Events

The Hope of New Flowers Panel: an intergenerational conversation...

As an extension of my multimedia project The Hope of New Flowers, I will be hosting a panel event centered around the Ethiopian diaspora in the United States and the stories that live between us and the generations before us.

This conversation explores what happens when we sit with our parents, ask questions, and begin to uncover the histories that shaped our families. The unraveling of stories with past generations doesn’t only bring intergenerational understanding — it also deepens our understanding of ourselves.

We will be joined by Naomi, Saron, Yoni, and Milca, who will share their discoveries, insights, and reflections from months of conversations with their parents. The evening will also include a screening of my short film from the project, revealing my own personal exploration of my father’s story. Finally, we’ll have a Q&A session expanding the dialogue towards the audience as well. Everyone is welcome to join!

This event is also made possible by the generosity of Mulushewa. If you’re able, we encourage you to support them by purchasing something from their menu and showing love to a local Habesha business.❤️💛💚

Come join us for a night of meaningful dialogue and an intimate space to reconnect with our roots...

The Hope of New Flowers Exhibit

In this multimedia project I explore the life of my father, Tesfaye Leka, beginning as a shepherd in rural Ethiopia to later rebuilding a new life in the United States. During the 1970s Derg regime, my father participated in Ethiopia’s civil war as a guerrilla medic, fled to become a refugee in Sudan, and eventually became a physician in California. Through film and photography, I’ve been able to document contemporary moments that echo my father’s memories and revisits significant locations of his life in Ethiopia. Included are my father’s family and friends that carry their own stories as Ethiopian immigrants to the U.S., and as participants in his life. Through the unraveling of the intimate story of my father’s journey of upheaval and hope, I’ve been able to find the stories of many Ethiopians who are rebuilding the legacy and identity of Ethiopia and the Ethiopian diaspora.

If you just so happen to be in D.C. on the 23rd of April, I gladly invite you to come to the reception of George Washington University’s ‘NEXT Extravaganza’ where my work for this project will be up for display and fully open to the public. There will also be the work of my class and other art students that are completing their tenure at the Columbian School of Arts and Sciences.