In loving memory of Mr. Tamrat Medhin, who passed away on August 25, 2024 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Tamrat lived in the Virginia area since the mid-1970s and was a prolific member of his community. He spent his last days in our motherland, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where he was in complete joy during this time. 

Tamrat was born on October 12, 1945 in Ethiopia to Gabremedhin Gebre-egizabher and Hirut Gubaye. Tamrat was a naturally gifted student and top of his class. After grade school, Tamrat headed to Haile Selassie University in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where he received his bachelor’s degree. In his years at Haile Selassie University, he participated in many activities that sharpened his leadership and educational skills. In the mid-1970s, Tamrat moved to the United States to further his studies at George Washington University in DC, where he completed his master’s degree in Engineering Administration. 

In the mid-1980s, he met his loving and supportive wife, Hewan Deneke, where they went on to build a life together. Tamrat and Hewan went on to have 3 daughters: Adey, Leya, and Gelila. Tamrat was a generous, loving, and supportive family man. 

Tamrat was also a businessman and community advocate that thrived in helping and educating others. Tamrat’s career and advocacy work began well before having children, but continued to progress as the years went on. He was fiercely passionate about building community from the start and dedicated his life to mentoring others and encouraging awareness in embracing one’s culture and background. 

Tamrat, later, was the power force and President of Little Ethiopia, an active organization in the District which was established to create awareness about the significance of Ethiopian/African history, cultures, heritage and traditions. Through various community events, symposiums and discussions that he led (alongside many key partners), Little Ethiopia was created to encourage DMV residents (and beyond) and particularly people of African descent to explore and conserve their ancestral heritage and interconnectedness. He was the winner of numerous community awards as well as the DC Mayor’s Pan-African Bridge Builder Award, and the Centenary Medal of Adwa in 2020, which in particular was awarded by the grandson of Emperor Haile Sellassie I, Prince Ermias Sahle Selassie, President of the Ethiopian Crown Council.

Tamrat has been instrumental in teaching the African American communities and other residents of the District of Columbia their historical connections to Ethiopia, and annually, honors veterans by wreath laying ceremonies at the African American Civil War Memorial.

Beyond his contributions in building a sense of community and solidarity among all people, Tamrat was a successful real estate broker and entrepreneur known to have played an impactful role in several community and faith based organizations in acquiring, selling, and investing of real estate, as well as helping many people become homeowners.

Tamrat was one of the most generous souls on this planet. He was a powerful force, an advocate, and giving man who worked tirelessly to ensure that his family and community had everything they needed to succeed. And though he had ups and downs in his life, he faced every challenge in life with admirable strength and courage. Early in life, our father learned the importance of hard work and he instilled that same work ethic and focus in many. 

Tamrat is survived by his life partner, Hewan, and his 3 daughters. He is also survived by his son-in-law, Clarence J. Clanton (Adey’s husband) and 2 grandsons, Adan and Tafari. Tamrat will be deeply missed by all who knew him. May God rest his soul in heaven.

John 11:25-26  NLT: Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die. Do you believe this, Martha?”

Family Acknowledgement: ‭Our family wishes to share sincere gratitude to each and every one of you for thoughts, prayers, and support during this difficult time. God bless you all. 

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