January 19, 2012 - Ashley Lusaka
The Turkish Coalition of America celebrated its new home at 1510 H Street with traditional Turkish food and a stunning view of the National Mall. The event hosted guests including congressional members, Turkish Ambassador Namik Tan and leaders of academia and international affairs.
"This new space will allow [the Coalition] to build important Turkish-American partnerships…including partnerships that encourage academic research on common interests", said Anita Nahal, Assistant Provost for International Programs at Howard University.
TCA President Lincoln McCurdy expanded on the meaning of the organization's new home, "Tonight is about celebration, about inviting conversations in this new space."
"There are more than half a million Turkish-Americans coast to coast. Turkish immigrants are ideal because they assimilate so well, but they are often not heard on issues of importance, he said. "We hope they can learn to speak with one voice, to have dialogues with their representatives about international and domestic issues."
The Turkish Coalition of America will work to promote the interests of the Turkish American community and foster relationships an cooperation between the United States and Turkey, through conversations, lectures and academic opportunity for young Turkish leaders.
