Displacement and Survivance: Oromo Organizing and Urban Planning in Addis Ababa (Finfinne) and Minneapolis

The role of independent media within Urban Planning is deeply important as it provides a contrasting perspective to the government narrative. In Ethiopia censorship is the norm so members of the public are limited in what they can say on planning issues as going against the government can be seen threat. Diaspora media outlets such as the Oromo Media Network (OMN) play a critical role in amplifying the voices of people that are organizing against the state driven development which seeks to destroy their livelihoods. The Oromo protest movement lead by the Qeerroo (Unmarried young person) against the Addis Ababa Integrated Master Plan was transnational stretching to Oromo street in City of Minneapolis. This paper draws upon a diverse set of literature to argue that the creation of Oromo Street is an instance of post-colonial space making, as the Oromo who had been invisible within the Ethiopian Empire are now visible in the City of Minneapolis. The paper examines the intangible cultural assets of Oromo Street through a community mapping project that shares pictures and stories of Oromo members of the Minneapolis community. It also assesses City of Minneapolis Official Plan 2040 and how it can uplift the Oromo community's cultural heritage.