A grand celebration of the 85th anniversary of the Ukrainian Congressional Committee of America (UCCA) – one of the oldest and most influential Ukrainian organizations in the United States, which has represented the interests of Ukrainians and supported Ukraine’s struggle for freedom for decades – was held in New York.
This was reported by Ukrainian Congress Committee of America.
The anniversary was not only an opportunity to honor the organization’s history, but also a platform for reflecting on the role of the Ukrainian diaspora in defending Ukraine and building international support in the face of a full-scale war.
“The founders of the UCCA clearly understood that advocacy is necessary to preserve Ukrainian identity and strengthen Ukraine’s voice in the world,” the organizers emphasized.
Since its founding in 1940, UCCA has become the leading voice of the Ukrainian community in the United States, especially during the times when Ukraine was under Soviet occupation and did not have its own representation in the world.
“For decades, the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America has not only been a witness to history, but also its shaping. It is not just an organization – it is a moral compass. A living legacy,” said Ambassador of Ukraine to the United States Olga Stefanishyna.
After Ukraine regained its independence in 1991, the activities of the Ukrainian diaspora and UCCA became one of the key factors in strengthening international support for Ukraine.
The participants of the event emphasized that Ukrainian advocacy in the United States became especially powerful after the Orange Revolution, the Revolution of Dignity, and the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion.
“Advocacy efforts have become more extensive, uniting not only Ukrainians of different generations, but also Americans who refuse to stand aside while Ukraine defends freedom, dignity and democratic values,” the event emphasized.
Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the UN Andriy Melnyk, in his speech, labeled UCCA one of the most influential Ukrainian brands in the world, the power and recognition of which can be compared with iconic American brands. The Permanent Representative emphasized that for millions of Ukrainians who lived under Soviet occupation, UCCA was a symbol of freedom and hope, along with media outlets such as Voice of America and Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty.
In his opinion, the founding fathers of the organization were the first to realize that the fight for Ukraine’s freedom requires systematic advocacy, organization and a long-term strategic vision.
“For 85 years – through the changing times and even in this crazy modern world – the Ukrainian Congressional Committee of America has remained what every strong nation needs: a reliable, recognizable and super-powerful brand of Ukraine in America,” said Andriy Melnyk.
The diplomat also emphasized that a real brand cannot live only in the past and must be constantly updated.
“A real brand never lives only in the past. A real brand is constantly updated. And for 85 years, the Ukrainian Congressional Committee of America has been doing just that,” he noted.
According to Melnyk, even despite the emergence of a large number of new Ukrainian organizations and initiatives in the United States, it is UCCA that remains the most recognizable Ukrainian brand, trusted by millions of people.
During the ceremony, Ambassador Olga Stefanishyna presented certificates of appreciation to UCCA New York Executive Director Tamara Gallo-Oleksi and UCCA Executive Secretary Maria Dupliak. They were recognized for their many years of community service, preservation of Ukrainian heritage in the United States, and contribution to the development of Ukrainian-American relations. Words of gratitude were also addressed to UCCA President Michael Savkiv, the executive board, volunteers, and members of the organization.
“This is the power of many generations that unites Ukrainians throughout the United States. The Ukrainian idea lives not only in Kyiv or Lviv, but also in Cleveland, Chicago, New York, and in every place where the Ukrainian heart beats,” Stefanishyna emphasized.
The organizers also drew attention to the importance of unity between different generations of the Ukrainian community in the United States.
According to them, today it is especially important to maintain a common moral compass and work together despite the differences between historical organizations and new waves of Ukrainian immigration.
“Unifying the voices of different generations and waves of immigration is a difficult challenge, because an organization with 85 years of experience, a charter and rules do not always meet the expectations of younger 2-5 year old organizations for various reasons. Therefore, events that bring together different generations are extremely important for restoring a common moral compass, because we have one Ukraine and one enemy. Therefore, side by side, we continue to work to destroy evil and preserve the freedom, identity and dignity of Ukrainians in the world,” emphasized Maria Dmytriv-Kapeniak, head of the Illinois branch of the Ukrainian Congressional Committee of America (UCCA),
The celebration of the 85th anniversary of UCCA took place in the format of a gala evening, which combined a solemn program, artistic performances and informal communication. Guests of the event had the opportunity to attend a cocktail reception, listen to a performance by singer Valeria Vovk and guitarist Michele Romeo, as well as enjoy a jazz program by the Markiyan Krysa quartet, and join discussions about the role of the Ukrainian community in the future of Ukraine.
The organizers emphasized that 85 years after its establishment, the mission of UCCA remains as relevant as ever.
“Eighty-five years later, the mission continues with even greater urgency and energy,” the Ukrainian Congressional Committee of America emphasized.
Photo: Oksana Sorochan, Ukrainian Congress Committee of America, Illinois Division
Author: Inna Mikhno