For years, members of our community have visited schools, clubs, and residential facilities pulling out memorabilia from a “City in a suitcase” showcasing the historical and cultural highlights of our partner cities.
In April, Denver Sister Cities Axum committee members, Janet Lee, Maria Halloran, and Gayle Stallings presented at Brookdale University Park to an enthusiastic audience. Janet described her early experiences as a Peace Corps Volunteer in southern Ethiopia during the reign of Emperor Haile Selassie and the day he was deposed.
Decades later she was able to return and was introduced to library projects, which led her to travel to the northern region of Tigrai to help set up a library in the regional capital of Tigrai, and ultimately being named a Fulbright Scholar in Axum, Denver’s sister city of 31 years.
As past chair, Gayle led a group to Axum with medical supplies from Project C.U.R.E. and spearheaded a campaign to send a sanitation truck from Denver Water to Axum, which was greeted with a parade.
Maria has been working with members of the diaspora as an educator providing language instruction here in Denver as well as assistance in adjusting to a new culture.
The residents responded enthusiastically, asked insightful questions, and browsed over the tables filled with musical instruments, books, religious crosses, drinking vessels, embroidered cloth, and jewelry.
To schedule a similar event at a school, club or residential facility, email info@denversistercities.org
