Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego officially proclaimed August 24, 2026, Ukrainian Independence Day in the City of Phoenix, Arizona, and issued an official proclamation.
A proclamation is an official ceremonial document issued by a mayor to publicly recognize a particular date, event, or issue of public importance.
In the proclamation, the city notes that Ukraine gained independence from the Soviet Union on August 24, 1991, calling it a historic milestone in the Ukrainian people’s pursuit of sovereignty, democracy, and the right to determine their own future.
The document also highlights the contribution of Phoenix’s Ukrainian community to the life of the city: “Phoenix is home to a dedicated Ukrainian community that comes together through cultural organizations, festivals, humanitarian initiatives, and charitable events supporting Ukrainian families and communities affected by war. The Ukrainian American community in Phoenix enriches the city through its vibrant cultural traditions, including music, dance, art, food, and language, while creating opportunities for residents to learn about Ukrainian heritage and history.”
The city also emphasized that Phoenix residents stand in solidarity with Ukrainians and their commitment to freedom, sovereignty, and peace.
Mayor Kate Gallego ultimately proclaimed August 24, 2026, Ukrainian Independence Day in Phoenix and encouraged city residents to join in commemorating the occasion, honor the Ukrainian American community, and recognize the enduring spirit of the Ukrainian people.
The initiative to request the proclamation came from Ukrainian community activist Oli Nevinska. In an interview, she explained how the proclamation came about and why sustained engagement between the Ukrainian community and government officials matters.
– How did the idea of approaching the City of Phoenix about a proclamation come about?
— I already had experience working with proclamations like this. Last year, I contacted the governor’s office, and this year, since I live in Phoenix and am a Phoenix resident, I decided to reach out directly to the mayor’s office. Mayor Kate Gallego has supported Ukraine since the early days. We first met at a Ukrainian community event that I organized. She was invited as a speaker, and she expressed her support for Ukraine and for Arizona’s Ukrainian community.
— What was the process of obtaining the proclamation?
— Working with the mayor’s office was very easy. They have an official process: you can submit a proclamation request through the city’s website, and it is usually reviewed over the course of several weeks. In my case, everything happened much faster. About nine days later, they responded and told me they had been able to expedite the review of my request. Soon afterward, the proclamation itself was ready.
— Why was it important for the Ukrainian community to receive the proclamation specifically for Independence Day?
— These things are very important because proclamations are published on the city’s official website and are accessible to all Phoenix residents. It is another way to remind people that Ukraine matters and that relations between Ukraine and Arizona matter. It was especially important to receive this support this year, as Ukraine marks 35 years of independence. For Ukrainians living in Arizona, it is important to see the mayor of Phoenix publicly supporting Ukraine.
— How important were your previous contacts and relationships with the mayor’s office?
— They are very important. When you consistently maintain relationships with government representatives - at the city, state, and congressional levels, as well as with senators, the mayor’s office, and the governor’s office, you gradually build working relationships. Those relationships can later help advance initiatives by the Ukrainian community and support Ukraine.
I have been involved in advocacy for almost five years. This work takes place not only at the federal level but also locally. I stay in contact with Arizona officials and participate in events where there are opportunities to communicate with government representatives. That kind of consistent presence and communication is very important.
Author: Andrew Getman
