Wisconsin sports are what we are all passionate about. However, some things are bigger than sports. What is going on right now in the world happens to be one of those times. Wisconsin’s border to Ukraine’s is approximately 5,000 miles, but the ties are in our own back yard.
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh:
Dr. Karsten is a biological anthropologist with a focus on human osteology. His research interests include areas of bioarchaeology and forensic anthropology. He is actively involved in excavations focused on Neolithic Ukraine.
Jordan Karsten, an associate professor of anthropology at @uwoshkosh, has spent a lot of time in Ukraine doing archeological research. Jordan said he's worried about friends who live there following Russia's attack on the country, some of who left bigger cities for safety @NBC26 pic.twitter.com/VKt5MshPFh
— Kelsey Dickeson (@KelseyDickeson) February 24, 2022
Milwaukee’s Sister City: Irpin, Ukraine
On March 15th, 2018, Irpin, Ukraine became a sister city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Milwaukee’s Mayor at the time Tom Barnett said, “The City of Milwaukee has been looking forward to this partnership with Irpin for quite some time. This agreement marks the beginning of a relationship that will strengthen the global community and foster a greater understanding of both Ukrainian and American culture.” Similarly, Milwaukee Alderman Stamper added, “I would like to thank the Sister Cities Committee, Mayor Karplyuk and his team, and Mayor Barrett for helping turn this friendship into a reality.”
Milwaukee’s acting mayor @CavalierJohnson weighs in on #Ukraine. pic.twitter.com/HUOsGnsDQ9
— Tony Atkins (@TonyAtkinsTV) February 24, 2022
Wisconsin in Ukraine Facebook:
If you are from Wisconsin and have Ukrainian roots, you can connect with others. Search “Wisconsin Ukrainians” on Facebook and the above pictured page will come up. Below is a link for a prayer vigil that will take place in Green Bay on March 2nd:
https://fb.me/e/1VUZ8DblY
As of 2016, there are over 10,000 Ukrainians living in Wisconsin:
This study by “The Ukrainian Weekly” shows over 10,100 Ukrainians living in Wisconsin as of 2016. That number has only grown since.
Ukraine has a strong presence in Wisconsin. There are many ways you can get involved, donate, or show your support. What’s happening in the world right now is bigger than sports. Sometimes, it’s okay to step back and acknowledge that.
For More Wisconsin Sports News…
Follow me on Twitter at @mcquadewarnold and follow us @WiSportsHeroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in Wisconsin sports, click here! To get some awesome Wisconsin Sports Heroics gear, check out our merch store!