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Croatian Americans
Modern history of the Croatian diaspora in the United States is characterized by two events that deeply changed the basis of its political, social and cultural identity in American society. First, the generations of Croatian immigrants who came after World War II and the repressive end to the Croatian democratic movement in 1971 brought new ideas of how to help the Croatian people in its age-old struggle to reestablish its right to self-determination within the wider community of European peoples. Highly educated immigrants-university professors, scientists, artists, doctors and engineers-reinvigorated the old Croatian parishes and Croatian communities in the United States. They founded numerous national and sports clubs, spreading interest for everything connected to Croatia. Some Croatian scholarly societies started to use various media to educate and spread the truth about Croatia. All political groups promoted the establishment of a free, democratic and independent Croatian state. This young generation, expelled by the communists, had a very high degree of national identity and championed the right of self-determination and independence of the Croatian nation. The second major change in the life of the Croatian community in the United States was brought about by the fall of communist regimes in Eastern and Central Europe in the late 1980's, as well as by political changes in the former Yugoslavia. The Croatian diaspora immediately gave its moral and financial support to newly created political parties. This support was especially directed to parties that clearly identified their political platforms at the beginning of a new democracy in Croatia with the right to secret and direct multi-party elections for the Croatian parliament (Sabor), unrestricted travel for Croatian emigres and the freedom for political prisoners, and the right to self-determination, including the right to secession. Both at the beginning of the aggression on newly-founded Croatia in 1991 through the destruction of the war, Croatian Americans demonstrated their patriotism by continuously helping the new state. Their help and support was very important for the final liberation of Croatia. One of the most visible examples of such devotion was the Washington rally of 35,000 Croatian Americans from all parts of the United States in the summer of 1991 urging U.S. recognition of Croatia. The establishment of the Croatian state changed the main premise of today's presence of Croatian immigrants in American society. Croatian Americans finally became equal to other ethnic groups and communities, able to emphasize their Croatian national identity, language, history and culture. They strengthened their right to comment on American foreign policy toward and relations with Croatia. More than ever before, they are now able to proudly assert their Croatian origin, finding ways to identify with everything Croatian. There are numerous examples of Croatian Americans who proudly express their Croatian origins; among others: United States Congressmen George Radanovich, Dennis Kuchinich, and John Kasich, United States Senate candidate Kathy Karpan, Special Assistant to the First Lady Capricia Penavic Marshall, CNN Headline News Sports Broadcaster Jerome Jurenovich, Movie Producer (Shindler's List) Branko Lustig, Actor John Malkovich, Political Commentator Mary Matalin, and so on. This creates an important potential for Croatian representation in American society. The Croatian diaspora is aware of its new role in relations between "the two homelands", and a need to find new ways of structuring their activities and organizations. Croatian American organizations are undertaking an important task of creating political, economic, spiritual and cultural balance and stability between Croats in the United States and Croatia. Activities in 1996
The National Federation of Croatian Americans (NFCA) organized its annual convention under the motto "Celebration of Our Heritage", discussing many issues of importance to Croatian Americans. The Croatian American Congress (CAC), part of the world-wide Croatian World Congress, works on representing and coordinating the activities of numerous Croatian American organizations. During their fourth annual convention held in Cleveland, Ohio, the leaders of CAC, together with visiting Croatian high-level governmental officials, stressed the need for unified activities and strengthening connections with the homeland. The Croatian American Association (CAA) organizes annual meetings of its members with United States Congressmen, Senators, and White House and Administration officials. This event, known as "Croatian Days on the Hill", was held for the first time in 1991, and now represents a tradition of grassroots lobbying in Washington, DC on behalf of Croatian Americans. Croatian Americans are also active in various ethnic associations through which they can promote interests of Croatian American communities. These ethnic associations have regular meetings with White House officials, and this year President Clinton addressed one of them, called "Celebration of Ethnic America", with 10 representatives of Croatian Americans in attendance. There are also numerous other Croatian American clubs and organizations, as well as individuals throughout the United States, that work assiduously and contribute to the development of relations between our two countries. A good example of successful lobbying for Croatian interests can be seen in the activities that in the summer of 1996 led to the enactment of the "Amendment to the 1997 Foreign Appropriations Bill," which added language to include Croatia as a candidate for eventual membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Amendment No. 503 known as "the Croatian Amendment" was approved by unanimous consent. In addition, successful Croatian American business men and women, with their entrepreneurial spirit, business acumen and experience, as well their financial means, constitute an important resource which can benefit Croatia in the process of economic transition and investment. There are many examples of Croatian Americans investing in the future in business ventures in Croatia, furthering their interest in Croatia and advancing Croatian and U.S. business and trade links. Such a dynamic interaction between the Croatian American community and Croatia reßects the strength of the community and its ability to promote an objective image of Croatia in American. They also have an enormous potential in developing the demographic and cultural renewal of Croatia. Simply said, the Croatian American community is a constant source for continuing the successful cooperation between "the two homelands", Croatia and the United States. |
