Belarusian Americans facts for kids
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 600,000 (including descendants) |
|
| Regions with significant populations | |
| New York, New Jersey, Cleveland, Chicago, Los Angeles, Detroit | |
| Languages | |
| Belarusian, Russian, American English | |
| Religion | |
| Predominantly Orthodoxy, Roman Catholicism, Judaism | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Russian Americans, Ukrainian Americans, Rusyn Americans, other Slavic Americans |
Belarusian Americans are people living in the United States who have family roots from Belarus. Belarus is a country in Eastern Europe. Sometimes, you might hear older names like "Byelorussian Americans" or "White-Russian Americans," but "Belarusian Americans" is the most common term today.
Contents
Who Are Belarusian Americans?
Belarusian Americans are part of the big mix of cultures that make up the United States. They are people whose ancestors, or even they themselves, moved from Belarus to America. This group includes people who are fully Belarusian by heritage, as well as those who have some Belarusian family history mixed with other backgrounds.
Where Do They Live?
Many Belarusian Americans live in certain parts of the United States. Large communities can be found in big cities like New York City, Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, and Los Angeles. You'll also find many in the state of New Jersey. These places often have organizations and cultural centers where Belarusian Americans can connect and share their traditions.
What Languages Do They Speak?
When people move to a new country, they often bring their language with them. Belarusian Americans might speak Belarusian, which is the official language of Belarus. Many also speak Russian, as it's widely used in Belarus too. Of course, most Belarusian Americans also speak American English, especially younger generations who grew up in the U.S.
What Are Their Traditions?
Like many groups, Belarusian Americans have rich traditions. These traditions often come from their history, culture, and beliefs. They might celebrate holidays, enjoy traditional foods, or participate in cultural events that remind them of their heritage.
Faith and Community
Religion is an important part of life for many Belarusian Americans. Most follow the Orthodox Christian faith. Others are Roman Catholic, and some are Jewish. These religious communities often serve as places where people can gather, support each other, and keep their cultural identity strong.
A Look at Their History
People from Belarus have been coming to America for many years. They came for different reasons, often looking for new opportunities or a better life. Over time, they built communities and contributed to American society while keeping their unique heritage alive.
Why Did They Come to America?
Like many immigrants, Belarusians came to the United States seeking new chances. They might have been looking for jobs, freedom, or a safer place to live. They hoped to build a good future for themselves and their families in America.
Images for kids
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Monument in South River, New Jersey for "Those who fought for Freedom and Independence of Byelorussia"
