How Africa News
On Saturday morning, a popular Eritrean-American entrepreneur in Atlanta was fatally shot in front of his nightclub. Michael Gidewon was discovered with a gunshot wound outside the Republic Lounge, according to FOX 5 Atlanta. The establishment is co-owned by the deceased businessman and his brother.
Gidewon, 50, was unresponsive when officers arrived, according to police. He was pronounced dead by medics who arrived on the scene. According to Atlanta Police, an individual who was ordered to leave the nightclub for being intoxicated allegedly returned with a gun and fatally shot Gidewon.
Gidewon’s career as a nightclub entrepreneur spanned over 30 years, according to records filed with the Georgia Secretary of State’s Office. According to FOX 5 Atlanta, the deceased businessman and his younger brother fled to the United States from Eritrea to escape the violence.
Before successfully opening two nightclubs, the brothers worked as valets. Gidewon was also a well-known Atlanta figure, and he was frequently seen hosting celebrities such as T.I., Young Jeezy, Usher, Nelly, Jermaine Dupri, Lil Baby, and Ludacris. Gidewon is also remembered for his humanitarian efforts.
In an interview with 11Alive, Gidewon’s friend and accountant, Dr. Shireda Howard, said the deceased businessman was “a very reserved person. He wasn’t a rowdy person.” “He wasn’t a loud person. He was very reserved. A watcher, is what I used to call him,” Howard added.
Gidewon leaves behind a wife and four children. “His family meant the world. I know that he loved his wife, his children,” Howard said. “He wanted to make sure that he could provide for them regardless of what was happening.”
Howard added that Gidewon also took interest in the welfare of his employees. “He really cared about his employees,” Howard said. How do I make sure that not only do I hire people, but how do I mentor to them as well? A lot of people don’t do that anymore.”
Atlanta Police is yet to disclose if any suspect has been identified. “I came to Atlanta in ’96, so to see Atlanta in 2023, I don’t recognize this Atlanta. That’s the sad part about it,” Howard said. “I feel like today we lost the part of that old Atlanta.”
