WHO IS BELARUS FREEDOM-PHILADELPHIA

Belarus FREEDOM-Philadelphia was born in a moment when silence was no longer an option.

In the spring of 2020, as the Belarusian presidential elections approached, Belarusian communities around the world were organizing rallies to support democracy and freedom in Belarus. City after city in the United States was calling for action. Philadelphia was waiting. When no one stepped forward, Siarzhuk and Olga asked a simple question: Why don’t we do it ourselves?

They quickly created a Facebook group and named it Belarus FREEDOM-Philadelphia, calling on Belarusians in Philadelphia and the surrounding area to come together for a rally in support of Belarus. That first call united people who had never met before—but shared the same values. In June 2020, our organization was born.

Soon after, Anton, Masha, and Tania joined the group. A turning point came in the most unexpected place—an airport. As people passed each other in the terminal, Anton noticed a Pahonia mask on Olga and said, “Žyvie Belarus.” She answered, “Žyvie viečna.” That brief exchange became the beginning of a deep collaboration and friendship.

Angelica came to one of our events and offered her help. When she shared her story and mentioned TUT.BY, we knew immediately—she belonged with us. She joined the team on the spot.

Later, Gleb joined during one of the TOR BAND–related actions and impressed everyone with his experience in activism from Vitebsk. His dedication and knowledge strengthened our mission even further.

Today, we are seven people—living normal lives, balancing jobs, families, and children—but choosing to come together to serve our community. Each of us brings a unique talent. Among us are singers, a photographer, a DJ, a reporter, and event organizers. We use these talents to support and uplift the Belarusian community in Philadelphia.

You have likely already been part of our work—whether by attending Belarus Freedom Day or Kupalle in Pennsylvania, participating in rallies to raise awareness about Belarusian political prisoners, or witnessing the raising of the historic white-red-white flag at Philadelphia City Hall.

We organize concerts featuring beloved Belarusian artists such as Yuri Stylski, Dzmitry Vaitushkevich, Tatsiana Grinevich, JMORSE, and Sergei Mikhalok. We host meetings with Belarusian bloggers and radio hosts, including Dzmitser Lukashuk and Aleksandr Chernuho. These are just a few examples of what we do for our community.

Our mission is to promote Belarusian culture, history, and language, to make local government aware of the needs of the Belarusian community, and to bring international attention to the situation in Belarus. Most importantly, we truly enjoy serving our community.