THE NEW GREEK AMERICANS 1960- 2017 is the third and final documentary feature for the Greek Heritage Society of Southern California (GHS) documenting the Greek American experience of the second and third generations in southern California and their influence in the community.  Our previous documentaries:

THE PIONEERS 1900-1942 follows the lives of several early immigrants who traveled out West, settled, and laid a solid foundation for their children, the First Generation.

THE PROMISE OF TOMORROW 1940-1960, highlights those children of the Pioneers and their successes in every profession, benefiting from what their parents regarded most: education. They struggle with duality while they excel.

Upon the completion of our third and final documentary,  THE NEW GREEK AMERICANS, we will have come full circle with our trilogy of the Greeks in southern California through the century and beyond.

As a first generation Greek American, the stories presented reflect my family and most Greek families in America. The stories have a nationwide appeal and a universal theme that touch all immigrants of every background.

In 1998, upon meeting Zoye Marino Fidler, one of the founders of GHS, I was asked to review interviews by Greek immigrants who had been recorded for the past 12 years. These humble souls shared their stories of hardship, determination, and triumph. I laughed out loud then wept uncontrollably (as most Greeks do) viewing these stories that I knew so well. My Grandfather, "Vasili," crossed the Atlantic in 1908.  After passing through Ellis Island he became "William" in a land where he could not speak the language but adapted quickly to bring his wife, my Yiayia, to America a few years later and raise 5 children. Although I did not know the people in these videos personally, I knew their stories and I was moved.

So, why me? Call it serendipitous, but coming from a background of deep ancient mystical beliefs, nothing is random. Perhaps I was lured by those ancestral voices. All I knew was this: I had to find a way to present these wonderful stories of a courageous people, from whom I was descended, to anyone who would listen. Although my background was acting and playwrighting, documenting these experiences for the stage seemed too fleeting, so the only solution was in film format: a documentary.

Why this? THE NEW GREEK AMERICANS 1960- 2017 follows the expansion of thriving Greek American communities throughout southern California and their impact locally and nationally. The Immigration Reform Act of 1965 brought 90,000 Greeks immigrating to the U.S. from 1966-1971 and approximately 90,000 more followed during the next decade. Many of the new arrivals were college educated and almost as many women emigrated as men. This changed the dynamic of Greek American communities with a new surge of modern cultural awareness. The Greek language was resurrected from "Grenglish," which had been handed down to the first generation from their parents who painstakingly tried to assimilate. The establishment of modern Greek studies in universities, engagement of the "New Immigrant" in business and other professions, gave Greek America a boost. Still, many entered the working class as skilled laborers; and for many newcomers, the food industry became a prospect for success.

There were growing pains as many who emigrated sought refuge from political and economic pressures and carried their political views with them. However, the primary focus of the Greek American communities to continue perpetuating their culture always dominated.  And that bond that "blood is thicker than water" kept the southern California Greeks moving forward. The invasion of northern Cyprus created the "Save Cyprus Council" which later became the "American Hellenic Council," a formidable political organization that still exists.  Many Greek Americans increase travel back to the Motherland to reacquaint with distant relatives who remained there. 

"Baby Boomers," who are also well known personalities in politics and entertainment,  revel in their connection with Greek heritage.  

In 1988, a Greek American is running for President of the United States.  Greeks rally beyond party lines to support Michael Dukakis. Greeks are no longer the low-wage restaurant workers and have secured their place in influencing American culture and society. Social organizations that inspired youth to embrace their Hellenic roots, such as G.O.Y.A. (Greek Orthodox Youth of America,) Saint Sophia Camp, and FDF (Greek Orthodox Folk Dance and Choral Festival), and many more, still exist today.

By the end of the 20th century, Greek American women are well established as leaders in the communities, breaking free from traditional subservient roles. These women serve in leadership positions in Parish Councils and foundations and are recognized as successful professionals. The Greek American community is recognized as generously "Philanthropic," with organizations such as the Philoptochos and the Daughters of Penelope donating services and significant financial support locally and nationally.  Greek culture and traditions have shaped and changed the face of American culture. There is a rise of non-Greeks converting to Orthodoxy.  Multi-ethnic families celebrate their Greek heritage. Greek festivals throughout southern California become anticipated annual events for everyone of every background.

The 21st century leads to a more progressive Greek American, one who understands the importance of continuing their Greek traditions but finds it more difficult to do so. Can our culture survive? What can we do to ensure that traditions will not be lost or neglected? How can we balance progress and old world values which have their place and should be honored? Different points of view are expressed. Some believe that maintaining the Greek language and the Eastern Orthodox church are essential for survival of the culture. Others believe that we will homogenize into a mixed multi- ethnic American society, the mother language will eventually disappear, and the church will merge into a Pan American Orthodox faith. 21st century families are divided. Siblings and cousins identify themselves as Greek American or as American. 

Millennials share how they keep their Greekness alive through the study of ancient and modern Greek culture and humanities, frequent travel to the Motherland, and participation in religious and cultural activities. But is it enough? Will the Millennials succeed in keeping their ancestry alive? Only time will tell. The New Greek Americans must find a way to keep the flame burning brightly and to never let it die out.