We often revere our emperors, warriors & politicians as we should, but I think it is equally important to honor those who’ve contributed in other areas.

Here are some notable figures who excelled & contributed in the fields of science,medicine,philanthropy, philology& aviation.

Abebech Gobena founder of one of the oldest Orphanages—Agohelema. On her way to a pilgrimage in Gishen Mariam,she witnessed the devastation of famine. Upon her return, she brought two orphaned children to AA & eventually housed and supported thousands of children.

Muluemebet Emiru, The Mother of African aviation, she is the first African female pilot. She commenced her training in 1934. Her career was cut short when fascist Italy invaded Ethiopia. She was the first female licensed driver as well.

Asegedech Asseffa first female African pilot to fly SOLO. In an interview with Ethiopian Review, she said, at the time she did not know she was a trailblazer and encouraged girls to “have confidence and faith in your abilities.”

Emahoy Tsege Mariam Gebru pianist & composer. She was a political prisoner under fascist Italy. Her work is a fusion of western classical & chants of the Orthodox church. Her first record was released in 1967. In 2006, her solo piano album was released.

Akililu Lemma in 1964 discovered treatment for snail fever (schistosomiasis), a parasitic disease that spreads through contaminated fresh water. He founded the institute of pathology at AA University, which is now known as The Akililu Lemma Institute of Pathology.

Melaku Woreda plant geneticist who received his PhD in Agronomy in the US. He founded & directed Seeds of Survival of Ethiopia. He was the first chairman of African Committee for Plant and Genetic Resources. He is a pioneer in biodiversity conservation.

Getachew Haile—Ge’ez scholar, he works at the Hill Museum and Manuscript Library at Saint John’s University. He catalogs ancient Ethiopic manuscripts. He has cataloged and digitized thousands of manuscripts including the book of Jubilees.

Lale Labuko founder of Omo Child Shelter which houses children at risk of being killed due to tribal beliefs that consider children born w abnormalities or out of wedlock as impure or cursed. He has adopted 50 kids. He’s made a documentary on the practice.

Dr. Belay Abegaz the founder of Ethiopia’s first pediatric cardiac center and board chairman of Children’s Heart Fund of Ethiopia. The Center treats children and adults with congenital and rheumatic heart diseases.

There are many more, but these are a few I selected. And 280 characters doesn’t do justice for these incredible people. I also don’t like bombarding the TL.