Ashenda 2025 was absolutely amazing this year. Do we dare say it was the best Ashenda ever? Do we dare say it was the best Ashenda anywhere? Denver Sister Cities, Axum is so grateful to be part of this celebration every year as a sponsor and as participants. We staffed a booth as well as provided fresh grilled hamburgers and kosher hotdogs free for the kids. (Thanks Chuck and Senaye for supplying the meat and supplies and staffing the grill). The gelatin-free Rice Krispie treats went quickly.
The cultural food provided through the hard work of the women of the Tigrai Community was phenomenal once again this year. So many people commented on how good it was. We salute them as well as the many men who toiled over the hot grills.
As always, Police Chief Ron Thomas was present lending his presence and support. We really appreciate him being there every year. Also spotted were Vincent Owens and Jack Price of the Park Hill Financial District, who painted the basketball court in vibrant colors dedicated to the people of Tigray two years ago. The court was in constant use during the activities.
You know you hit the big time when four (count them FOUR) candidates for public service are knocking at your door. Ever present, City Councilwoman Shontel Lewis, in whose district the City of Axum Park resides, greeted the crowds. This past week she officially proclaimed Ashenda Day from council chambers (for the third straight year). We are so proud that she represents us. Two candidates for Colorado governor also made their bids to the crowd, Senator Michael Bennet and Attorney General Phil Wieser. We wish them well in this competitive race. And then our own Melat Kiros is running for U.S. Representative in House District 01. We firmly believe she is up to the challenge.
DSCI Axum announced its new challenge of raising funds in support of the Aksum University Comprehensive Hospital and St. Mary’s Hospital in Axum. We contracted with an assessor from Project C.U.R.E. who verified what we already knew, the hospitals greatly need our support. We are grateful to Axum committee member, Yidego Abai, for serving as goodwill ambassador and introducing Dr. Tewodros Haile (AKU Comprehensive Hospital, Black Lion, Denver Health, University of Colorado) to potential supporters. We have already been approached by several interested supporters including, Returned Peace Corps Volunteers. It is time to pass the torch to a new generation. Speaking of a new generation, we had a table with toy medical equipment, which was very popular among the young girls. And isn’t that what Ashenda is all about? It was fun to watch the girls in their own element experiencing joy and freedom. It is also pleasing to watch as they grown up year after year.
We are grateful for the number of men, both young and old, who came out in support of the wives, daughters, sisters, mothers in their lives. Your presence was noticed and appreciated. It must be noted that there were many from out of state who came to Colorado for these festivities.
Feel free to share your photos. We tried to be as representative as possible but it was such a grand event that we know we missed so much.
None of this could have been done without the commitment of the Tigrai Community of Colorado and their team which has been planning this event (and the week of events) since the beginning of this year. Congratulations on a job well done!
