The Oromo nation stands on the shoulders of intellectual giants who have dedicated their lives to preserving our culture, defending our humanity, and fighting for our rights. Yet today, Prof. Asmarom Legesse, Qabbanee (Bonnie Holcomb), Dr. Gammachu Magarsa, and Dr. Trevor Trueman (Galato)—four monumental figures in Oromo scholarship and activism—are at risk of being forgotten due to a lack of institutional recognition.

We demand immediate and permanent national recognition for these scholars while they are still alive, ensuring their legacies are enshrined in Oromo history for generations to come.

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Why These Four Scholars Must Be Honored Now

1. Prof. Asmarom Legesse

• Revolutionized Gadaa Studies: His seminal work, “Gadaa: Three Approaches to the Study of African Society”, proved that Oromo democracy predated Western systems and remains a model of indigenous governance.
• Challenged Colonial Narratives: Dismantled Ethiopianist historiography, reclaiming Oromo agency.
• Legacy at Risk: Died without seeing a major Oromo institution bear his name.

2. Qabbanee (Bonnie Holcomb)

• Co-architect of Oromo Political Thought: Her book “The Invention of Ethiopia” (1990) exposed Ethiopian state violence and redefined Oromo nationalism.
• Voice for Oromo Women: Highlighted the intersection of gender and liberation in Oromo struggle.
• Still Fighting: Yet, no university, library, or research center honors her work.

3. Dr. Gammachu Magarsa

• Living Archive of Oromo Knowledge: Key informant for scholars like Lambert Bartels, preserving Oromo religion, Gadaa rituals, and oral history.
• Dying in Neglect: Now elderly and isolated in Dambi Dollo, his unrecorded wisdom risks being lost forever.
• Demand: Immediate documentation + a Dr. Gammachu Magarsa Center for Indigenous Knowledge.

4. Dr. Trevor Trueman (Galato) – OSG, Human Rights Activist

• International Advocate: As part of the Oromo Support Group (OSG), he exposed genocide, torture, and repression against Oromos to the world.
• Bridge Between Oromos and Global Justice Movements: Amplified Oromo voices in UN and EU forums.
• Unsung Hero: No official Oromo recognition for his decades of sacrifice.

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How to Honor Them While They Are Still Alive

✅ Establish Permanent Memorials:

• Asmarom Legesse Institute for Indigenous Democracy (Finfinnee/Addis Ababa)
• Bonnie Holcomb Library of Oromo Political Thought (Minneapolis/Dire Dawa)
• Dr. Gammachu Magarsa Center for Oral Traditions (Dambi Dollo)
• Dr. Trevor Trueman Human Rights Award (Annual recognition for Oromo rights defenders)

✅ National Holidays/Lectures:

• Annual Oromo Scholars Day (Featuring their works)
• Gadaa Studies Symposium in honor of Legesse & Holcomb

✅ Documentary Films & Curriculum Inclusion:

• Record Dr. Gammachu’s knowledge before it’s too late.
• Teach their books in Oromo schools and universities.

✅ Public Monuments: Statues, plaques, or renamed streets in Finfinnee, Naqamte, and major diaspora hubs.

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“A Nation That Forgets Its Thinkers Has No Future”

These scholars are not just academics—they are the guardians of Oromummaa. To neglect them is to erase our own intellectual heritage.

#HonorOromoScholars #LegesseHolcombGammachuTrueman
✊🏾 “Seenaan keenya haa mul’atu! Gadaan keenya haa jiraatu!” (May our history be visible! May our Gadaa endure!)

📢 Immediate Actions Needed:

1. Tag Oromo institutions (Oromia Cultural Center, A4O, OLLAA, Oromo Studies Association) to endorse this.
2. Share their books, quotes, and stories widely. #KnowYourScholars
3. Pressure Oromia regional government to fund memorials and research centers.

“Recognition delayed is recognition denied. Act NOW.” 🔥