{"id":10101,"date":"2025-01-08T01:56:01","date_gmt":"2025-01-08T01:56:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sites.rutgers.edu\/books-we-read\/?p=10101"},"modified":"2024-12-19T17:58:50","modified_gmt":"2024-12-19T17:58:50","slug":"never-again","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sites.rutgers.edu\/books-we-read\/never-again\/","title":{"rendered":"Never Again: UNWLA\u2019s Holodomor Commemoration Initiatives"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Exhibit<\/a>
Douglass exhibit (Photo: Books We Read)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In 2023, Rutgers University’s Mabel Smith Douglass Library hosted an exhibit<\/a>\u00a0curated by the Ukrainian National Women\u2019s League of America \u00a0(UNWLA)<\/a>\u00a0to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the Holodomor, the great Ukrainian famine in the 1930s, followed by a Holodomor lecture<\/a>. Our online gallery preserved the physical exhibit<\/a> for the future as part of our Ukrainian series<\/a> already ongoing at that time. The partnership with UNWLA has continued with reading recommendations<\/a> and even an interview on how to bring Ukrainian books to the library<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The article by Anna Petelina, UNWLA National Education Chair, provides an update on the most recent Holodomor commemoration initiatives all over the United States. (Image credits: UNLWA, unless otherwise noted.)<\/p>\n

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Honoring the Victims: UNWLA\u2019s Holodomor Commemoration Initiatives in November 2024<\/h3>\n

In November 2024, the Ukrainian National Women\u2019s League of America (UNWLA) spearheaded a series of nationwide initiatives to commemorate the 91st anniversary of the Holodomor. This devastating man-made famine of 1932\u20131933, orchestrated by Stalin\u2019s regime, claimed millions of lives and remains a profound tragedy in Ukrainian history. Through diverse and collaborative efforts, UNWLA branches and members worked to honor the victims, educate the public, and strengthen global awareness of this genocide.<\/p>\n

\"exhibit\"<\/a>
UNWLA branch 139, New England<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A Collective Commemoration Effort<\/h4>\n

While UNWLA played a significant role in organizing commemorative events, it recognizes that the remembrance of the Holodomor is a collective endeavor shared by the entire Ukrainian community and allied organizations. Across the United States, Ukrainian groups united to ensure that this genocide is remembered and its lessons are preserved for future generations.<\/p>\n

Educational and Academic Engagement<\/h4>\n

Education remains a cornerstone of UNWLA\u2019s commemoration efforts. Collaborations with universities, public libraries, and educational institutions brought lectures, exhibits, and film screenings to audiences nationwide. Scholars and experts explored the Holodomor\u2019s historical significance and its parallels with modern geopolitical challenges, sparking meaningful dialogue among attendees.<\/p>\n

Local Ukrainian schools engaged students in creative competitions, encouraging essays, poetry, and artwork that reflected on the Holodomor\u2019s impact. These initiatives not only deepened participants’ understanding but also connected younger generations to their heritage and history.<\/p>\n

\"art<\/a>
UNWLA branch 111, Los-Angeles<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Public Memorials and Civic Events<\/h4>\n

UNWLA branches across the country hosted solemn memorials and vigils, drawing hundreds of participants to honor the memory of the millions who perished. Many events featured panakhyda<\/em> (memorial prayer services), keynote addresses by academics and diplomats, and candlelight vigils. These gatherings underscored the importance of remembrance while emphasizing the ongoing need to confront injustice and uphold Ukraine\u2019s sovereignty in the ongoing russian-Ukrainian war.<\/p>\n

Exhibits at public spaces such as libraries and community centers provided educational resources to a broader audience. By incorporating historical photos, curated books, and symbolic items like wheat sheaves and acorns, these displays served as poignant reminders of the Holodomor\u2019s enduring relevance.<\/p>\n

Creative and Cultural Expressions<\/h4>\n

Art and culture played a vital role in this year\u2019s commemorations. Branches collaborated with local artists to create thought-provoking installations, while concerts and film screenings provided platforms to convey the emotional and historical weight of the Holodomor. The integration of spoken word, visual presentations, and cinematic storytelling helped engage diverse audiences in meaningful ways.<\/p>\n

\"black<\/a>
UNWLA branch 147, Texas<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A Unified Message: \u201cNever Again\u201d<\/h4>\n

UNWLA\u2019s initiatives this year reinforced a powerful message: remembrance is not just about honoring the past but about shaping a future where tragedies like the Holodomor never happen again. By connecting historical reflection to current events, such as Ukraine\u2019s ongoing struggle against russian invasion, these commemorations serve as a call to action for solidarity and vigilance.<\/p>\n

Encouraging Broader Participation<\/h4>\n

UNWLA underscores that it is not the sole organizer of Holodomor commemorations. This anniversary belongs to all Ukrainians, who, alongside allied communities and organizations, work tirelessly to ensure the memory of this genocide is preserved. The collective efforts of Ukrainian organizations across the United States highlight the unity and resilience of the global Ukrainian community.<\/p>\n

Through its multifaceted commemoration projects, UNWLA continues to honor the victims, educate the public, and advocate for global recognition of the Holodomor as genocide. These efforts ensure that the lessons of the past inspire a more just and compassionate future.<\/p>\n

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