WHO IS BELARUS FREEDOM-PHILADELPHIA

Belarus FREEDOM — Philadelphia was founded at a time when silence was no longer an option.

In the spring of 2020, as the Belarusian presidential elections approached, Belarusian communities around the world began organizing rallies in support of democracy and freedom. Across the United States, cities were mobilizing. Philadelphia had not yet acted.

When no initiative emerged locally, Siarzhuk and Olga made a simple decision: to take responsibility. They created a Facebook group Belarus FREEDOM — Philadelphia and called on Belarusians in the Philadelphia region to unite for a peaceful rally. This first initiative brought together individuals who had never met, but who shared common values and a commitment to their country. In June 2020, the foundation of our organization was established.

Shortly thereafter, Maryia and Tanya joined the group. A defining moment in the early formation of the community occurred unexpectedly at an airport. Noticing a Pahonia symbol on Olga’s mask, two Belarusians greeted her with “Žyvie Belarus.” The reply, “Žyvie viečna,” led to a connection that soon evolved into active collaboration and lasting friendship.

Angelica joined after attending one of our early events and offering her support. Her background and experience as a journalist at TUT.BY closely aligned with the group’s mission. Gleb later became part of the team during a TOR BAND–related initiative, bringing valuable activism experience from Vitsebsk and further strengthening the organization.

Today, we are a team of seven Belarusians living in the Philadelphia area. In our professional lives, we are managers, business owners, pharmacists, and engineers. Alongside our careers and family responsibilities, we dedicate our time to community work.

Each member contributes unique skills — including music, photography, journalism, event coordination, and media production. These combined efforts allow us to build meaningful initiatives that support and connect the Belarusian community.

Our work has already reached many. You may have participated in Belarus Freedom Day events or Kupalle celebrations in Pennsylvania, attended rallies raising awareness about political prisoners, or witnessed the raising of the historic white-red-white flag at Philadelphia City Hall.

We organize cultural and community events featuring Belarusian artists such as Yuriy Stylski, Zmitser Vaitsyushkevich, Tatsiana Hrynevich, J:MORS, and Sergei Mikhalok. We also host discussions and meetings with Belarusian media voices, including Zmitser Lukashuk and Aliaksandr Charnuha.

Our mission is to promote Belarusian culture, history, and language; to represent the Belarusian community at the local level; and to raise international awareness about the situation in Belarus.

Above all, we are committed to serving our community with consistency, responsibility, and purpose.