Taras Shevchenko - record holder and friend of the American actor: what we didn’t know about the Ukrainian poet

“The cultural and historical connection between our countries is very close,” noted Scott Whitmore, the educational and scientific attaché of the US Embassy in Ukraine, in a video message on the occasion of the 207th anniversary of the birth of Taras Shevchenko. Writes about this "Voice of America".

So, he remembered Kobzar's friendship with the African American actor Ira Aldridge, and also that several monuments to the great poet were erected in the USA.

Monuments to Taras Shevchenko and Ira Aldridge in Washington are located several kilometers from each other, according to a note from the Embassy dedicated to honoring the friendship of the two artists.

“Ukrainian Shevchenko was born into serfdom, from which he was subsequently freed, after which his enormous talent was revealed. Aldridge was born African American in New York City. Because of the color of his skin, he had to leave his country and realize his talent abroad,” the diplomatic mission wrote.

This year is the 207th day of the People's Day of Taras Shevchenko! We are a little darling of the great Ukrainian and you have little facts about this connection from the United States. pic.twitter.com/DCPsUb47zc

- US Embassy Kyiv (@USEmbassyKyiv) March 9, 2021

The embassy helps the development of Shevchenko studies. A theatrical performance created in 2014 by artist Virlyana Tkach with the support of the US Embassy tells about Taras' acquaintance with Aira, the diplomatic attaché noted. The embassy also supported the return of Shevchenko's letters and drawings to Ukraine.

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The fact that Shevchenko holds the record for the number of monuments in the world, reported the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.

99 monuments have been erected to him in 44 different countries of the world, as well as 1068 in Ukraine. That is, a total of 1167 monuments, and this is a world record.

“We wanted to make Taras Grigorievich Shevchenko a world record holder and emphasize that Ukraine is where we live, we speak our language, we remember our history and profess our values. Ukraine is where Shevchenko is. In our hearts, in monuments, as a symbol of the struggle for will, rights and freedom,” said Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmitry Kuleba.

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