100 signatures reached
To: Santa Monica City Council
Support Recognition and Funding for the Ethiopian Community in Santa Monica.
We are writing on behalf of the Ethiopian community in Santa Monica, a group of over 250 households that has been an active and contributing part of the city since 2015. Our community has worked hard to introduce our culture and values to Santa Monica through various events and collaborations, including our annual Ethiopian Day (New Year & Cultural Celebration).
This event has been a key opportunity to share our heritage with the broader Santa Monica community, and it has previously received strong support from local residents and partners. However, this year, we are facing significant challenges in securing the funding and assistance necessary to organize our upcoming event in September.
We respectfully urge you and the Santa Monica City Council to take action by:
- Providing the Ethiopian community with formal recognition as a valuable part of Santa Monica’s cultural landscape.
- Allocating funding or resources to support the organization of Ethiopian Day and other cultural events that promote diversity and inclusivity in our city.
Santa Monica has long been known for its commitment to equal rights and bringing communities together. We believe that continuing to support our efforts is essential to maintaining this legacy. Your support will not only ensure that our community is treated with dignity and fairness but will also enrich the cultural fabric of Santa Monica for all its residents.
Thank you for your time and consideration. We look forward to working together to address this important issue.
Sincerely,
Ethiopian Community in Santa Monica
Ethiopian Community in Santa Monica
Why is this important?
Our community has been a part of Santa Monica since 2015, bringing rich Ethiopian culture, food, music, and traditions to this beautiful city. For many of us, celebrating Ethiopian Day is more than just a cultural event—it’s a way to stay connected to our roots while sharing our heritage with the larger community. Over the years, this celebration has been an opportunity for people of all backgrounds to come together, learn from one another, and foster a sense of belonging.
But now, we’re at a crossroads. Without the support we’ve relied on in the past, it’s becoming harder to organize this event and continue contributing to the diverse cultural fabric of Santa Monica. If we don’t come together to advocate for recognition and funding, we risk losing an important piece of what makes Santa Monica such a special, inclusive place.
This is not just about our community; it’s about ensuring that all communities—especially those that are smaller or underrepresented—have the chance to thrive and contribute to the city’s vibrant, multicultural identity. By standing with us, you’re not only supporting the Ethiopian community, but also promoting the values of diversity, inclusion, and fairness that Santa Monica holds dear.
Imagine a city where everyone feels valued, heard, and represented—this is the kind of change we’re fighting for. Your voice matters in making that vision a reality.
But now, we’re at a crossroads. Without the support we’ve relied on in the past, it’s becoming harder to organize this event and continue contributing to the diverse cultural fabric of Santa Monica. If we don’t come together to advocate for recognition and funding, we risk losing an important piece of what makes Santa Monica such a special, inclusive place.
This is not just about our community; it’s about ensuring that all communities—especially those that are smaller or underrepresented—have the chance to thrive and contribute to the city’s vibrant, multicultural identity. By standing with us, you’re not only supporting the Ethiopian community, but also promoting the values of diversity, inclusion, and fairness that Santa Monica holds dear.
Imagine a city where everyone feels valued, heard, and represented—this is the kind of change we’re fighting for. Your voice matters in making that vision a reality.