Belarus Independence Day in New York

more than 150 years of occupation by the Russian Empire. While short-lived, it nevertheless represented the political expression of the Belarusian national consciousness that had grown through the 19th century. The Proclamation of Independence of BNR of March 25th became the most significant date of Belarusian history in the 20th century and symbolizes the resolve of the Belarusian people to have Freedom and Independence.

Belarusian community in the Greater New York Area will get together to commemorate this momentous date. The celebration will take place on March 24th at 4W43 Building – SOCIAL HALL at 12:00 PM at 4 West 43rd Street (between 5th Ave & 6th Ave), New York.

The commemoration will include a solemn academy and a concert. With Belarusian music and food and an exhibition of historical photographs, documents, and artwork, the event will honor the heroes who struggled for Belarusian independence, freedom, and democracy.

We invite you to join us on this occasion!

PROGRAM*

12:00   Registration

Buffet of Belarusian cuisine
Bazaar of Belarusian souvenirs and artifacts
Exhibition of historical documents, books, periodicals, photographs, artwork, and other 

13:00   Official opening of the celebration

Address of the President of the Council of BNR, Ivonka Survilla
Address of the first U.S. Ambassador in Belarus, David Swartz
Greetings
Presentation: From the Belarusian Idea to BNR, Dr. Ales Smalianchuk, Professor of the Institute of Slavic Studies of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
Presentation: The Contemporary Significance of BNR on Belarusian Identities, Dr. Paulina Survilla, Professor of Musicology at the Wartburg College, Waverly, IA; Executive Director of the Center for Belarusian Studies, Winfield, KS.

14:30    Coffee break and Viktaryna

Fun Quiz on History of BNR, raffle, prizes

15:00   Concert

Concert featuring Andrus Takindang, leader of the Belarusian band Recha, and Viktar Shalkevich, famous Belarusian bard, actor, and showman
Sing-along and dancing

Admission: $38 in advance ($50 on the day of the event), free admission for children. Ticket price includes food and drinks. 
For more information, please, contact at info@belarusianinstitute.org.
We look forward to meeting you! Let's celebrate together!

* Preliminary program. Some changes possible.