Albanian Roots

Albanian Roots - Rrënjët Shqiptare
Abbreviation AR-RS
Motto " Atdheu Mbi Te Gjitha"
Type 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation
Legal status Non-Government Organization
Purpose Protect Albanian diaspora interests via cultural activities, activist movements.
Headquarters New York City, New York, United States
Membership
 1000 - 2500
Official language
 Albanian, English
President
 Marko Kepi
Affiliations Albanian American Civic League Vatra,Albanian American Student Organization, Ana e Malit, Fondacioni Plave-Guci, ISA.
Volunteers
 100 - 200
Website albanianroots.org

Albanian Roots (Albanian: Rrënjët Shqiptare) [1] is a non-religious, Non-Profit Organization of young Albanian Professionals whose primary function is to strengthen the Albanian community by integrating the Albanians with each other and their respective adopted countries throughout the whole Albanian diaspora. Albanian Roots works primarily to built a strong relationship with other Albanian communities in order to share a more dynamic and cohesive partnership. Albanian Roots focuses on promoting the Albanian culture and heritage to the younger generations by improving the community in organizing events such as network events, picnics, art shows, festivals and its main event the Albanian Roots Parade in the Immigrants Day Parade in New York.[2] Albanian Roots focuses on "cultural activities movements" as well as performing activist campaigns through a network of delegates, advisers, and analysts.

The goals of Albanian Roots:

History

Albanian Roots was created as a result of national pride among young Albanian college students in New York City. The concept of gathering the Albanian student organizations was initialized as early as 2008. In 2009, Albanian Roots was a DBA of Albanian American Civic League and under the guidance of Joe DioGuardi. In 2011, the official organization paperwork was filed and Albanian Roots was an independent NGO with official 501c3 status.

In 2008, Albanian students wanted to replicate how the Italians, Irish, Puerto Ricans had their own day were they could express their pride and heritage. Consequently, the students decided to do the same thing and eventually built the foundations for the Albanian Roots Organization. In 2009, Marko Kepi, Ervin Toro and other Albanian students wanted to participate in the International day parade where they could represent Albania, they called it the Albanian Roots Parade Because Albania begins with the letter "A", they led the parade and where in front of most other floats and thus they received much acclaimed attention from the public and the media. Due to marketing on Facebook, thousands of Albanian Americans showed up in huge numbers. The students were shocked. Afterwards they realized that this was the start to something big. They eventually began the idea of constructing an Albanian Roots organization. The students wanted a more professional representation of Albanians in order to keep young Albanians engaged in their community and contribute to the greater cause.[8] They further built the organization to have support from well-known and respected entertainers, athletes, politicians, humanitarians, and the general public.[9][10]

Albanian Roots Parade

June 27, 2009

  1. Grand Marshal - Joe DioGuardi
  2. Marshall - Ron Toci
  3. Honorary Guest - Shaban Lajci, Tony Dovolani
  4. Performers - Gezim Nika, Aurela Gace, Merita Halili, Valentina Dedvukaj
  5. Traditional Dancers- Grupi Rugova, Rozafati, Grupi Folklorik Konetikut, Bashkimi Kombetar
  6. Participating Organizations-
  7. Theme - Promoting Albanian Tourism and the Albanian Riviera
  8. Dedication- Albanian American relations

June 2010

The Immigrants Day Parade was canceled for everyone due to New York City permit regulations.

June 25, 2011 & October 10, 2011

Two parades were held on 2011; the Immigrants Day Parade and Columbus Day Parade.

  1. Grand Marshal - Joe DioGuardi
  2. Marshall - None
  3. Honorary Guest - Joe DioGuardi, Peter Lumaj, Mark Gjonaj
  4. Speaker - Kreshnik Spahiu
  5. Performers - Genta Ismajli, Ciljeta, Frederik Ndoci
  6. Traditional Dancers- Rozafati
  7. Participating Organizations- Bashkimi Kombetar
  8. Theme - "Chameria is Albania"
  9. Dedication- Chameria, Cham Albanians, Albanian communities in Greece
  10. Telivsed by RTV-21

June 23, 2012

  1. Grand Marshal - Tahir Muhedini
  2. Marshall - Tony Dovolani
  3. Speaker - Shenafi Rama, Hakik Menaj
  4. Honorary Guest - Drita D'Avanzo, Lola Luma
  5. Performers - Valentina Ajdari, Valentina Dedvukaj-Spaho, Lirie Dedvukaj, Frederik Ndoci
  6. Traditional Dancers- Bashkimi Kombetar
  7. Participating Organizations- Shoqata Chameria, Shkolla Shqipe Bronx, Dovolani Boxing, Ana Malit, Fondacioni Plav-Guci
  8. Theme - "100 Vjetori i Shteti Shqiptare"
  9. Dedication- " 100 years of Albanian Independence"
  10. Telivsed by RTV-21

June 22, 2013

  1. Grand Marshal - Ismet Kurti
  2. Marshall - None
  3. Honorary Guest - Elvir Muriqi, Donald Suxho, Sidni Hoxha, Lola Luma, Dritan Mishto, Rudi Gega, Mike Adams, Lindita Lole
  4. Performers - Melinda Ademi, Bledar Maqellara
  5. Traditional Dancers- None
  6. Participating Organizations- Ana Malit, Bashkimi Kombetar, Albanian American Organization Chameria, Fondacioni Plav-Guci, Shoqata Kombi, United Albanians
  7. Theme - "JEMI NJE"
  8. Dedication- " Shqiperi Etnike "
  9. Televised by Albalife TV & RTV-21
Award Name
Nene Tereza Award Waheed Waheedullah ; a former UN representative that served in Albania

June 21, 2014

  1. Official Sponsor - R.E.M Residential
  2. Sponsors - Albanian American Civic League, Black Eagle Energy Drink, Avokati Ylli Cakani, Dema Landscape, PetroFluids LLC, Illyria Reality, Sunnyside Printing, Ana Malit, Fondacioni Plav-Guci, Pranvera Cobo, Bajraktari Reality Management Corp, Zef Balaj & Sons Associates
  3. Grand Marshal - Mark Gjonaj
  4. Marshall - Esad Gjonbalaj
  5. Honorary Guest - Mike Dusi, Reshat Mati, Zerina Derveni
  6. Performers - Alberie Hadergjonaj, Damjon Marcus, Gjilberta Lucaj, DJ EDIH
  7. Traditional Dancers- Rozafati, Bashkimi Kombetar, Ansambli Artistik Valle Shqiptare
  8. Participating Organizations- Ana Malit, Bashkimi Kombetar, Shoqata Cameria, Fondacioni Plav-Guci, Shoqata Kombi, Shoqata Uskana, Albanian American Student Organization, Shkolla Shqipe Bronx, Shoqata Dibra, Don Filipaj, Illyrian Swimming Association, Ded Gjo Luli, Shoqata Prespa Jon, Albanian American Academy of Science, Alba FC, New York Force, Illyrian Society of Law Enforcement, Shkolla Fol Shqip Alba Life
  9. Theme - "Te Gjith Kemi Rrenjet Shqiptare"
  10. Dedication- "Civil Rights for Albanians in Montenegro"
  11. Televised by Top Channel, Marin Mema, tvalb, ALBA LIFE TV, RTV-21
Award Name
Entertainment None
Humanitarian Ermira Babamusta
Sports Reshat Mati
Diaspora Diplomat Esad Gjonbalaj
Certificate Appreciation - Patriotic Award Marin Mema
Nene Tereza Award None

Events

Albanian Roots hosts international dignitaries, delegates, in the greater good for the Albanian community. Albanian Roots annually participates in the Gift of Life events where they support and help to raise money for Albanian children to get the surgery necessary to save the children's lives. Albanian Roots also participates as frequent as possible with the Holocaust Remembrance Day. The Albanian community has very close ties with the Jewish communities and often partake in their Holocaust Remembrance Days, often giving speech on Albanians who saved the Jews during World War II. Albanian Roots, also, every single year hosts parties to celebrate the Albanian Independence Day, Flag Day, and Kosovo Independence Day.

AIDA Meeting- Promoting Albanian Trade

In July 8, 2013 Albanian Roots hosted a meeting with the Albanian International Development Agency with the Albanian American Chambers of Commerce in promoting trade with Albanian companies in Albania to sell their products in the United States.

Rally to support Albanian Orthodoxy - Archbishop Janullatos Campaign

In January 28, 2014 Albanian Roots held a campaign protesting a controversial award given to Greek born Archbishop Janullatos. There has been speculation that the orthodoxy in Albania is reverting to a Greek-style structure and architecture. Many believe that the Archbishop is influenced politically by the Greek state and is guided by the Greek church. Many of the Albanian Orthodox want to revert to the traditional ways of archbishop Fan Noli.

Rally to Support the Albanians of Montenegro- Protest against Djukanovic at the United Nations

In April 8, 2014 Albanians Roots participated and supported other Albanian Organizations in protesting the prime minister of Montenegro for not respecting civil rights for Albanians in Montenegro. Albanian do not enjoy the same civil rights as others and are not officially recognized. The Albanian Organizations openly reprimanded the act of using religion, geography, and politics to assimilate people in order to control the Albanian minority.

President Bujar Nishani- 5 year Anniversary Gala

In September 26-27th, 2014, Albanian Roots hosted a dinner celebrating their 5-year anniversary where they hosted the Albanian President, Bujar Nishani,[11] and exchanged awards. President Nisahni commented the young professional Albanians in the wonderful work they have been doing in integrating the Albanians Community through events and service.

Albanian Film Festival

In September 2014, Albanian Roots partnered up with Albanian Film Festival group in order to promote the Albanian Film Festival that is held annually every November.

Support "Albanian Equality Movement"

In October 15, 2014 Albanian Roots reacted towards the senseless violence and discrimination that occurred during the Serbia v Albania soccer match by organizing a campaign named "Albanian Equality Movement". The movement composed of various methods in raising awareness and seeking actions towards the racism, prejudice, and discrimination the Albania national football team experienced on October 14, 2014. The movement's purpose was to achieve a long-term interest in the need to achieve peace and equilibrium in the Balkans by offering equal civil rights to Albanian minorities in neighboring Balkan countries. The campaign aimed at engaging the world wide public in requesting international institutions to get involved and request for government officials in the Balkans to respect international Human Rights codes. The movement encompasses:

The movement was spread to various Albanian organizations all across the world and received official declaration of support from Albanian organizations in Italy, Switzerland, Croatia, Slovenia, Presheva, Sanxhak, Greece, Turkey, Lebanon, Argentina, Canada, and of course numerous Albanian Organizations in the United States.

Chapters

Year Satellite Associate
2009 New York Marko Kepi, Ervin Toro
2012 Michigan Endrit Topalli
2013 Texas Beso Buranaj Hoxha
2014 TBD TBD

Media coverage

See also

References

  1. ↑ Gjeloshi, Duro (2014-05-30). "Albanian Roots". AR.
  2. ↑ Gashi, Liza (June 1, 2014). "Albanian Roots are calling". Kosova Diaspora.
  3. ↑ Kepi, Marko (January 29, 2014). "Albanian Roots meeting with Bishops Joan Pelushi and Nikon Liolin". Illyria Press.
  4. ↑ "Nishani takohet me përfaqësues të Organizatës "Rrënjët shqiptare"". Balkanweb. 2013-09-27.
  5. ↑ Sina, Beqir (2013-11-15). "Artistet Shqiptare ne SHBA i Bashkon Organizates Rrenjet Shqiptare ne Protest para OKB'se". Bota Sot.
  6. ↑ Sina, Beqir (2014-04-09). "Protesta E Madhe Shqiptare e dekades ne Washington". Illyria Newspaper.
  7. ↑ Sina, Beqir (2013-05-13). "Rrenjat Shqiptare Synojne Pjesmarrjen e 5 mije Shqiptareve ne Paraden e Nju Jorkut". Gazeta Dielli.
  8. ↑ Topaj, Miranda (2013-11-14). "Rrenjet Shqiptare Thuajni Jo Armeve Kimike nga Siria". Illyria Newspaper.
  9. ↑ Avxhiu, Ruben (2013-10-23). "Rrenjet Shqiptare Marshojne Kunder Kancerit te Gjirit". Illyria Press.
  10. ↑ Palokaj, Daor (April 6, 2014). "Kush Jan Shoqata Rrenjet Shqiptare !". Gazeta Dielli.
  11. ↑ Kryeziu, Luana (September 28, 2014). "SHBA, Nishani i ftuar në 5-vjetorin e Organizatës "Rrёnjёt Shqiptare"". Shqiptarja.

External links