Tesfagaber Redi of ECSSD

Tesfagaber Redi’s journey from Eritrea to San Diego was shaped by tumultuous events that pushed many Eritreans to seek refuge. In the early 1970s, political turmoil engulfed Ethiopia, compelling the Ethiopian military's ascent to power. As tensions rose, Eritreans faced persecution and violence. Fearing for his safety, he embarked on a challenging migration from Eritrea through Sudan, Saudi Arabia, and Djibouti before arriving in the USA in 1980 where he reconnected with his fiancé. 

Upon settling in San Diego, Tesfagaber’s mission became clear: to unite and support fellow Eritreans. Drawing inspiration from the Eritrean struggle for independence, Tesfagaber initiated efforts to build a cohesive Eritrean community. Despite initial challenges, including political divisions and regional differences among Eritreans, we persevered.

According to Tesfagaber, “The motivation behind our community-building endeavors was multifaceted. We aimed to uphold Eritrean culture, foster unity, aid the assimilation of Eritrean refugees, and provide essential services and guidance for new arrivals.”.

When asked about the achievements in the community, Tesfagaber said “Throughout the years, our achievements have been numerous and impactful. From facilitating assistance for arriving refugees to organizing cultural education for Eritrean children, our community's milestones have been deeply rooted in preserving our heritage and supporting one another. Our dedication to preserving Eritrean culture, language, and traditions has been central to our community's identity. Regular gatherings, celebrations of Eritrean holidays, language classes, and inclusive practices for all religions have been instrumental in maintaining our heritage within San Diego.”

When asked about the challenges he experienced in building the community Tesfagaber said, “Undoubtedly, our journey has seen defining moments and challenges. Crafting our community's bylaws and navigating differing perspectives on celebrating Eritrea's independence were pivotal experiences. These challenges strengthened our resolve and led to amendments that better served our community's interests.”

Reflecting on the evolution of the Eritrean community in San Diego, Tesfagaber said “I'm immensely proud of the resilience and unity we've fostered. Our community's growth has been a testament to our dedication, drawing strength from the teachings we learned in Eritrea and the unwavering commitment of countless individuals.”

When asked about how he was able to dedicate so much of his time to the community, Tesfagaber said “Personally, supporting the community demanded sacrifices, often juggling multiple responsibilities. However, the unwavering support of my family and my innate dedication fueled my efforts, enabling me to navigate professional commitments while actively participating in community endeavors.”

We asked where his inspiration came from, and he said “My mentors were the teachings of the EPLF and the guidance of early community leaders. Looking ahead, I envision a vibrant future for the Eritrean community in San Diego, led by the younger generation. Encouraging their involvement, technological adaptation, and leadership will secure our community's prosperity.”

“In parting, my advice to the younger generation is simple: dedicate yourselves to the community's welfare and prioritize inclusivity and adaptability. Embrace change, uphold our heritage, and remember that unity is our greatest strength. Together, we can ensure a thriving Eritrean community in San Diego for generations to come.”