UNA CELEBRATES 125 YEARS: A snapshot from history, 1983

All these smiling faces seen in the photo above are those of girls age 7 to 11 and counselors of the Children’s Camp that took place at Soyuzivka, the UNA’s heritage center in upstate New York, during the summer of 1983. The camp leader was Stephanie (Stefa) Hawryluk, who later became an advisor on the Ukrainian National Association’s General Assembly. The annual boys’ and girls’ camps at Soyuzivka originated in the 1950s, soon after the UNA purchased the property in Kerhonkson, N.Y., in 1952. With the beginning of 2015, the Ukrainian National Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, became the owner of Soyuzivka. The UNF had been established as the charitable arm of the UNA in 1992.

Sept 29, 2017

Two years ago, on September 29, 2017, the United States and Ukraine conducted the first U.S-Ukraine Bilateral Cyber Dialogue in Kyiv.
As a demonstration of the U.S. commitment to supporting cybersecurity in Ukraine, U.S. Ambassador Marie Yovanovitch announced at the dialogue that the U.S. would provide over $5 million in new cyber assistance to strengthen Ukraine’s ability to prevent, mitigate and respond to cyberattacks. The dialogue strengthened whole-of-government bilateral cooperation on cybersecurity and cyber policy matters.

Duranty’s infamous Pulitzer Prize

As we get closer to the annual observance of Holodomor in November, the U.S. Committee for Ukrainian Holodomor-Genocide Awareness asks for your support in bringing attention to your community and general public about the infamous Pulitzer Prize given to Walter Duranty, correspondent for The New York Times during Joseph Stalin’s reign of terror.
After several attempts by the Ukrainian community to press The New York Times and the Pulitzer Committee to revoke Duranty’s Pulitzer Prize, as late as last November on the Holodomor’s 85th anniversary, the Pulitzer Committee refuses to meet and discuss Duranty’s undeserved prize. The U.S. Committee for Ukrainian Holodomor-Genocide Awareness is asking for immediate action by contacting editors of newspapers, magazines, television, radio stations and through electronic social media. A sample letter appears below. It is of utmost urgency that we let the world know that the time has come to finally remove Duranty’s Pulitzer Prize.

Atlas of Ukrainians in the United States

Dr. Oleh Wolowyna’s “Atlas of Ukrainians in the United States: Demographic and Socio-economic Characteristics” is perhaps one of the first comprehensive Atlases of an ethnic group in the U.S.A. In 380 maps, 15 figures and three tables, the atlas provides a thorough picture of the historical and current demographic and socioeconomic status of the Ukrainian community from the first wave of immigration in 1899 up until very recently in 2010.

Exhibition catalogue for “Full Circle: Ukraine’s Struggle for Independence 100 Years Ago, 1917-1921” is released

NEW YORK – The Ukrainian Museum has announced the release of its latest catalogue, “Full Circle: Ukraine’s Struggle for Independence 100 Years Ago, 1917-1921,” published in conjunction with the exhibition by the same name. The catalogue for “Full Circle,” one of the most important exhibitions ever mounted at The Ukrainian Museum in New York, is an essential resource for anyone who has toured the show, and even more indispensable for those who haven’t.

Philadelphia community celebrates Ukraine’s independence

JENKINTOWN, Pa. – A concert celebrating the independence of Ukraine was held Saturday, August 24, at the Ukrainian Educational and Cultural Center in Jenkintown, a suburb of Philadelphia. The celebratory concert was organized by the Ukrainian Community Committee of Philadelphia, which is composed of 27 organizations and is empowered to organize united community events.
The concert was opened by the head of the committee, Ulana Baluch Mazurkevich. Flanked by representatives of Ukrainian youth organizations, she greeted the attendees with the traditional “Slava Ukraini” (Glory to Ukraine). After brief remarks, Ms. Mazurkevich called for a moment of silence for the thousands who died in protecting Ukraine’s independence.

Fifth Vyshyvanka Run New York is in the books

NEW YORK – About 160 people who care about Ukrainian culture, community and a healthy lifestyle joined the 2019 Vyshyvanka Run New York. They demonstrated a real Ukrainian spirit to New Yorkers and guests of the city while running in Central Park, the world’s most famous and beloved park.
This year, there were not only walking and running groups, but also a 160-meter (1/10 mile) kids’ race for the first time ever. All the children did great and received very nice medals for their participation thanks to Aleksandr Kuzin. It truly felt like one big family celebration.

Chicago holds three days of Ukrainian independence celebrations

CHICAGO – Perfect weather in Chicago greeted large crowds on August 23-25 at the  three-day celebration of Ukraine’s independence. This year’s events were attended by the largest number of spectators yet.   
On Friday, August 23, the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America Illinois Division (UCCA) hosted an official ceremony at Chicago’s Daley Plaza. The dramatic effect of the U.S. and Ukrainian flags reflected in the facades of the glass and steel skyscrapers surrounding the plaza served as the background for the singing of the national anthems by Ukrainian singer Olga Tsvyntarna, who provided a powerful musical interpretation.  

Pennsylvania’s Bethlehem and Allentown honor Ukraine

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Under cloudy skies the Ukrainian flag was raised at Bethlehem’s City Hall on August 26. Sponsored by Branch 91 of the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America, the program commemorating the 28th anniversary of Ukrainian independence was opened by mistress of ceremonies Oksana Kipa.
Father Daniel Troyan of Holy Ghost Ukrainian Catholic Church in Easton, Pa., provided the opening prayer. To the playing of the American and Ukrainian national anthems, the flags of both countries were raised by Viktor Litkewycz and David Kadingo, members of Post 42 of the Ukrainian American Veterans.

New exhibit opens in Toronto: “Everything Old Is Cool Again”

TORONTO – The Ukrainian Museum of Canada, Ontario Branch, is presenting a playful exhibit celebrating a unique part of Ukrainian Canadian subculture. Not all museum treasures come from the distant past. This year, the museum unpacked Mama’s and Baba’s boxes for a nostalgic look back at the 1960s and ’70s, when embroidery adorned everything from home décor and handbags to the ubiquitous A-line dress.
Museum visitors will be able to learn about Ukrainian Canadian lives in the ’60s and ’70s through a cross-generational understanding of life and culture of the Ukrainian Canadian diaspora.