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In Your Area: Merhawi

Name: Merhawi "Hawi" Keflezighi

Occupation: Sports and Entertainment Agent

Location: San Diego, CA

Finish the Sentence if i were a planet... I would be Earth.

Where are you from? Born in Adi Beyane, Eritrea, spent some time in Asmara and Adi Gombolo, Milano, Italy and raised in San Diego. Educated at UCLA. Go Bruins!

What does your identity mean to you? My identity is who I am as an individual. Like Wyclef says: "Before Black I am first human." My identity as an individual is influenced by the people, neighborhoods, enviornments, cultures, and countries I have encountered.

What/Who inspires you? I know its probably the most common answer, but honestly, my parents. They have different personalities but they are the best team I have ever seen. Their love, hope, faith and loyalty knows no limits.

Additionally, I am inspired by those who have gone from rags to riches, and those that aspire to achieve that (in a structured and legal way, of course . Jay-Z, P.Diddy and Oprah inspire me.

Where will you be in 10 years? Same position I have today, Director of Operations of HAWI Management, except with some partners, employees, more clients and more money. I hope to be happily married with a couple of little ones to raise. I hope that all those I am involved with will be working to make the world a better place to live one project at a time.

Which disease do you think is most interesting? Why? Cancer. Whom it strikes, whom it kills, who survives it are almost unpredictable. It is a very scary disease.

What is your favorite memory of all time? Being a child in the USA, the A's came easy, and I had the energy to play basketball all day, and each night ended with the family watching the Cosby Show and Fresh Prince of Bel Air.

Which tree most closely resembles your personality? An undecorated christmas tree. I am what I am with or without the bling-bling.

What is your daily routine? wake up by 7am (usually a lot earlier), work on e-mails and projects until about 8 am, then shower, eat breakfast, then go back to work until about 1pm, eat lunch, take a power nap, resume work until about 6 or 7 pm. My job consists of a lot of phone calls and e-mails, so my laptop is my life. And if I have a lot of work to do, get back to work after dinner. I wouldn't be able to endure this routine if I wasn't passionate about what I do.

Are you a day or a night person? Morning person

If you had access to unlimited resources (people, money, etc.) what would you do? -I would create a more fair distribution of wealth and resources in the world. We have people driving $200,000 cars while millions of people are starving on the daily. I would want to set up a minimum standard of living for those that are worst off in the world. (food, water, shelter, education, a safe enviorment). That would give them the platform and opportunity to earn more.

Which quote sums it all up:
HAWI: Handling Adversity With Integrity...everyone encounters challenges, obstacles and hurdles in life, but it is how one deals with those challenges that determine their character and level of satisfaction in life.

Frederick Douglas was on point when he indicated: "Without struggle there is no progress." We are sure to encounter struggles on the individual, family, career, community, regional, national and international levels, in our pursuit of progress. So if the desired progress is worth it to you, be ready to struggle to gain it.
Boxers or briefs: Boxers.

Rent or go to the Movies: Rent a movie. Its a cheaper and more comfortable choice for me. Plus when I fall asleep during the movie, I can simply REWIND it.

Favorite Book: Of Beetles and Angels, by Mawi Asgedom. This is a book that I believe should be required text for every American, whether immigrant or native born. I recommend it to all of you. Its an easy and quick read, but the content of the book is DEEP. (http://www.mawispeaks.com)

Also, The Greatest: The Haile Gebreselassie Story is one of my favorites. Haile was and is a phenomenal athlete, but he will always be an amazing person. I highly recommend his book.

Favorite Movie: I must say, Coming to America. Honorable mention to The Negotiator, Ray, and Ali.

Favorite Artist/Music: I used to think there wasn't anyone that could out-do Tupac, but I've learned that Jay-Z is just as real, but more creative and catchy. Legacy (Sennai) is a close second...for REAL! That boy has lyrics and style that have not yet been exposed to the public ear. Watch out for Asennai, he is the real deal!

In closing, you would like to add:

Thanks for the opportunity to share my thoughts. I LOVE what I read in the About Abesha.com section (http://www.abesha.com/about/). We as the Eritrean and Ethiopian youth need to step up to "put an end to this cyclical curse." (Legacy) Eritreans and Ethiopians are the most similar people in the world. Our history of conflict does not mean we have to have a future of conflict. It is up to the youth of these nations and our region to envision and create a better future in our region. And it all begins at home. "Be the Change you want to see in the world." (Mahtma Gandhi).

Finally, I've got to plug my star client and brother, Meb, check him out at: http://www.RUNMEB.com