Massachusetts Albanian American Society

Last updated
Massachusetts Albanian American Society BESA
MAASBESA.jpg
Founded2006
Legal statusActive
FocusCharitable and Education
Location
  • Boston, United States
MethodGrants, Funding
Key people
Mark Kosmo, President
Website http://www.maasbesa.org/

Massachusetts Albanian American Society BESA (MAAS BESA) is a not-for-profit organization incorporated in Boston, Massachusetts, founded in September 2006. MAASBESA is dedicated to promote the well-being and progress of the Albanian-American community in Massachusetts. [1]

Contents

History

Maas Besa was created in 1907 by Fan Stylian Noli. The original name was "Besa-Bese" (English: Word of Honor). The double utterance of the Albanian word for honor (Albanian : besa) symbolizes the bond existing among the members and a pledge to maintain their Albanian heritage in U.S. [2] Maas Besa is very active in the Albanian community in Boston and hosts several fundraisings and networking events throughout the year. Every November 28, since 2004, Maas Besa has raised the Albanian Flag at Boston City Hall to commemorate the Albanian Independence Day.

Current activities

There are three main activities that operate under MAASBESA umbrella:

The Albanian Language and Heritage School: [3] The school was founded on March 26, 2006 and is located in Boston, Massachusetts. The school offers classes in speaking, reading, and writing of the Albanian Language. The classes are held in the campus center building at UMASS Boston every Sunday from 10:00am – 12:00pm during the Fall and Spring semesters. The school currently has 5 teachers and 30 students of different grades. [4]

The Albanian Language School Kostandin Kristoforidhi : The school became part of MAASBESA in January 2012 and is located in West Roxbury of Massachusetts – The school offers classes in speaking, reading, and writing of the Albanian language to children of ages 6 to 15, as well as to adults, [5] (Retrieved from MAASBESA Newsletter, February 6, 2012)

Bashkimi Dance Group: [6] The group was founded in 1996 by Bashkim Braho, but didn't become became part of MAASBESA until 2010. The group has performed in many Albanian events around the United States and has received many awards. [7]

Fundraising activities

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References

  1. "City of Boston" . Retrieved 2012-05-05.
  2. "The Albanian struggle in the Old World and New (1975)". New York, AMS Press. Retrieved 8 May 2012.
  3. The Albanian Language and Heritage School
  4. "Albanian Language and Heritage School website".
  5. "Newsletter-Valentine's Dinner Party".
  6. Bashkimi Dance Group
  7. "Bashkimi Dance Group".
  8. 100 Albanians – 1 Heart
  9. I CAN HELP