1985: A LOOK BACK: U.S. Ukrainian community (12/29/85)

1985: A LOOK BACK

U.S. Ukrainian community

A hopeful sign for the Ukrainian American community came the weekend of October 19-20 when 267 delegates of 49 national and local Ukrainian organizations, and representatives of 22 Ukrainian American Coordinating Council branches gathered in Philadelphia for the first convention of the UACCouncil.

The organization was formed in response to the October 1980 takeover in Philadelphia of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America by one political faction of the Ukrainian community.

The convention proceeded smoothly and amicably, and ended in a spirit of goodwill toward all Ukrainians, regardless of their political affiliations.

"We do not exist for the purpose of competing with the UCCA," said newly re-elected UACCouncil president John O. Flis, in his acceptance speech. "May God help them in their work; we will do our own work."

The City of Brotherly Love proved itself this year after all.