Things that define Ukrainians growing up in America

While we watch and wait, I've been thinking about who I am. It's often hard to explain the things that define Ukrainian Americans, but there are at least 25 anomalous behaviours that we all had in common growing up. I can't explain some of them, I just have to tell you about them. It's what every kid raised Ukrainian around the world knows for fact.

Tensions escalating around Ukraine

Fear creeping in...along with the hope that there are still options. 

Our family aboard the USS Constitution setting sail for America.

Some of you who read my first entry in this blog mentioned that there was an anti-immigrant sentiment when you arrived in America. It caused us to congregate together in a support structure that allowed the children to flourish, slowly integrate and change the perceptions of those around us. It took a bit of effort, and often we did the melting pot thing and became American to the world. But inside, we never gave up that feeling of being different and connected by a common bond wherever we chose to reside.  We never gave up hope that the promised land would offer new options. 

Being Ukrainian in the Diaspora

A foreigner in my home land

Ukrainian-American family at home in 1958. I'm the baby. 

by Daria Blackwell

I grew up Ukrainian in America.  My parents were immigrants from this Eastern European country with a rich culture and tumultuous history.  They left their country unwillingly when the Bolshevik and German fronts collided on their doorstep during WWII.  They were among the millions of displaced persons leaving a land they loved for the unknown but promised potential of life in a more peaceful world. More on that later.