When it comes to Ethiopian politics, Los Angeles is rarely mentioned. It is a city with the second or third largest number of Ethiopians, but it is a place where the least political activity goes on. South Dakota is mentioned more often than Los Angeles when it comes to Ethiopian politics. That has changed yesterday. Ethiopians in Los Angeles put their city back on the map by hosting Kinijit leaders and raising over $51,000 at a Kinijit town hall meeting. The total amount could reach $55k when funds collected at a dinner party are included in the final figure.
The Kinijit leaders arrived in Los Angeles Sunday morning accompanied by renowned artist and radio host Abebe Belew. They were given a warm welcome at the LAX Airport. After taking a short break, they headed to the town hall meeting which lasted 5 hours. It seemed that no body wanted to leave even after the meeting was over. Hundreds stayed behind to talk among themselves and take pictures with the Kinijit delegates.
Kinijit leaders arrive in Los Angeles [photo: Kinijit Los Angeles]
The next major event will be in Atlanta where Kinijit is more than politics — it is a culture.