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SLOVENIAN-AMERICAN ACHIEVERS: CULTURAL CONTRIBUTIONS TO TWO HOMELANDS

 

Slovenians may be a small entity within the melting pot of North America, but their creative accomplishments are considerable, perhaps even greater than their number might promise. Slovenians in the United States have achieved recognition in every expression, from literature, drama and film to music, dance, sports and the visual arts.

Many individuals inspired creativity within their communities in cities and settlements where Slovenian cultural groups thrived. Others excelled at their crafts in mainstream circles to attain national acclaim.

Slovenians took advantage of the opportunities, resources and technology available to them in the New World. Slovenians in the United States were the first to perform Slovenian music and recitations on recordings, radio and television, sometimes a decade before comparable media were created in Slovenia.

The creative impulse of Slovenian migrants blossomed after World War II as their English-speaking, college-educated children built careers and became known for their work. Although there may be little intrinsically Slovenian about their genius, they still inspire and instill pride in Slovenians everywhere.