On Friday night, the Denver Sister Cities Axum Committee and the Tigray Community Colorado hosted a memorable Community Connections event, uniting members to celebrate resilience, community, and humanitarian efforts.
Stories from Axum: A Journey of Resilience
Senaye Gebremichael, Co-Chair of the Axum Committee, shared insightful stories from his recent trip to Axum, Ethiopia. During his visit to the Kidiste Mariam Hospital, Senaye witnessed the city's perseverance amid challenges. A special thanks to Yidego Abai, the “unofficial mayor” of Axum, for connecting Senaye with key figures on the ground.
Tigray Community Center: Building for the Future
Millette Birhanemaskel provided an exciting update on the Tigray Community Center, which aims to serve as a hub for resources, language classes, and community gatherings. Millette announced that several grants had been secured to jumpstart the project. The upcoming Ashenda Festival on September 1st will serve as a major fundraiser to support the center’s development.
Looking Ahead to New Partnerships
Janet Lee, Co-Chair of the Axum Committee, spoke about new community partnerships and initiatives in the coming year, with a focus on the 30th-anniversary celebration in 2025. The event was further elevated by the presence of Dexter Nelson II from the Blair Caldwell African American Research Library, underscoring the potential for future collaborations.
Recognizing Humanitarian Efforts
Axum Teklu’s invaluable contributions to the Kidiste Mariam Hospital project were recognized, a key factor in Denver Sister Cities International receiving the 2024 Sister Cities International Innovations in Humanitarian Efforts Award. The project stands as a testament to the dedication of all involved in fostering global community support.
As the event came to a close, it was a powerful reminder of the impact of collaboration and the shared vision of building stronger, more connected communities.
