Ethiopian Community Finds Home In His Song

Seyoum is credited with helping to popularize the Ethiopian church in the Washington area, home to a substantial Ethiopian population. The church, which had a handful of members when it was founded in 1987, sees as many as 2,000 visitors during special ceremonies.

The growth is fueled in part by a steady stream of immigrants who numbered more than 30,000 last year, according to the Census, a number some say is low. But church leaders say the increase in attendance is also because of Seyoum's accomplishments.

In addition to his jobs and religious studies, he teaches classes every Saturday, passing on to a new generation of Ethiopian Americans what he began learning from his father at age 8.

"This is no simple thing he does," said Kay Shelemay, a Harvard University professor and ethnomusicologist who nominated Seyoum for the award.

"He is an immigrant, and he is struggling to have a home and to keep body and soul together in a new country. And then he has really established a wonderful musical liturgical program at his church."

Seyoum is the first Ethiopian American to be given the fellowship, which includes a $20,000 award, since its inception in 1982. Seyoum said he hopes to use the money for living expenses while he writes a book of church music.

He and this year's other 10 winners will be honored at a ceremony and banquet in Washington in September.

Staff researcher Meg Smith contributed to this report.