An Ethiopian refugee’s path from serving his community as a church deacon in Bahir Dar to breaking barriers in American politics

By Ethiopian Tribune Reporter

In the rolling hills of Gojam, near the ancient city of Bahir Dar where the Blue Nile begins its eternal journey, a young man once served his community as a deacon in the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church. Today, that same spirit of service has carried Amsalu Kassaw across continents and into the halls of American municipal government, where he has made history as Aurora’s first refugee immigrant elected to serve as an At-Large Council Member.

The story of Councillor Kassaw reads like a modern odyssey, one that speaks to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of service to transcend borders, languages, and cultures.

Sacred Foundations in the Homeland

Kassaw’s formative years in Ethiopia were steeped in the rich traditions of Orthodox Christianity, where his role as deacon instilled in him the fundamental principles that would later define his political career: service, community connection, and advocacy for the vulnerable. The experience of ministering to his community in Bahir Dar, with its ancient monasteries dotting the shores of Lake Tana, provided him with an early understanding of leadership rooted in humility and dedication to others.

This foundation in community service would prove prophetic. As Kassaw himself reflected in a recent campaign video, his journey from Ethiopian refugee to American councillor began 18 years ago when circumstances forced him to leave his homeland and seek refuge in the United States.

A Scholar-Advocate’s Journey

Before his forced displacement, Kassaw had already established himself as a formidable advocate for human rights and social justice. His academic pursuits in Human Rights and Political Science/International Relations were complemented by active leadership roles in civil society organisations, including Vision for Justice, the Coalition of 24, and the Ethiopian Advocacy Network. These weren’t merely academic exercises but practical, hands-on work within Ethiopia’s challenging political environment.

Upon arriving in America, Kassaw demonstrated remarkable continuity of purpose. Rather than allowing displacement to diminish his advocacy work, he channelled his experience into supporting fellow immigrants through his involvement with the Ethiopian American Civic Council, immediately establishing himself as a bridge-builder within the diaspora community.

Breaking Barriers in Aurora

Aurora, Colorado, is a city that embodies America’s immigrant dream. As one of the most diverse cities in the United States and a major refugee resettlement hub, it provided the perfect backdrop for Kassaw’s historic political achievement. His election as the first refugee immigrant to serve as an At-Large Council Member represents far more than personal success, it stands as a powerful symbol of immigrant potential and integration.

“I want to be a connector and a bridge for Aurora’s diverse population,” Kassaw declared in his campaign message, articulating a vision that drew directly from his own experience of navigating between cultures and communities.

His political platform rests on three foundational pillars that reflect both his immigrant experience and his deep understanding of community needs:

Connecting Communities: Kassaw positions himself as uniquely qualified to bridge Aurora’s remarkable diversity, understanding that true strength comes from unity across cultural and linguistic boundaries.

Protecting Public Safety: With a commitment to ensuring that every family, child, and neighbourhood feels secure, his approach to public safety reflects the refugee’s intimate understanding of what it means to seek sanctuary.

Creating Opportunity: Perhaps most personally resonant, Kassaw’s emphasis on fostering economic opportunity through business-friendly policies stems from his own gratitude for the opportunities America provided him. “The country gave me opportunities, and I want to give back by ensuring others have the same chance,” he has stated.

Leadership in Action

Kassaw’s influence extends well beyond symbolic representation. His appointment as Chairman of the Housing and Neighbourhood Development Committee and Vice-Chairman of the Transportation Committee places him at the heart of policy areas that directly impact quality of life, equity, and urban development issues that affect all Aurora residents but are particularly acute for immigrant and refugee communities.

These roles allow him to address the very challenges he once faced as a newcomer: access to affordable housing, transportation infrastructure that connects communities, and neighbourhood development that fosters integration rather than isolation.

A Complex Portrait

Yet Kassaw’s story is not without its complexities. His professional role as a Lieutenant with GEO Group at an ICE detention facility presents a profound tension that reflects the intricate realities of immigrant integration in America. This position, while providing stable employment in the security sector, places him within a system that many in his own community view with deep apprehension.

This duality serving both as an elected representative of immigrant communities and as an employee within the immigration enforcement system illustrates the difficult navigation required of successful immigrants in contemporary America. It raises important questions about pragmatism, principle, and the complex pathways individuals traverse in pursuit of stability and success.

Global Impact and Recognition

The significance of Kassaw’s achievements extends far beyond Aurora’s city limits. His success resonates throughout Ethiopian communities worldwide, serving as proof that the values of service and leadership that originate in places like Bahir Dar can flourish on the global stage.

This international recognition will be celebrated when Kassaw travels to London as an honoured guest at the Ethiopian Sports & Culture Festival, scheduled for 15th to 17th August 2025. The invitation comes from Alebachew Dessalegn, Director of The Ethiopian Sports & Culture Federation in the UK, who recognises the profound impact of Kassaw’s journey.

“Amsalu is not only serving Aurora as a councillor, but he remains an inspiring role model for the youth of the Ethiopian diaspora across the globe,” Dessalegn explained when announcing the invitation. His words capture the essence of why Kassaw’s presence at the London festival carries such weight it represents the realisation of possibilities for young Ethiopians worldwide who may see their own potential reflected in his remarkable trajectory.

The festival, which brings together Ethiopian communities from across the United Kingdom and beyond, will provide Kassaw with a platform to share his experiences and inspire the next generation of diaspora leaders. His presence will serve as a powerful reminder that the Ethiopian diaspora continues to contribute meaningfully to their adopted societies whilst maintaining deep connections to their heritage.

The Road Ahead

As Kassaw completes his appointed term, which runs through December 2025, all eyes turn to the November municipal election that will determine who serves the next full term. Should he choose to stand for re-election, his campaign will likely focus on the legislative priorities that have defined his tenure: public safety, housing, transportation, and civic engagement.

His political journey represents more than individual achievement; it embodies the evolving narrative of American democracy, where voices once marginalised are increasingly taking their place at the table where decisions are made.

A Testament to Service

From his early days as a deacon serving communion in an ancient church overlooking Lake Tana to chairing municipal committees that shape the lives of hundreds of thousands of residents, Amsalu Kassaw’s story is ultimately one of unwavering commitment to service. His path from the theological concept of diaconia (service) in Orthodox Christianity to the practical politics of municipal governance demonstrates how the fundamental human impulse to serve others transcends cultural and geographical boundaries.

As Ethiopian communities around the world watch Kassaw’s continued rise in American politics, they see reflected not just personal success, but the enduring values of their homeland: community service, respect for diversity, and the understanding that true leadership comes from lifting others as you climb.

In an era when refugee and immigrant experiences are often reduced to statistics and policy debates, Councillor Amsalu Kassaw’s remarkable journey from deacon to councillor offers something far more valuable: proof that service to community remains the most powerful force for positive change, regardless of where that service begins or how far it travels.

The Ethiopian Tribune will continue to follow Councillor Kassaw’s political journey and his participation in the Ethiopian Sports & Culture Festival in London from 15th to 17th August 2025.