LatvianAmericans have become an important part of this area. enriching it with their native heritage and lively culture. The Latvian Community in Cleveland traces back its origins to 1897. when 28 families formed the Emmanuel Lutheran Parish. At the end of World War II. the evasion of communism caused a massive immigration of Latvians to the United States. during which more than 2.500 displaced Latvians chose the Cleveland area as their home. This community of Latvian immigrants has grown throughout the years. entering Americas economic and educational mainstream. but always maintaining their Latvian heritage by sharing native foods. folk songs and dancing with their neighboring communities. The Latvian organizations in Cleveland have promoted and preserved their native values and culture. as well as worked to expose the ravages of communism. They contributed to the dream and final reality of an independent Latvia. when the country regained its independence in 1991. after 50 years of Soviet domination.
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