AHEPA Expresses Disappointment Over Omission of Greek Americans From New York City’s Immigrant Legacy Recognition

 

American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association

For Immediate Release | July 13, 2026

Contact: AHEPA Headquarters Phone: 202.232.6300 E-mail: ahepa@ahepa.org AHEPA Expresses Disappointment Over Omission of Greek Americans From New York City’s Immigrant Legacy Recognition

AHEPA Supreme President E. Chris Kaitson calls for Inclusion of Greek Americans in New York City’s Immigrant Legacy Recognition Washington, DC — The American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) today issued the following statement regarding the omission of Greek Americans from New York City’s immigrant legacy recognition during the Mayor’s July 3rd address: “AHEPA expresses its concern regarding the omission of Greek Americans from the recent recognition of New York City’s immigrant communities, as well as many other ethnic groups. For generations, Greek Americans have been a living, breathing part of New York City—deeply woven into its neighborhoods, its economy, and its cultural identity—while proudly preserving both their Hellenic heritage and the unique spirit of New York itself. Nowhere is this more evident than in communities such as Astoria, which stands as a vibrant testament to the enduring presence and contributions of Greek Americans.” Greek Americans have contributed extensively to New York City’s growth through entrepreneurship, small business development, and the establishment of family-owned restaurants, diners, and retail establishments that have become defining features of local neighborhoods. Beyond commerce, the community has made lasting impacts in public service, education, healthcare, and the arts, while also supporting philanthropic initiatives and civic engagement efforts that strengthen the broader society. This omission is not an isolated matter. Other longstanding communities, including Italian and Jewish Americans, have also voiced similar concerns, highlighting a broader issue of established immigrant groups being overlooked in contemporary narratives. Recognition efforts should accurately and comprehensively reflect the full history of New York City’s diverse population. AHEPA remains steadfast in its mission to combat discrimination, promote civic responsibility, and preserve Hellenic heritage. In a letter to the Mayor of New York City, Supreme President E. Chris Kaitson firmly calls on city leadership to correct this glaring omission and to ensure that future recognitions fully and equitably represent all communities that have contributed to the city’s growth and identity. The letter reads as such,  "Mr. Mayor, On behalf of the Order of AHEPA and the 300,000 Philhellenes who live in the New York City metropolitan area, I am writing to express our disappointment over the omission of Greek Americans from the New York City Immigrant enclave map. For generations, Greek Americans have been a living, breathing part of New York City—deeply woven into its neighborhoods, its economy, and its cultural identity—while proudly preserving both their Hellenic heritage and the unique spirit of New York itself. Nowhere is this more evident than in communities such as Astoria, which stands as a vibrant testament to the enduring presence and contributions of Greek Americans. AHEPA sincerely believes in proper recognition of all immigrant communities within New York City, and that recognition efforts should accurately and comprehensively reflect the full history of New York City’s diverse population.  In so, we respectfully request that Greek-Americans and Greek American communities be recognized in all further immigrant legacy programs as well as in the current immigrant enclave map. Just as your administration moved to recognize Italian Americans and little Italy in the days following the original map’s release, we ask for a reversal in the omission of Greek American communities from all relevant publications. Thank you for your consideration of this matter, and for your continued support of all the immigrant populations that make New York City truly great. Sincerely, E. Chris Kaitson"

Founded in 1922 in Atlanta, Georgia, on the principles that undergirded its fight for civil rights and against discrimination, bigotry, and hatred felt at the hands of the Ku Klux Klan, AHEPA is the largest and oldest grassroots association of American citizens of Greek heritage and Philhellenes with more than 400 chapters across the United States, Canada, and Europe.  AHEPA's mission is to promote the ancient Greek ideals of Education, Philanthropy, Civic Responsibility, and Family and Individual Excellence through community service and volunteerism.  For more information, please visit www.ahepa.org.

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