ClevelandPeople.Com Celebrating Cleveland's Cultural Diversity
American Nationalities Movement Freedom Awards
American Nationalities Movement Freedom Awards
The American Nationalities Movement (ANM) was formed for the purpose of uniting all the nationalities in the United States in the goal to educate, advocate and represent their interests of all the diverse ethnic groups to the public and mostly to the political leaders of the United States. They hosted their Annual Program and Christmas Party on December 9, 2023 at Holy Spirit Party Center in Parma Ohio. Three honorees were presented the Freedom Award: Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, Jim Trakas and Ohio State Senator Matt Dolan.
Ralph Perk Jr., Senator Matt Dolan, Archbishop Timothy Broglio, Jim Trakas and Irene Morrow
Independence and Unity Day (Slovene: Dan samostojnosti in enotnosti) is a Slovenian national holiday that occurs on every December 26 to commemorate the official proclamation of the Slovenian independence referendum on December 26, 1990. Consul General Alenka Jerak hosted a reception for Slovenian and other friends and colleagues to celebrate the important day.
Cleveland City Councilman Mike Polensek with Consul General Alenka Jerak
Global Cleveland is a non-profit organization that attracts, welcomes and connects international newcomers to economic, social and educational opportunities in Cleveland and Cuyahoga County. Their 2023 annual meeting was held at the Ariel International Center on December 7, 2023.
In this episode of Fun with Maps, host Dan Hanson looks at the 2nd largest country in the world - Canada. Canada is huge and diverse and many of its cities, provinces, territories, rivers, lakes, etc. would be good topics for future Fun with Maps episodes but this episode concentrates on one area - showing the 10 provinces and 3 territories of Canada.
The 10 provinces are Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec and Saskatchewan. The three territories are Northwest Territories, Nunavut and Yukon.
The latest exhibit at the Croatian Heritage Museum is titled: “Mladenka” - Croatian Wedding Traditions
The exhibit shows the dresses and colorful headdresses for the brides and the towels (Rucnici) that the groom and other men wore. Various regions of Croatia are represented. Admission is free.
The American Lebanese Community Council is a non profit organization created for all of Lebanese descent and their families regardless of their political affiliation or religion. They hosted the 12th annual Lebanon Day in Cleveland at an event in the Rotunda of Cleveland City Hall. All day the flag of Lebanon flew above Cleveland City Hall and was displayed in the Rotunda.
The special honoree was Berea Mayor Cyril Kleem.
Ohio State Representative Tom Patton, Souad Kaddah, Mayor Cyril Kleem and Pierre Bejjani
Ukrainian Ambassador Oksana Markarova in Cleveland
Ukrainian Ambassador Oksana Markarova in Cleveland
On Friday, November 17, 2023 several events were held in Cleveland to discuss the Holodomor 90 Years later and the current War in Ukraine. Her Excellency Oksana Markarova came to Cleveland to discuss the Holodomor, the Soviet Union's deliberate genocide through starvation of the people of Ukraine in 1932 and 1933 as well as the current Russian campaign of war and ethnic cleansing.
Marcy Kaptur introduces Ambassador Markarova and Senator Portman
The Traditional Slovenian Breakfast project was organized in Slovenia for the first time in 2011 at the initiative of the Beekeeping Association of Slovenia, with the aim of raising awareness among the youngest about the importance of healthy eating, sustainable agriculture, direct connection between honey-bees and other pollinators and the production of food, as well as environmental protection.
In Cleveland, this is the third year of a partnership between the Slovenian Consulate General (our Consul General Alenka Jerak), Collaborative Chamber Alliance (Mrs. Nicky Sulandari), the Ohio State Beekeepers Association (President, Mrs. Peggy Garnes), Euclid Chamber of Commerce (President Mrs. Dana Heil) and the many beekeepers, who volunteer their time and expertise to bring an educational and traditional breakfast to school children across the area.
José C. Feliciano Awarded Cleveland Heritage Medal
José C. Feliciano Awarded Cleveland Heritage Medal
The Cleveland Heritage Medal is bestowed upon individuals whose significant contributions through leadership, collaboration and service have left an indelible mark on all spheres of the Cleveland community. But for these extraordinary men and women, the magnificent story and history of Cleveland would not be what it is today. In a ceremony on Thursday, November 16, 2023 in the Cleveland City Hall Rotunda, José Feliciano, Sr. was the well-deserved recipient of this prestigious honor.
Volunteers from Project SEVA, a service arm of Federation of Indian Community Association (FICA) worked with local non-profit agencies and the CRB Department of City Hall to load and deliver boxed dinners, hygiene packets and blankets so the homeless and the refugees will have some needed items for this winter.
Both Mona Alag, the founding member of Project SEVA and Sangita Bafna, current President of Project SEVA were recognized at this event for 36 years of continuous service work to the needy in Cleveland.
On November 8, 2023 Tihar was celebrated for the first time in Cleveland City Hall by the local Nepali/Bhutanese communities and Community Relations Board Department at City Hall and other members of the community.
There were speeches, proclamations from the City, food from Himalayan Restaurant and lots of music and dancing.
Fun with Maps - Achill Island, County Mayo, Ireland
Fun with Maps - Achill Island, County Mayo, Ireland
This episode of Fun with Maps is about a small island off the West coast of Ireland called Achill. Mayo is one of 32 counties in Ireland. For a small island there is a lot of history there. For example, the famous Pirate Queen Grace O'Malley's Castle is located in the southeast corner of Achill Island. James Joyce used the legend of Grace O'Malley ("her grace o'malice") in his 1939 novel Finnegans Wake.
Dan looks at Slievemore Mountain and the "Deserted Village" there with approximately 80 ruined houses. For many years people lived and farmed in the village and then in 1845 the Great Hunger struck in Achill as it did in the rest of Ireland and the village was completely abandoned which is where the name 'Deserted Village' came from. Kildamhnait on the south-east coast of Achill is named after St. Damhnait, or Dymphna, who founded a church there in the 7th century. Dymphna fled to Achill to escape her tyrannical father and established her church on this site. There is also a holy well just outside the graveyard.
Johnny Kilbane was a featherweight boxer who held the world featherweight title from 1912 to 1923, the longest period in the division's history. He was the second longest world title holder in boxing history, behind only Joe Louis. His family was originally from Achill, County Mayo and then moved to Cleveland. Charles Boycott was an unpopular landowner who lived on Achill and the word "boycott" is named for him. Nancy Corrigan from Achill became only the second woman to earn a commercial pilot's license in the US. She paid for her flying lessons by being a model.
The Martin McDonagh movie 'The Banshees of Inisherin' was filmed on location on Achill Island. Achill is attached to the mainland by the Michael Davitt Bridge. John Reid and Yvonne Loftus Corcoran from the Michael Davitt Museum in County Mayo tell his story including how Michael Davitt and Charles Stewart Parnell formed the Land League at the end of the 19th century to abolish landlordism in Ireland and enable tenant farmers to own the land on which they worked.
Dan's home city of Cleveland Ohio USA was twinned with Achill twenty years ago and a large percentage of Cleveland's numerous Irish are from Mayo and specifically Achill.
20 year anniversary of the Twinning of Cleveland and Achill Island
20 year anniversary of the Twinning of Cleveland and Achill Island
In 2003 the city of Cleveland Ohio USA was twinned with Achill Island in County Mayo Ireland. A delegation from Cleveland travelled to Achill Island in September 2023 and a group from Achill Parish and County Mayo visited Cleveland in late October 2023 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the agreement. There were many events to celebrate the occasion.
On October 28, 2023 a sold out gala celebration was held at the West Side Irish American Club. It began with Mass and then a reception and dinner. Then various speeches and recognitions followed by music. dancing and craic.
John Myers, Gerry Quinn, John O'Brien Sr. and Mayor Bibb
Cleveland Mayors #58 and 56 - Justin Bibb and Jane Campbell
On October 29, 2023 at the Irish American Club East Side in Cleveland many members from the delegation from Achill and Mayo spoke about Irish genealogy, the Michael Davitt Museum in County Mayo and the Pat Chambers Civil War Collection.
John Reid, Yvonne Corcoran-Loftus and Pat Chambers
Cleveland Public Theatre (CPT)/ Teatro Público de Cleveland (TPC), and Día de Muertos Ohio presented the 19th Annual Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) Festival in Cleveland's Detroit Shoreway neighborhood. Featuring Altar Installations, Arts & Crafts, Latin Food, Live Music, and free Entertainment for All Ages. A highlight is the Parade / Desfile which goes down Detroit Ave, stops at some altars and then circles back. Watch the video.
Lots of photos and videos to come
Day of the Dead Parade
Day of the Dead Parade
The Day of the Dead (Dia de Muertos) celebration was put on by Dia de Muertos Ohio and Cleveland Public Theatre. The Day of the Dead (Día de Muertos or Día de los Muertos) is a holiday largely developed in Mexico, where it is mostly observed, but also in other places, especially by people of Mexican heritage elsewhere. One of the highlights of the day is the colorful Skull and Bones Parade.
Most of the tributes are outside in a cemetery of ofrendas (altars) on the Cleveland Public Theatre grounds but there are also some elaborate displays inside.
There is a new statue in the Cleveland Cultural Gardens. A 20,000 lb block of marble was hewn from Marble Mountain in Vietnam. The 9' tall Vietnamese Lady statue was crafted there as well and shipped to Cleveland. It was installed on November 3 in the Vietnamese Cultural Garden. Lots of photos and videos to come but here is a short time lapse video of the installation.
Twinning Group in Irish Cultural Garden
Twinning Group in Irish Cultural Garden
For the last week, a delegation from Achill Island and the broader County Mayo in Ireland have been in Cleveland to celebrate the 20 year anniversary of the Twinning (Sister City) of Cleveland and Achill Island, Ireland. Here they visited the Irish Cultural Garden. Lots of photos and videos to come.
Rest in Peace Romas Bublys
Rest in Peace Romas Bublys
From Honorary Lithuanian Consul Ingrida Bublys:
"With a heavy heart, we announce the passing of Romas Bublys, dearest husband and father. He died peacefully, with family at his side, on Friday, October 20th. Words cannot express how much Romas will be missed. Join us in prayer and celebration of an incredible husband, father, and friend.
A funeral mass for Romas Bublys will be held on Monday, October 30th, at 6:00 p.m. at The Church of the Gesu, 2470 Miramar Blvd., University Heights. Following the service, a celebration of life will take place at the Gesu Hall.
Thank you for your prayers and support, Ingrida and family
Romas and Ingrida Bublys
Carpatho-Rusyn Garden Information Pedestals Dedication
Carpatho-Rusyn Garden Information Pedestals Dedication
On Sunday October 15, 2023 many from the Carpatho-Rusyn communities in Cleveland, Ohio, Pennsylvania and beyond gathered to celebrate and dedicate 4 information pedestals that are in the Carpatho-Rusyn Cultural Garden in Cleveland. Because of rain the event was moved inside from the Cultural Garden to the Ballroom.
As you walk up Mayfield hill toward Cleveland's Little Italy neighborhood you will see two murals along the wall. The first has colorful depictions of the University Circle neighborhood including the Hessler Fair, Peter B. Lewis building at CWRU and even the John D. Rockefeller and President Garfield monuments at Lakeview Cemetery at the top of the hill.
The second mural tells the story of the Italians who came to Cleveland and settled and grew the community. From baseball to bocce ball, the Alta House, Feast of the Assumption and more.
Cleveland International Hall of Fame Class of 2024
Cleveland International Hall of Fame Class of 2024
Since 2010 the Cleveland International Hall of Fame has recognized people who have made significant and lasting contributions to our multicultural city and region. An annual induction ceremony takes place to both honor the deserving inductees and to inspire a new generation of leaders.
The 2024 Class of the Cleveland International Hall of Fame will be inducted on Tuesday April 23, 2024 at Windows on the River.
Over 90 worthy candidates were submitted to be considered. Previous inductees of the CIHF were asked for input and a committee worked hard to whittle that number down to the 6 in the 2024 Class. And what a Class it is!
You will see a lot more about the inductees in the future but here they are:
Bertie Ahern served as Taoiseach (Prime Minister) of Ireland from 1997 to 2008. He was instrumental in crafting the Good Friday Agreement along with President Bill Clinton, Tony Blair and others.
He was in the region to accept the AOH Sean MacBride Humanitarian Award, which is granted to those who have dedicated themselves to human rights issues. It was sponsored by the Ancient Order of Hibernians and the Youngstown State University Department of History.
Before flying out, the taoiseach spent some time at a reception in Cleveland and we were invited to meet and greet this historical figure by John Myers.
The Columbus Day Parade, sponsored by Italian Sons and Daughters of America (ISDA), took place in Cleveland's Little Italy neighborhood on Monday, Oct. 9 along Mayfield and Murray Hill roads. Hundreds of units marched - elaborate floats, marching bands, local artifacts, and city leaders - to celebrate Northeast Ohio's deeply rooted Italian American culture.
Basil Russo was formally inducted as a “Knight of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Italy” by the Republic of Italy on Sunday, Oct. 8. The official ceremony took place in Little Italy at Angelo’s Nido Italia, where Russo was presented with the distinguished Cavaliere title.
Degas and the Laundress: Women, Work, and Impressionism
Degas and the Laundress: Women, Work, and Impressionism
Edgar Degas was a French Impressionist artist famous for his pastel drawings and oil paintings. His reputation was built on images of upper-middle-class entertainment in 19th century Paris - especially dancers and horse racing. Degas is especially identified with the subject of dance; more than half of his works depict dancers.
This is a very surprising (to me) new exhibition at the Cleveland Museum of Art. It's surprising for the very narrow topic of the exhibition and also for the quantity of pieces on that topic from big name artists such as Degas, Renoir, Toulouse Lautrec and Picasso.
Beginning September 29, 2023 at sundown, many Jewish families will celebrate Sukkot, a time to commemorate the 40 years the children of Israel wandered in the desert after the Exodus from Egypt. In Hebrew, sukkot means "booths" or "huts" and replicates the shelters Jews lived in while harvesting and during their exile in the desert. In Cleveland, a Sukkah Village was set up in Wade Oval in University Circle.
Sukkah Village set up in Wade Oval in University Circle
The annual City of Cleveland kick-off of Italian Heritage Month is the official opening of a month-long celebration of the Italian-American community in Cleveland and Northeast Ohio. A packed house was on hand to honor Italian American heritage honorees, hear speeches and enjoy an Italian meal. The event was sponsored by the Italian Sons and Daughters of America under the leadership of ISDA national president Basil M. Russo and District VP Marie Frank.
Blaine Griffin, Basil Russo, Matt Zone, Mayor Justin Bibb, Pamela Dorazio-Dean and Mike Polensek
What a night! Over 450 people attended the 2023 induction ceremony for the Cleveland International Hall of Fame. Lots of photos and videos posted soon.
2023 Class Picture Standing: Sudarshan Sathe and Pierre Bejjani Seated: Georgine Welo, Mike Polensek and Pat Dowd Not pictured: Joyce Mariani
Murder in the Cultural Gardens
Murder in the Cultural Gardens
"It just didn't seem right to DJ. A body found bludgeoned in a place known for "Peace through Mutual Understanding." But there she was, crumpled behind a bust of composer Franz Liszt in the Hungarian Cultural Garden. He pulled out his cell phone and dialed 911. "What is the nature of your emergency?" the dispatcher queried. With a suddenly very dry mouth DJ managed to get out, "There's been a murder in the Cultural Gardens."
That's the beginning of the recently published first novel by Dan Hanson.
The whodunit, titled Murder in the Cultural Gardens, takes place in the Cleveland Cultural Gardens and all 30+ gardens are featured during the mystery. You may even recognize some of the characters.
Click the link above to learn more or to purchase in paperback or Kindle version from Amazon. Or contact Dan via the Murder in the Cultural Gardens webpage to have a signed book delivered.
Cleveland is a diverse city with about 120 distinct ethnic heritages represented. We at ClevelandPeople.com and the Cleveland International Hall of Fame believe that this ethnic diversity makes us a much richer city and that we should all celebrate this fact.
We asked people from various ethnic groups to create a tile representing their heritage. These 3 quilts are a product of that effort. We hope that other ethnic groups will want to add their own tile to these patchworks showcasing our ethnic diversity.
This DVD is a Living Rosary in the sense that over 200 people participated in saying a prayer. 3 bishops, numerous priests and sisters and a variety of lay people all said a prayer (Creed, Our Father, Hail Mary or Glory Be) that when put together combine to form the complete Rosary.
We hope that you will pray along with the diverse group of people on this DVD. They are young and old, different races and ethnicities, in Church and outside, alone and in groups. The prayers are said in English, but occasionally there is a prayer in another language. You may not know the language but will understand, and be able to pray along, because of the context.
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Do you need a Hungarian Flag? A shirt that says "I love Slovenian girls"? How about a sign that says No Parking except for Irish Grandmother?
These and hundreds of other items for your particular ethnic group are available for browsing at our on-line store. It's safe, fast, easy and fun. And there is a wide selection you will never find in the stores!
