Mary Kalyna, a dedicated social justice activist from West Mt. Airy, is mobilizing voters ahead of the 2024 election to support Ukraine and democracy in the U.S. She received the 2024 Social Justice Award for her efforts and has a rich history of advocacy. Kalyna reflects on Ukraine’s painful past while motivating fellow Ukrainians to engage politically as sentiments evolve among the community.
As the 2024 election draws near, Mary Kalyna, a dedicated social justice activist from West Mt. Airy, is intensely focused on mobilizing voters to back Ukraine and safeguard democracy in the U.S. Her goal is to support Democratic nominee Vice President Kamala Harris. “I will have no regrets,” Kalyna stated, emphasizing the urgency of her efforts as Ukrainians face daily struggles to defend their freedom and democracy. For her relentless advocacy, the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations awarded Kalyna the 2024 Social Justice Award for Community Service on October 17 at the Parkway Central Library. This recognition aims to celebrate Philadelphians who display outstanding achievements in civil and human rights, including community organizers and activists. Kalyna, a long-time resident of West Mt. Airy, has a rich history as a social justice champion. She has served as a spokesperson for the Philadelphia Ukrainian community and has been a tireless advocate for racial and social justice. In 2020, she established the Black Lives Matter Vigil at the Unitarian Society of Germantown, expressing ongoing commitment to justice. Reflecting on Ukraine’s painful history, Kalyna recalled the Nazi occupation and the famines engineered by Stalin, highlighting how her family endured these tragedies. “The Ukrainian people have lived through so much,” she lamented, detailing the attempts to erase Ukrainian culture and language, especially in recent years under Putin’s influence. Kalyna’s humanitarian work is not limited to local efforts. In 2013, she co-founded “Euromaidan Philadelphia; Human Rights in Ukraine” to champion justice and democracy in her homeland. Presently, she is the Pennsylvania coordinator for “Stop Trump, Save Ukraine,” motivating Ukrainian Americans to participate in the coming election. Her ties to Ukraine are deeply personal; Kalyna has many relatives still living there. “I have 10 first cousins who still live in Ukraine,” she shared, emphasizing her strong connection to the land she visits frequently, unveiling the realities faced by its inhabitants. Born in upstate New York, Kalyna’s lineage reveals a history of suffering and resilience. Her parents were forced into Nazi slave labor camps, a horrific experience that shaped her commitment to activism from a young age. She evolved into a social worker in Philadelphia, fighting against the injustices she observed affecting women and children. Now a full-time activist, Kalyna has set aside her professional career to advocate for the Ukrainian cause. Despite not considering herself a spokesperson, her views on the ongoing crisis in Ukraine have gained significant media attention across the region. While supporting Kamala Harris for president, Kalyna expressed surprise at the support for Donald Trump among some Ukrainian Americans. “My American friends can’t believe it,” she commented, citing a lingering aversion to left-leaning politics stemming from Ukraine’s Soviet past. However, she also sees a shift among some Republican voters. “I hear from a significant number of lifelong Republicans who will be voting the Democratic ticket this time,” Kalyna noted, reflecting on the evolving political landscape as the election approaches. Looking ahead, Kalyna plans to hold public events to educate and inspire fellow Ukrainian Americans to register and participate in the election, fostering community engagement in this critical time for democracy.
The article highlights Mary Kalyna, a Ukrainian American activist, who is intensively engaged in mobilizing voters for the upcoming 2024 election, emphasizing the importance of supporting Ukraine amidst ongoing struggles for democracy. Her efforts in community service and social justice have earned her recognition through the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations, showcasing her dedication to civil rights. The piece illuminates her personal connection to Ukraine’s tumultuous history and reflects on the changing political sentiments among the Ukrainian American community.
Mary Kalyna stands as a beacon of hope and resilience within the Ukrainian American community, tirelessly advocating for democracy and voter engagement as the 2024 election looms. Her dedication to human rights and her personal connection to Ukraine inform her mission, while the shifting political landscape presents both challenges and opportunities for her and her community. Kalyna’s story underscores the intertwining of personal history, activism, and the vital importance of civic engagement in troubled times.
Original Source: www.chestnuthilllocal.com
