September 18. 1984. the Birmingham Historical Society will celebrate "Greek Heritage Night." highlighting the many contributions that Americans of Greek descent have made to the economic and cultural vitality of the city of Birmingham. The influence of Greece and its descendants has been a part of the ethnic mosaic that makes up Birmingham since George Cassimus. Birminghams first Greek immigrant. left his native land and settled in Birmingham in 1884. Those who came seeking a better life brought with them the courage and curiosity of Odysseus. the love of learning associated with Plato. and the entrepreneurial skills that have made them such an important part of Birminghams economic base. As the program for "Greek Heritage Night" notes: Our Greek community. like the proud but dispersed Greek colonies of the ancient world. is united by the inheritance of a culture. a religion. and a language which they have directly and indirectly shared with us all. America has offered its immigrant Greeks a modern version of the good life and an opportunity to participate in what might approach. with individual effort and involvement. the "perfect state" envisioned by their distant forefathers. Our Greek community came to America with visions not unlike those of their forefathers. of the good life and a perfect state and many of their dreams have been realized in our land of opportunity. As the Birmingham community recognizes the rich Greek heritage that has made our total community even richer.
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immigrant