Pittsburgh's Ukrainians hold community meeting

by Michael Jula

PITTSBURGH - A meeting of the Pittsburgh Ukrainian American Community occurred on Sunday, January 19, at the University of Pittsburgh's Cathedral of Learning. The brisk afternoon brought representatives of 17 organizations together to report on their goals for 2003 and achievements of 2002 to an assembly of 35 individuals.

Pittsburgh is one of the oldest Ukrainian communities in the Unites States, balancing the existence of four major immigrations and their descendants. Over two decades ago, Bohdan Konecky supported an event to showcase the collective experiences of the Ukrainian organizations of the Pittsburgh community. The Pittsburgh Ukrainian Festival Committee was developed and it took the reins of an annual event promoting the activities of these Ukrainian organizations, encouraging them to network and socialize.

True to its mission, the Pittsburgh Ukrainian Festival Committee called for an annual community meeting. Representatives from the Diocesan Resource Committee - Eparchy of St. Josaphat in Parma, Kyiv Ukrainian Dance School and Ensemble, League of Ukrainian Catholics of Western Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh Ukrainian Festival Committee, Pittsburgh-Donetsk Sister Cities, Poltava Ukrainian Dance Company, the School of Ukrainian Studies, Ukrainian National Women's League of America Branch 27, Ukrainian Cultural and Humanitarian Institute, Ukrainian Cultural Trust Choir of Western Pennsylvanian, Ukrainian Nationality Room Committee at Pittsburgh, Ukrainian Fourth Wave of Pittsburgh, Ukrainian Orthodox Church Departmental Agencies, Ukrainian Radio Program, Ukrainian Self-Reliance Federal Credit Union, Ukrainian Student Club at the University of Pittsburgh and the Ukrainian Technological Society reported.

Monitored by Kristina Kincak Szmul of the Pittsburgh Ukrainian Festival Committee, the meeting started on time and concluded ahead of schedule. English was the working language.

In a five-minute report, each group was able to touch upon its mission, contributions and upcoming activities. The presentations were informative and provoking; they gave an insight into which organizations were ready to tackle the challenges of the 21st century. Immediately after the reports an informal reception followed to encourage networking.

In the beginning of its existence Pittsburgh's émigré community split into Ukrainian and Rusyn factions. As this Ukrainian community escaped the Depression, it soon faced new arrivals and new perspectives. As history repeats itself with the arrival of another wave of immigrants it is hoped that, in showcasing the resources of Pittsburgh, cooperative alliances will be forged as needed. Inclusivity, not exclusivity, will be the approach in Pittsburgh in promoting all combined assets and sharing experiences.

Copyright © The Ukrainian Weekly, February 16, 2003, No. 7, Vol. LXXI

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