Mlk chop suey8/5/2023 ![]() OED has been working to “link her up not only with east African businesses in the Central Area,” Davila said, “but also ones on 12th Avenue that have seen some displacement from the construction going on there.” In turn, civil servants like Davila and Cayabyab have advised Habeti on what projects will affect her neighborhood, how to access city resources, and how to proceed with her own organizing work. “By the city convening group,” said Cayabyab “I think she was kind of inspired…and energized to continue those convenings, and continue to create a space and a table of those business owners on their own.” This convention was the germ for her current organizing efforts. With the help of DON’s Cherry Cayabyab, Habeti eventually hosted a convention of Ethiopian business owners from 23rd and 12th Avenues at her restaurant. “Messeret was kind of identified kind of an outspoken leader for the east African and specifically Ethiopian business community,” said the Office of Economic Development’s Mikel Davila. With the repairs came a flurry of activity from other city departments, including the Department of Planning and Development and the Department of Neighborhoods, and Habeti became a liaison with the area’s Ethiopian businesses. In 2013, the city started work on fixing up 23rd Ave, one of the main north/south roads that runs through the Central District. This kind of civic-business organizing isn’t new for Habeti. ![]() “For those people who don’t speak English or read English, I’ll explain to them what change is coming” from developers or city construction projects, for example. “We’ll let the neighborhood know all the new information,” she said. She said the latter benefit already exists via informal social networks. Business owners would gain strength through numbers, while the city and neighborhood would gain civic infrastructure - a streamlined way for the government and others to communicate with the area’s tight-knit immigrant community. The value of an east African business association would be beneficial to both the shops and restaurants and customers, Habeti said. Tsedalu said that after that e coli scare (which she denies came from her restaurant), customers began snubbing Ethiopian restaurants in general. Habeti’s colleague and friend Tsedalu used to own an Ethiopian restaurant that the King County Deptartment of Health closed in 2013. That is the plan, to benefit for ourself by being together all at the same time.” “If you are formally associated,” said her husband and business partner Messeret Ferede, “we have one voice. “I have explain that this is the time that we need to be gathering together.” “I’ve been just walking around with all the information, explaining why we need this, why now,” she said. She said she has talked to dozens of local businesses, and hopes have a formal association established by June. “If we have association, no one will be interrogated” or bullied by government or media. “That’s why I want to create the… business association,” she said. By banding together, Habeti hopes to emulate the success of immigrant businesses in the International District. After a 2013 e coli scare made “Ethiopian” synonymous with “unsafe” in the ears of some, she told CHS, business slumped. Messeret Habeti, co-owner of the Ethiopian restaurant Assimba at MLK and Cherry, wants to build an east African business association bringing together restaurants, shops, and more from 12th Ave to MLK. Tsedalu (left), Messeret Habeti, and Messeret Ferede (Image: Alex Garland for CHS)
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