The new Ethiopian millennium was colorfully celebrated in Los Angeles, California, on Friday 15 September 2007. Members of the diplomatic corps in Los Angeles, state, city, and county officials, many Ethiopians, religious leaders and businesspersons attended the event organized to mark the advent of the new Ethiopian millennium.
In his keynote address, Ethiopian Consul General in Los Angles Ambassador Taye Atske Selassie highlighted Ethiopia’s glorious past, and called on all Ethiopians to “rally around the millennium dream” to restore the country’s image and regain its global status.
California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Los Angeles City Mayor Antonio Villarigosa, the Board of Supervisors of the County of Los Angeles, and Congresswoman Dian Watson, among others, sent congratulatory messages to the Ethiopian Consulate General in Los Angles. Their respective representatives who personally attended the occasion read out the messages to the participants of the event.
“By reinforcing your unity and commitment to your custom, you exemplify the many ways this great state (California) benefits the diversity of its residents,” Actor-turned politician Schwarzenegger said in his message. Schwarzenegger particularly lauded Ethiopian-Californians for their “sound reputation for service and achievement,” and described the Ethiopian community in the Golden State as “an important part of our vibrant culture.”
In his special note, Lieutenant Governor John Garamendi of California also wished a “a bright and peaceful” millennium to the government and peoples of Ethiopia, which he depicted as “a culturally rich country with a unique history.” Recalling his time as a Peace Corp in Ethiopia in 1966, Garamendi detailed the “profound effect “ Ethiopia had on his life. Ethiopia “inspired me to pursue a career in public service,” he remarked. Essentially like a vice governor, the Lieutenant Governor is an important elected statewide official who also presides over the state senate.
“May this be a most auspicious beginning to the new millennium,” felicitated the message jointly signed by members of the Board of Supervisors of the County of Los Angles. The Board represents the 10.3 million residents and 88 cities in the county.
Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa of the City of Los Angeles - by far the largest city in the County and the second biggest US city after New York – sent a congratulatory certificate to Ambassador Taye Atske Selassie and, through him, to the Ethiopian people on the new millennium.
Representing the diplomatic corps in the city of Los Angeles, the current diplomatic dean, Mr. Roy Young, Consul General of Belize and Dr. Emmanuel Gill, Consul General of St. Vincent and Grenadines delivered speeches, wishing the Ethiopian people a happy new millennium.
The all time popular American R&B singer Jamie Jones, The prolific Gospel singer Pastor Iris Hailu, and singer Shekinah joined the Messegan Ethiopian Dancers and traditional Ethiopian singers to adorn the occasion with a variety of artistic performances.