced families. This Humanitarian crisis has left behind destruction, uncertainty, devastation, and pain — but also courage, resilience, and hope. To our family in Jamaica, Haiti, and Cuba: we see you, we hear you, and we stand with you. Here at The Ethiopian World Federation, Incorporation (TEWFINC), we have members and Chartered Locals in these regions, and disaster areas, who have been heavily impacted, so this is dear to our hearts.
The Caribbean has always been a beacon of strength for the Pan-African world — a region that has birthed freedom fighters, thinkers, artists, and movements that inspired liberation from the continent to the Diaspora. Now, it is our turn to give back that same strength, that same love, that same unity.
Unity Is More Than Words
When disaster strikes, our unity must become action. Each gesture — each prayer, each dollar, each shared post — is a seed of hope. When we act together, we transform compassion into concrete support.
The rebuilding of our Caribbean family is not charity; it is solidarity. It is the natural rhythm of a global people moving as one body — hearts beating across oceans, hands reaching across continents.
Dignity in Rebuilding
Rebuilding must come with dignity. The people of the Caribbean do not need pity — they need partners, organizers, and family during times like this. Our support should empower local communities to lead their own recovery, to rebuild homes, schools, infrastructure, and economies with pride and autonomy.
Let us center their leadership and amplify their voices. When we give, we give through them, not over them.
How You Can Help
1. Donate with Purpose
Support TEWFINC in our community-led relief funds, as well as other organizations, going directly to impacted communities. Even a small contribution fuels local rebuilding efforts that restore hope and stability.
2. Organize Locally
Gather your community. Hold local fundraisers, awareness events, or prayer /meditation circles. Encourage schools, organizations, and religious groups in your area to dedicate resources to the cause.
3. Amplify the Message
Use your social media platforms to spread the word with hash tags such as
#HurricaneMelissa
#Melissa
#Jamaica
#Cat5
#JamaicaStrong
#Caribbean
#CaribbeanStrong
#Unity
#Haiti
#HaitiRelief
#HopeForHaiti
#Rastafari
#WeTheBlackPeoplesOfTheWorld
#TEWFINC
#Volunteer
Tag and share updates from TEWFINC and Caribbean-led relief groups. Let the world see that The Black Peoples Of The World moves as one when our family is in need.
4. Stay Engaged
Long after the headlines fade, recovery continues. Commit to sustained support, whether through volunteering, advocacy, or follow-up donations.
From Africa to the Americas, We Are One
The African proverb says, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
We are going far — together. From Ghana to Grenada, from Nigeria to Nevis, from Ethiopia to Haiti, from the U.S. to Barbados, from South Africa to St Thomas, from The Congo to Cuba — one people, one rhythm, one destiny.
We lift up our Caribbean family not only because they need us now, but because we need each other always. Their resilience is our shared reflection of strength. Their recovery is our collective victory.
A Call From the Heart
Let this moment remind us what Pan-African unity truly means — not just words or symbols, but shared action, shared healing, and shared future. To our Caribbean family:
You are not alone. THE BLACK PEOPLES OF THE WORLD embraces you. The diaspora stands with you, and together, we rise.
Call to Action
Donate. Organize. Share. Affirm. Act.
Visit your trusted community relief organizations or local diaspora associations today.
Let us transform compassion into power — because when we move as one, no storm can defeat us.
Below you will find several links of events, online wish lists, account details and websites of EWF Locals, our Partner Organizations and The Jamaican Government for was to support those impacted by this disaster. Although efforts have been made to validate the legitimacy of listed donation sites, and bank account details, all donations are made at your own risk. The Ethiopian World Federation, Incorporated is not assuming any risk or liability to listed third parties sites or information provided.
Local 144 have an amazon wish list CLICK HERE TO VIEW
Local 144 are also collecting Donations through an associated Charity, Account Account details below:
Charity Name: SEA BY MY FRIEND JEN CIC
UK Bank Name: The Co-operative Bank
Sort code: 08-92-99 Account number: 67461187
Local 49 are asking for donations on behalf of L49 Member Ras Jabali of House Of Seba contact Local 49 via email LOCAL49EWF@GMAIL.COM or Donate on The House of Seba Website
RMO Jamaica Go Fund Me Link, This effort supports Rastafari Community dietary needs.
One Love Relief Fund Jamaica Website
Jamaican Government Hurricane Melissa Relief Website
One Perfect Love, The Ethiopian World Federation, Incorporated.
#FederationRising #RisingTheFederation #TEWFINC
We are one people — rooted in unity, lifted by love, guided by purpose. From continent to island, from past to future, we rise together.
