Columbia Pike Documentary Project

The Columbia Pike Documentary Project is a multi-disciplinary history of Columbia Pike in Arlington, VA, one of Americas most-ethnically diverse communities. Paula Endo, Lloyd Wolf, Mimi Xang Ho, Duy Tran, Aleksandra Lagkueva, Lara Ajami, and other team members have been using photography and oral history to document life along the Pike. The project is sponsored by the Columbia Pike Revitalization Organization Contact: Lloyd Wolf- lloydwolf@lloydwolf.com or www.pikedoc.org

Monday, May 18, 2026

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.