Saint Pope John Paul II bust dedication

A statue of Saint John Paul II was dedicated on May 18, 2019 in the Polish Cultural Garden in Cleveland, Ohio. 

Dignitaries including Cleveland City Council President Kevin Kelley and Councilman Tony Brancatelli spoke as did the world-renowned sculptor of the bust, Andrzej Pitynski. 

Bishop Roger Griesand Father Jerzy Kusy blessed the new addition to the Garden.

Opera singer Dorota Sobieska performed as did the PIAST Polish dance ensemble.

Photos and videos of the John Paul II Dedication

Gene Bak, Kevin Kelley and Tony Brancatelli

PIAST Dancers

Sculptor Andrzej Pitynski

Solidarity

Cleveland ethnic leaders meet with Mayor Frank Jackson and others

Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson, City Council president Kevin Kelley, Global Cleveland President Joe Cimperman and Cleveland Police Chief Calvin Williams met with about 120 leaders of Cleveland's ethnic communities. The purpose was to have a dialog, answer their concerns and have a conversation about Cleveland’s local response to international relations in our community.

The meeting was closed to the media so the people could speak freely. Afterwards, a summary for the media was presented and Q&A session was held.

Mayor Jackson assured the leaders that Cleveland always has been, is and will remain a Welcoming City.

See photos and videos of the meeting with ethnic leaders and the City of Cleveland

Albanian Delegation and Artist Fate Velaj Exhibit

Photographs from highly acclaimed Albanian artist Fate Velaj were on display in the Cleveland City Hall Rotunda in an exhibit called "Albania - seen differently." Velaj is the recipient of many awards, including the "Albanian Excellence Award" given to him in 2012 on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of Albania's independence.


The photographic display was part of a visit from a delegation from Cleveland's Sister City Fier in Albania. The delegation, which included Fier Mayor Baftjar Zeqaj met with Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson, Council president Kevin Kelley, Councilwoman Dona Brady and other dignitaries during their visit. Mr. Velaj and the Albanian delegation were also recognized at the Cleveland City Council meeting on November 10th.

Mayor Jackson, Fate Velaj and Dona Brady

Photos and Videos of the Albanian Exhibit and Visit