ECDC Gala 2026

The Columbia Pike-based Ethiopian Community Development Council (ECDC) held its 2026 fundraising gala with the  theme “Celebrating Welcome.” Speakers included  Mel Nigussie, emcee Bofta Yimam, ECDC founder and executive Dr. Tsehaye Teferra, and Jeremy Kondyk of Refugees International. Entertainment was provided by The Family Band (Ethio-Jazz), an Indian youth dance troupe, and a Ukrainian mother-daughter duo playing traditional Ukrainian bandura.

Thanks to ECDC's Lullit Paulos, Ezana Teferra, Allene Wright, and Kidist Ebenezer.

Photography by Lloyd Wolf. 

Dr. Tsehaye Teferra

Festival Argentino 2026

Festival Argentino was held in Arlington for the 39th year, this time at Kenmore Middle School. The event celebrates Argentine National Day with tango, ballet,  folklore, rock and roll, soccer, arts, crafts, a range of vendors and civic organizations, and food. Some of the many performers were the rock band Zip Code, Ballet Sol Cyan, folklore singer Gustavo Garcia, tango dancers Alexey and Olga, and Marina Bellini and Jonathan Fernandes and harmonica maestro Fabricia Rodriguez.

Photography by Lloyd Wolf.

Columbia Pike mural | Phase One

Baltimore-based artist Rowan Bathurst has been commissioned by Arlington County Cultural Affairs to create a mural on the wall outside the Goodwill store on Columbia Pike. She will begin work in August 2026 for a September completion date. It will be on display for three years, after which the entire site will be redeveloped. 

She met with a committee of partners and advisors: Tomora Wright and Thomas Vannatter,  Public Art Project Managers for the Strategic Investment Group of Arlington Economic Development; Fredy Mejia, Resource Manager  and Community Director: for Barcroft Apartments; Andrew Schneider and Josue Bastidas of the Columbia Pike Partnership, artist and educator Sushmita Mazumdar of Studio PAUSE (and CPDP team member), and  Lloyd Wolf of the Columbia Pike Documentary Project (CPDP).

VIP Diaspora Awards Gala

The VIP Diaspora Awards gala was organized by community cultural activist and media entrepreneur Kidist Eben Ezer and held in the newly refurbished meeting room of the Ethiopian Community Development Council (ECDC). The theme of the event was "Unity, Leadership & Community Empowerment."

Emceed by actor Abed Haddish, outstanding leaders in the Ethiopian and Tigrayan diaspora communities were recognized and honored for their contribuions and service. The Leadership Award went to Millette Birhanemaskel, the Humanity & Community Service Award went to Michael BerheKidanu, and the Culture and the Heritage Promotion Award was presented to Berhan Hailu. For Lifetime Service and Diplomatic Humanity, and Lifetime Diplomacy & Global Service, H.E. Ambassador Fesseha Asghedom Tessema and H.E. Ambassador Berhane Gebre-Christos were presented with awards. 

Catering was by Bethel Cafe. Photography by Lloyd Wolf.

Dr. Teferra