AHIF Conference To Discuss Crucial Themes For Examining The Future Of Greek America

WASHINGTON, DC -- Following the initial waves of immigration from Greece during the late nineteenth and early and mid-twentieth centuries, the Greek American community today has established itself as a vibrant thread in the multicultural weave of American society. Looking to the future, what are some of the unique challenges facing the Greek American community in its quest to preserve and promote its Hellenic roots? What does the future hold for Hellenism in the U.S.?

The first annual conference on The Future of Hellenism in the United States will address these and other crucial questions related to ethnicity in the U.S. generally, and to the Greek American identity specifically. Sponsored by the American Hellenic Institute Foundation (AHIF) in cooperation with the Foundation for Hellenic Studies, the conference will take place on October 18-19, 2002 at the Capital Hilton in Washington, DC (16th & K Streets, NW).

A line-up of more than 30 leading experts encompassing diverse fields of expertise will comprise the panels. They include, among others: leading Greek American businessman and philanthropist George Behrakis; renowned professor of sociology Charles Moskos (Northwestern University); best-selling author Harry Mark Petrakis; current Ambassador of Greece to the U.S. George Savvaides; former Ambassador of Greece to the U.S. and current Executive Director of the Alexander S. Onassis Public Benefit Foundation (USA), Inc. Loucas Tsilas; and nationally-known producer and director George Veras (works include PBS documentaries The Greek Americans and The Greek Americans II: Passing the Torch).

Receiving the American Hellenic Institute Hellenic Heritage Lifetime Achievement Award will be Christopher Janus, author of seven books and writer for several movies, including the award winning Disney premier film Goodbye, Miss 4th of July. Mr. Janus is also responsible for founding and publishing the Greek Heritage Quarterly.