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Councilmember Zachary Parker
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Councilmember Brooke Pinto
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Councilmember Janeese Lewis George
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Councilmember Matthew Frumin
A CEREMONIAL RESOLUTION
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IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
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To recognize the Ethiopian New Year and declare September 11, 2024, “Ethiopian New Year
Day” in the District of Columbia.
WHEREAS, Enkutatash, the Ethiopian New Year celebration, will be celebrated on
September 11, 2024;
WHEREAS, September 11 is Meskerem 1 on the Ethiopian calendar, the date that
tradition recognizes as when Makeda, the Queen of Sheba, returned to Ethiopia after visiting
King Solomon in Jerusalem;
WHEREAS, Ethiopian New Year is known as Enkutatash, or “Gift of Jewels,” in
reference to the gifts her subjects presented to Queen Makeda upon her return;
WHEREAS, the Washington, DC, metropolitan area has one of the largest populations of
Ethiopian-Americans and Eritrean-Americans in the United States, and many Ethiopian and
Eritrean immigrants are prominent members of the Washington, DC business community;
WHEREAS, Washington, DC, and Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, are signatories to a Sister
Cities agreement, to create lasting partnerships and cooperation on economic development,
public health, culture, tourism and education; and WHEREAS, an Ethiopian New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner will be held on the night of
September 10, 2024 at the Watergate Hotel.
RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA , That this
resolution may be cited as the “Ethiopian New Year Day Recognition Resolution of 2024”.
Sec. 2. The Council recognizes the importance of and celebrates Enkutatash, the
Ethiopian New Year. Members of the Council of the District of Columbia call upon all residents
of the District to join our family, friends, and neighbors of Ethiopian and Ertirean descent in
celebrating this occasion.
Sec. 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon the first date of publication in
the District of Columbia Register.