A diverse group of smiling people poses for a group photo on an outdoor wooden deck against a bright, clear sky.

Support ECMAA – Donate Today

Subscribe to get notified about new events!

Ethiopian Community Mutual Assistance Association Inc

LXCL: Ethiopian Community Mutual Assistance Association (ECMAA) brings Ethiopians and friends of the community together to build meaningful connections, share resources, create opportunities, and celebrate our culture and heritage across generations. Community. Culture. Connection. Since 1981.

Celebrate Enkutatash (Ethiopian New Year) with ECMAA on a food tour through Uptown Manhattan! We&rsquo;ll visit local Ethiopian restaurants, enjoy tastings, and hear directly from owners about their businesses, food, and stories. Come hungry, meet new people, and support the restaurants helping make NYC&rsquo;s Ethiopian community and food scene special. 📅 Saturday, September 19, 2026 | 1 PM (Sharp!) 🎟️ $25 per person Stops: Benyam &bull; Awaze &bull; Lalibela &bull; Settepani Meeting Point: Benyam, 2795 Frederick Douglass Blvd at 1:00 PM sharp.We&rsquo;ll take a short bus ride between the first two stops and walk between the remaining locations. Space is limited &mdash; register early!

Uptown Ethiopian Food Tour

Yelugnta Mental Health Workshop&nbsp;Join us for a free, interactive community workshop that creates a safe space to talk openly about mental health and well-being in the Ethiopian community. Through breakout sessions and guided conversations, we&#39;ll focus on real experiences from home, work, and school. Guided by ECMAA&#39;s mission to support and empower the Ethiopian community, this workshop offers practical tools, shared stories, and culturally aware resources. Our guest speakers, mental health experts with experience in the Ethiopian community, will share how the brain responds to stress and provide practical resources available to you and your family. All community members are welcome, whether you&#39;re seeking support for yourself, a family member, or a friend.&nbsp; Speakers:&nbsp; Meron Addisu, LCSW Meron Addisu is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and psychotherapist specializing in trauma-informed behavioral health care. She has spent the last 15 years partnering with hundreds of diverse individuals and families to navigate life&#39;s complex moments.&nbsp; Through ECMAA&rsquo;s open community conversation and workshop, she is looking forward to exploring the connection between mental health and Yelugnta &mdash; facing how our culture shapes the way we think, feel, and care for one another, and what that means for pursuing our collective wellness. Mulugeta Semework, PhD Mulugeta Semework, PhD, is a neuroscientist who worked at Columbia University for over a decade, researching vision, memory, brain function, and neuroprosthetics. He also collaborated with University of Cambridge researchers and Ethiopian physicians on published traumatic brain injury (TBI) research in Ethiopian hospitals. His work adapted sophisticated neurological and cognitive tests for developing-country settings, particularly Ethiopia, including translating and adapting MoCA, Stroop, line-bisection, vision, and memory assessments into Amharic. Through ECMAA, he will explore the connection between the brain and mental health &mdash; and how brain function shapes memory, perception, emotions, and behavior. Sarah Worku, MD Sarah Worku, MD is an Assistant Clinical Professor with the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and is an Attending Psychiatrist at NYC H&amp;H/Elmhurst in the Psychiatric Emergency Department. She is passionate about destigmatizing mental illness and making mental health care more approachable, culturally responsive, and accessible. Through ECMAA she is looking forward to providing families guidance on the often complex intersection of mental health, our cultural beliefs, and the medical system. To get to the event please follow these detailed directions below.&nbsp;Event will take place in the Pier 57 Building:&nbsp;If you&#39;re entering from 11th Avenue (the main entrance)&nbsp;<ol fr-original-style="" style="width: 100%; box-sizing: inherit;"><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Enter through the main doors under the large &quot;Pier 57&quot; sign.&nbsp;</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Walk straight &nbsp;ahead toward the Hudson River, don&#39;t turn left or right.</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Continue through Market 57, the indoor food hall.&nbsp;</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">When you reach the large open seating area called the Living Room, keep walking.&nbsp;</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">The Community Classrooms will be on your right. Each room has a sign above or beside the door.&nbsp;</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Look for the room labeled &quot;Daffodil.&quot; It is next to the other classrooms (Seahorse and Oyster).&nbsp;</li></ol><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/hxn9dbuhd/image/upload/v1787345515/wysiwyg/mtbp2twd9x7iqz1yttea.jpg" style="width: 600px; display: block; vertical-align: top; margin: 5px auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; padding: 0px 1px; user-select: none; max-width: 100%; position: relative; box-sizing: inherit;" fr-original-style="width: 600px; display: block; vertical-align: top; margin: 5px auto; text-align: center;" fr-original-class="fr-draggable">

Yelugnta Mental Health Workshop

It&#39;s that time of year again! Let&#39;s welcome the season of Summer, together at SAKURA PARK! Bring your family, friends, and foldable chairs. (Picnic blankets, too!) We&#39;ll bring the food and festivities for all ages!&nbsp;<p fr-original-style="box-sizing: inherit; max-width: 100%; color: rgb(93, 56, 14); width: 552px; margin-inline: 0px !important; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: 0.25px; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 248, 240); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; margin: 0px; line-height: 1.5;" style="box-sizing: inherit; max-width: 100%; color: rgb(93, 56, 14); width: 552px; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: 0.25px; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 248, 240); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; line-height: 1.5; margin-inline: 0px !important; margin: 0px;"> ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️<p fr-original-style="box-sizing: inherit; max-width: 100%; color: rgb(93, 56, 14); width: 552px; margin-inline: 0px !important; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: 0.25px; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 248, 240); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; margin: 0px; line-height: 1.5;" style="box-sizing: inherit; max-width: 100%; color: rgb(93, 56, 14); width: 552px; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: 0.25px; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 248, 240); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; line-height: 1.5; margin-inline: 0px !important; margin: 0px;"> Ethiopian Community Mutual Assistance Association Inc&nbsp;is a nonpartisan, registered nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that has served the Ethiopian community in the New York tri-state area for over four decades. We provide cultural, recreational, and educational programs while leveraging community expertise to empower and strengthen our community.<p fr-original-style="box-sizing: inherit; max-width: 100%; color: rgb(93, 56, 14); width: 552px; margin-inline: 0px !important; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: 0.25px; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 248, 240); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; margin: 0px; line-height: 1.5;" style="box-sizing: inherit; max-width: 100%; color: rgb(93, 56, 14); width: 552px; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: 0.25px; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 248, 240); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; line-height: 1.5; margin-inline: 0px !important; margin: 0px;"> Yearly programs such as our Summer Kickoff Picnic happen because of your ongoing support.&nbsp;<p fr-original-style="box-sizing: inherit; max-width: 100%; color: rgb(93, 56, 14); width: 552px; margin-inline: 0px !important; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: 0.25px; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 248, 240); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; margin: 0px; line-height: 1.5;" style="box-sizing: inherit; max-width: 100%; color: rgb(93, 56, 14); width: 552px; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: 0.25px; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 248, 240); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; line-height: 1.5; margin-inline: 0px !important; margin: 0px;"> How you can support:<ol fr-original-style="box-sizing: inherit; max-width: 100%; color: rgb(93, 56, 14); font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: 0.25px; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 248, 240); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;" style="box-sizing: inherit; max-width: 100%; color: rgb(93, 56, 14); font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: 0.25px; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 248, 240); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;"><li fr-original-style="box-sizing: inherit; max-width: 100%; color: inherit !important;" style="box-sizing: inherit; max-width: 100%; color: inherit !important;">Attend:&nbsp;Experience the entertainment and education our event offer.</li><li fr-original-style="box-sizing: inherit; max-width: 100%; color: inherit !important;" style="box-sizing: inherit; max-width: 100%; color: inherit !important;">Donate:&nbsp;Contributing now helps us organize programs throughout the year.</li><li fr-original-style="box-sizing: inherit; max-width: 100%; color: inherit !important;" style="box-sizing: inherit; max-width: 100%; color: inherit !important;">Share:&nbsp;Share our events with friends, family, and on social media.</li><li fr-original-style="box-sizing: inherit; max-width: 100%; color: inherit !important;" style="box-sizing: inherit; max-width: 100%; color: inherit !important;">Volunteer:&nbsp;We are 100% volunteer-based and we&#39;d love for you to join us.</li></ol><p fr-original-style="box-sizing: inherit; max-width: 100%; color: rgb(93, 56, 14); width: 552px; margin-inline: 0px !important; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: 0.25px; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 248, 240); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; margin: 0px; line-height: 1.5;" style="box-sizing: inherit; max-width: 100%; color: rgb(93, 56, 14); width: 552px; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: 0.25px; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 248, 240); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; line-height: 1.5; margin-inline: 0px !important; margin: 0px;"> Your support is invaluable. Thank you.

ECMAA Summer Kickoff Picnic!

Join ECMAA for its 12th Annual Commemoration of the Battle of Adwa and Yekatit 12,&nbsp;honoring the courage, sacrifice, and unity that have profoundly shaped Ethiopian history.&nbsp; This in-person program will take place on Saturday, February 28, from 2:00&ndash;5:00 PM at Alfred Lerner Hall, in collaboration with the University&#39;s Ethiopian &amp; Eritrean Student Association. The Battle of Adwa stands as a pivotal moment in Ethiopian and African history, marking a decisive turning point in the Scramble for Africa and inspiring global movements for Black liberation. The Yekatit 12 Massacre&nbsp;commemorates Ethiopia&rsquo;s profound sacrifices during resistance to Italian occupation. This tragic three-day massacre took place in Addis Ababa and surrounding areas during Italy&rsquo;s second invasion of the country. The program will feature an esteemed panel including Dr. Shimelis Gulema and mixed-media artist Ezra Wube. Together, they will offer critical historical context and guide attendees through &quot;Gibbi,&quot;&nbsp;a powerful VR experience that centers the little-known story of 700 massacre survivors who sought refuge at the U.S. Embassy compound. This event is open to the public. RSVPs including attendees&rsquo; first and last names are required in accordance with University policy, and photo ID will be required for entry on the day of the event.

12th Annual Commemoration of the Battle of Adwa & Yekatit 12

Join us for an evening of relaxed painting, Ethiopian flavors, and good conversation. No art experience needed just your curiosity and love for the culture.&nbsp; Artist Yeabsera Tabb will guide you in creating your own masterpiece to take home. Enjoy Tej and other drinks and snacks available for purchase at Oasis Jimma Juice Bar.&nbsp; Your ticket includes:&nbsp;✓ All painting supplies (canvas, brushes, apron, paints)&nbsp;✓ Guided instruction✓ Your finished artwork&nbsp;✓ A cup of traditional Ethiopian coffee&nbsp; 21+ only&nbsp; A portion of the profit will go to support ECMAA to continue its work in supporting Ethiopian immigrants with community services, resources, and cultural programs.&nbsp; Reserve your spot, bring a friend, and enjoy a creative night rooted in our shared heritage. 🎨🍷

Sip and Paint - Habesha Style

Discover the Tradition of Tej Join us as we celebrate Ethiopian heritage through the rich aromas and flavors of Tej, traditional Ethiopian honey wine.&nbsp; This event is a part of our dedication to promoting cultural heritage and building strong community ties. Your participation helps support vital programs that empower Ethiopian immigrants. Experience a unique blend of culture and connection.&nbsp;

A Taste of Home 🍯🍷

Join ECMAA&#39;s art raffle for a chance to win unique art pieces created by our very talented community members, Yeabsera Tabb &amp; Kibrom Gebre. &nbsp; Each ticket you purchase directly contributes to our mutual aid efforts for Eshete! 🎟️ Thank you for your support. ✨

ECMAA Film Screening Raffle

The Ethiopian Community Mutual Assistance Association (ECMAA) invites you to a special screening of&nbsp;The Cat Man Eshete&nbsp;&mdash; celebrating the story of an Ethiopian refugee whose quiet acts of care helped shape a Brooklyn community.&nbsp; Join us for an evening of uplifting Ethiopian culture and storytelling through fellowship, community-building, and mutual aid. Tickets are limited and will sell quickly! Drinks will also be available for purchase. Please arrive promptly at 6:30 PM.&nbsp; All ticket proceeds will go directly to Eshete to support his well-being and stability.&nbsp;

ECMAA x LIEF Studios: The Cat Man Eshete Film Screening & Reception

Join us on Zoom for the ECMAA Annual Impact Presentation, where we come together to reflect on our journey in 2025 and look to the future. We&rsquo;ll share stories that highlight our work in supporting the Ethiopian community, from providing essential services to celebrating our rich cultural heritage. Together, we&rsquo;ll explore how these efforts foster meaningful integration and empower individuals. Interested in taking a more active role? Learn how you can join our Board and Advisory Council in 2026 or become an ECMAA member to help shape the future of our programs and initiatives. Your voice and engagement can make a lasting impact on the community we serve.

ECMAA Annual Impact Presentation

Join the Ethiopian Community Mutual Assistance Association (ECMAA) and become part of a legacy of&nbsp;45 years strong.&nbsp; Founded in 1981, ECMAA was created to uplift, connect, and empower Ethiopians across New York, northern New Jersey, and southern Connecticut. Today, your membership helps us continue this mission with renewed focus, stronger systems, and expanded community programs.

Join the Ethiopian Community Mutual Assistance Association (ECMAA) and become part of a legacy of 45 years strong. Founded in 1981, ECMAA was created to uplift, connect, and empower Ethiopians across New York, northern New Jersey, and southern Connecticut. Today, your membership helps us continue this mission with renewed focus, stronger systems, and expanded community programs.

ECMAA Membership

Melkam Addis Amet &mdash; Welcome 2019! 🌼🍂Join ECMAA on Saturday, October 3 for our 6th Annual Enkutatash Picnic &amp; Fall Community Celebration! Enkutatash may have passed, but the celebration continues! Come together with Ethiopians and friends from across the NYC area for an afternoon of Ethiopian food, buna, music, fashion, games, culture, community, and fall activities.&nbsp;Everyone is welcome! What to Expect<ul fr-original-style="text-align: start;" style="text-align: start; box-sizing: inherit;"><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Ethiopian food &amp; refreshments</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Buna, music &amp; dancing</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Fashion Show featuring Resilient by Abby</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Bereka Games, including Who&rsquo;s Most Likely To: Habesha Edition and Shuf Shuf</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Fall &amp; family-friendly activities</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Games, culture &amp; community</li></ul>Bring your picnic blanket, friends, and family. Traditional Ethiopian or white attire is welcome! Admission is free, but please RSVP so we can plan accordingly. Optional contributions help ECMAA keep community celebrations accessible to everyone. Already RSVP&rsquo;d for the initial September 12 date? No action is needed &mdash; your RSVP will remain.

Ethiopian Community Mutual Assistance Association Inc

Ethiopian Community Mutual Assistance Association Inc

Events

Events

ECMAA’s 6th Annual Enkutatash & Fall Community Celebration

Get your tickets

More ways to support us

ECMAA Membership

View membership

Powered by