Democratic party fetes ethnics at pre-inaugural luncheon

Ukrainian National Information Service

WASHINGTON - The National Ethnic Council (NEC) and the Public Liaison Office of the Presidential Inaugural Committee on January 18 held an American Reunion Luncheon at the National Press Club for over 200 ethnic Americans.

Among invited guests representing the Ukrainian American community were members of the Ukrainian American Democratic Association, the Ukrainian Fraternal Association, Ukrainian National Information Service and the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America Washington Branch.

The NEC is dedicated to strengthening ties between the Democratic Party and ethnic Americans of all backgrounds. Setting the tone for the afternoon was the symbolic date of Martin Luther King's birthday.

Welcoming remarks were given by Charles Santangelo, assistant director of public liaison for the Presidential Inaugural Committee. Mr. Santangelo emphasized how the National Ethnic Committee is dedicated to strengthening ties between the Democratic Party and ethnic Americans of all backgrounds by raising appreciation and awareness of the rich heritage ethnic Americans bring to the United States. Special Assistant to the President for Public Liaison Mike Lux continued by stating, "multiculturalism will continue during this new administration."

Other guests of honor seated at the head table were: Rep. Norm Mineta (D-Calif.), Clara Apodace, assistant director of public liaison, Presidential Inaugural Committee; Hollywood actors Esai Morales and Rodney Grant; Arthur Gajarsa, co-chair, Italian-American Leadership Council for Clinton-Gore; C. Dolores Tucker, National Political Congress of Black Women; Hyman Bookbinder, American Jewish Committee; John Pikarski, chair of United Polish Americans for Clinton-Gore; Alan Parker, director, National Indian Policy Center; Stan Balzekas, Museum of Lithuanian Culture; Christine Warnke, Greek liaison, Democratic National Committee.

The council proposes to hold briefings and exchanges with government officials on domestic and foreign policy issues, and serve as a link between ethnic leaders and the Democratic Party. Many speakers remarked that the Clinton administration has chosen to bring an "ethnic Americana into the administration."

The NEC has prepared a 1993 Ethnic Calendar for its invited guests. On the following days, Ukraine is listed: January 22 - Ukrainian Independence Day (1918), March 9 - Taras Shevchenko Day (Ukrainian poet laureate), June 1 - Ukrainian Famine Memorial Day, and August 24 - Ukrainian Declaration of Independence (1991).

Copyright © The Ukrainian Weekly, February 7, 1993, No. 6, Vol. LXI

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