Zethiopia’s anniversary galas became signature evenings for the Ethiopian American community of the Washington, D.C. area. What began as a celebration of my newspaper’s milestones grew into gatherings that brought together readers, community leaders, and distinguished guests — including former Lieutenant Governor Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, Congressman Elijah E. Cummings, and His Imperial Highness Prince Ermias Sahle-Selassie Haile-Selassie — to honor high-achieving Ethiopians and foster dialogue across the diaspora.

For me, the galas reflected the same conviction that drove Zethiopia itself. The moments captured here — from the pages of Zethiopia’s files to the ballroom floors of its anniversary celebrations — tell the story of a publication that became a gathering place, and of the planning, promotion, and on-site care that went into making each evening seamless.