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House of Wisdom Founder and CEO Ahmad Hilal Abid delivered President Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address Friday, July 3, during an interfaith service at Washington National Cathedral commemorating the United States’ 250th anniversary.
“Standing in our nation’s cathedral to deliver one of the most important speeches in American history was an honor beyond words,” Abid said in the press release issued by the Lynnwood-based nonprofit. “I carried with me the hopes of the young people, families and communities we serve across Washington state. This moment was bigger than me; it was about the power of service, opportunity and the American Dream.”
Abid, who immigrated from Afghanistan eight years ago and founded House of Wisdom in 2020 at age 17, said the experience reinforced his commitment to public service. He told My Neighborhood News Group that he was invited to speak at the Washington, D.C. service because of his recognition as one of 2025 National Courage Award recipient.
“Being selected to deliver this speech meant a great deal to me,” Abid said. “It reminded me that there is still hope, that the American Dream is alive, and that the work of immigrants in this country is being seen and valued. As a Gen Z who arrived in the United States eight years ago with limited English, standing in our nation’s Cathedral and delivering one of the most important speeches in American history was an incredibly humbling experience.”
Abid said that delivering the Gettysburg Address reflected not only his personal journey but also those of many immigrants and refugees who came to the U.S. to seek better life opportunities.
”I felt honored to represent the communities we work with across Washington State and grateful for the opportunity to contribute to a celebration of our nation’s history and shared values,” he said.
Founded in 2020, The House of Wisdom has grown from a garage classroom into a Washington-based nonprofit dedicated to expanding educational opportunity, culturally responsive mental health and wellness, food security, mentorship, civic engagement and leadership development for underserved, low-income immigrant and refugee youth and families.
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