Our Story
The Tigrean Community Center Boston Inc. was established in 1996 by Tigrayans in Boston, united by a shared commitment to support one another and achieve common goals. As a non-political, non-religious organization, we provide a welcoming space for our community to come together in times of both joy and hardship. Proudly registered as a 501(c)(3) non-profit, the Tigray Community of Boston continues to foster cultural preservation, mutual support, and community growth.
Our Programs
Legal & Immigration Support
Consular Assistance
We provide support in accessing consular services, including yellow cards, passport renewals, e-visas, and Power of Attorney applications for both Tigrayan citizens and non-citizens.
Immigration Support
Our team assists with completing selected immigration applications, including citizenship applications and affidavits of support. We also help explain and respond to immigration-related correspondence.
Translation & Interpretation
We provide translation services from Tigrigna and Amharic to English for a range of documents. Limited interpretation support is also available at governmental, legal, and social service offices, subject to availability.
Advocacy
We advocate for Tigrayan asylum seekers and refugees, providing support letters and connecting them with essential services such as healthcare, housing, and social assistance. We work with case managers and social workers to ensure their needs are met.
Community Integration
Newcomer Support
We assist newcomers by connecting them with established members of our Tigray community, local places of worship, and work opportunities within our community. Our goal is to help them build social networks and ease their integration process.
Networking
We organize gatherings and provide opportunities for all community members to build strong connections, foster relationships, and celebrate our shared Tigrayan heritage.
Resource Navigation
We offer assistance in navigating governmental and non-governmental systems, explaining official correspondence, and accessing essential resources such as social services, health insurance, housing, and legal aid.
General Support & Consultation
Community members can receive personalized guidance on a range of challenges, from understanding their legal rights to accessing local resources.
Cultural Preservation
Ashenda
The Tigray Community of Boston’s annual Ashenda & New Year’s Celebration is one of our most anticipated and nationally recognized events. Celebrated with pride, Ashenda is a Tigrayan holiday that honors the strength of Tigrayan women, celebrating sisterhood, womanhood, and girls’ empowerment.
During Ashenda, young Tigrayan girls and women prepare by adorning themselves in traditional attire, including colorful dresses and intricately braided hair. The girls sing cultural songs and are given gifts as a sign of respect and appreciation from the community. This vibrant cultural holiday showcases the strength and beauty of Tigrayan women and brings our community together in unity and tradition every year.
Boston Hibret Dancers
The Boston Hibret Dancers are the pride and joy of our Tigray community. “Hibret” translates to “unity” in the Tigrigna language. Established in 2011, this dance group has flourished over the years and has become an integral part of our cultural programming. Comprising dancers of various ages, the group has witnessed the transformation of our youth into some of the most skilled Tigrayan cultural dancers. In addition to learning the traditional dances, the Hibret Dancers serve as a source of mentorship and community building, fostering connections and nurturing the talents of our younger generation.
Our Goal
At the Tigray Community of Boston, our goal is to establish a community center that will serve as the heart of our collective efforts. This center will provide a space for educational programs, including Tigrigna language classes for our children, various workshops, and essential resources for our members. It will strengthen our community and ensure the continuation of our Tigrayan heritage for generations to come.
Join us in building a brighter future—your donation will help us create a community center to support and connect generations of Tigrayans.