First Thanksgiving dinner- ECDC

The ECDC (Ethiopian Community Development Council) holds an annual First Thanksgiving Dinner for new immigrants and refugees. It is a poignant and uplifting occasion. It had special significance this year, given the incoming presidential administration's stated plans and harsh words regarding immigration. There were hundreds of new immigrants there, and hundreds of local volunteers providing food and fellowship. Especially moving were the words of welcome and sanctuary offered by Arlington County Board Chairperson Libby Garvey on behalf of all of us in the community. Ahn Phan of Senator Mark Warner's office, and representatives from the Obama White House and State Department also offered generous words of welcome. 

Many of the attendees had just arrived from the miseries of Syria, and there were numerous others from South Sudan, Eritrea, Pakistan, and other nations in distress. 

A particularly moving and joyous moment was a rousing spontaneous dance by a large group of newly-arrived Syrian men. 

May they all be safe here, and become productive citizens, woven peacefully into the fabric of our diverse and inclusive nation.

Many thanks to Dr. Tsehaye Teferra, Sara Zullo, and the hardworking creative staff at ECDC for their good work and kind hearts.

Photography by Lloyd Wolf.

Arlington County Board chairperson, Libby Garvey

Ahn Phan of Senator Mark Warner's office reading a proclamation of welcome.

A is for Arlington

A photo by the Columbia Pike Documentary Project is included as an illustration in the new book "A is for Arlington," for the section "R is for Roads." The authors Jennifer Burgin and Elizabeth Kuleski created the book for the Arlington Public Schools' Social Studies Office for use in our classrooms. We are proud to have our work be part of this educational effort. (The photo is by CPDP photographer Lloyd Wolf. It is a view of the 2600 and 2700 blocks of the Pike at night).

Prio Bangla 2016- Bangladeshi Community Street Festival

The Bangladeshi community in our area again celebrated its heritage and contributions to our diversity with the annual Prio Bangla festival.

Bangladeshi foods, speakers, crafts, performers, and notables were part of this colorful event. Performers from other groups also showcased their talents, including Appalachian cloggers, Chinese dancers, Mexican dancers, and a Bolivian dance troupe.

Many thanks to Mr. Pryalal Karmakar for his help, and for his recognition of the Columbia Pike Documentary Project in observing and preserving our local culture and history.

Photography by Duy Tran.