By Anna Terry, President of the “New World Connection”, Inc., “Russian Cultural Center” - Memphis, TN
The idea to write this “Spring Statement” came to my mind spontaneously after I learned about an interesting tradition in many countries to celebrate “International Women’s Day,” which is an absolutely beautiful event in the first week of March. As I heard, women expect “special” attention on his day. And this tradition probably came from France or Germany. Anyway, it’s a good chance to speak as a woman who is a daughter, wife, mother and just a person who runs her own business and carries a lot of responsibilities.
So, I was born in Georgia, and probably represent the traditional image of a Southern woman. If you read “Gone with the Wind” you will understand that it is primarily about the essence of the feminine soul, characterized by unflagging determination and willpower, sometimes called stubbornness. I think these qualities are in my genes and I have tried to keep them all my life. Overcoming the challenge of cancer recently proved their value.
As a mother, I have always been concerned for my children’s future. What kind of opportunities will they have? My husband and I began efforts to expand their experience when they were quite young. It’s our purpose for them to be comfortable anywhere in the world. When they have knowledge and friends from other cultures, their worldview is changed, and they understand current events in their proper context. They are able to solve problems creatively. They are able to think openly. And they will never become enemies with these friends.
The matrix of human memory is made up of both good and bad ones. I grew up in an interesting time, with war protests and the hippie movement. I was fascinated with this philosophy and attracted to their views about global freedom. These ideas piqued my desire to explore different ways of life, which developed into a keen interest in other cultures. Now, from a mature point of view, I feel strongly about bridging gaps between people and bringing understanding where misconceptions have existed for generations.
Three years ago, if you had asked me “What do you know about Russia?”, I would have replied with the stereotypical images of the times, like Communism, Stalin, and Baryshnikov, with a very limited spectrum of knowledge. Today my answer would be quite different. After meeting Dr. Beck Niyazov in Memphis, our lives were never the same. He graduated Moscow State University, and spent great days in Russia as a young man. He experienced living in two historical eras of this country and also has high skills as a professor and businessman. So, Beck became a dear friend and partner. With his professional advice and guidance, we have been able to create several interesting International Projects. He showed me and my family the amazing history and modern life in the Russian Federation. He introduced us to delightful people and unique places of Russia. Now my entire family has close friends in Moscow and St. Petersburg, and we are more motivated than ever to expand our cross-cultural experience.
When your purpose is noble, dreams are realized. With our group of enthusiasts, we initiated opening of the “Russian Cultural Center” in Memphis. January 14 was proclaimed as Russian Federation Day in our own Shelby County. This new tradition was birthed for the first time in U.S. history. We started this Project with a group of professors, students and musicians through our non-profit company, “New World Connection”, Inc. and we have been encouraged by Mr. Yury Zaytsev, Head of Federal Agency “ROSSOTRUDNICHESTVO” in Washington, D.C. Thanks to local and Russian news media, people learned quickly, and as of today, our Center has been visited by a thousand people who are eager to participate in our Projects and Programs.
Sometimes, though, I hear the question: “Why Memphis? What’s so special about this place?” and my answer is always simple: Because people who live here make this place special, and our team is a great example. We want to extend the potential opportunities we have in Memphis and in all the Mid South area. Here you can find big worldwide business Corporations, Universities, Scientific Centers and our own unique soul of music and arts.
Based on this fruitful environment, we are developing Projects which will enable students to have the motivation to learn Russian language and find practical use for their skills. We would like global Corporations, headquartered in Memphis, like FedEx and International Paper to participate in this goal and give their valuable input. We are also looking for cooperation with our partners in Russian Federation - “Russkiy Mir” Foundation, St. Petersburg State University, and others.
Our past experience is always encouraging us. When I was in Moscow in 2010, I met Denis Mazhukov, who plays Rock „N Roll piano. I asked if he had ever visited Memphis, the home of his beloved music. He answered, “It has always been my dream.” So, his dream came true last April. Denis thrilled the crowds from the stages of world-famous Beale St. His performance on S. Main St. was a benefit for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital for children with cancer.
We will keep this tradition and support foundations like St. Jude in Memphis, and “Grant Life Foundation”, created by Chulpan Khamatova in Russia. We plan to sell our first product - a music video “Rock and Roll in Russian,” which was made in collaboration between Denis and American musicians and donate part of the proceeds to these foundations.
Every day we have visitors who bring us new ideas and now we have started several big Projects: “Soul of Memphis”, “Discover Chukotka”, and “Tatarstan Heritage”.
The first Project - “Soul of Memphis” is a Music and Business Club in Moscow. The hot sounds of Memphis will draw fans from all over Moscow. Southern style BBQ, soul and jazz music will blend into a unique experience for Muscovites. The Club will feature eclectic bands from Memphis, and be a point of connection for Russian musicians to tour in America. Bringing musicians together to create and learn from each other is one of the best ways to dispel clichés. As everyone enjoys the music together, we begin to find common ground to relate.
The second Project “Tatarstan Heritage” was offered by students from Rhodes College who volunteered to intern in our Center. They want to develop new projects that are mutually beneficial and that fulfill cultural and economical needs. One of the prime interests today is to learn about the unique history and culture of Tatarstan, autonomic Republic of Russian Federation. This Project will lead to relations with members of educational institutions, arts and business society from this region.
“Discover Chucotka” Project was initiated by one of our members, Robert King. He spent seven years in Moscow as an AP reporter. Robert traveled all over the Russian Federation, and he encouraged us to start a Project with Chukotka, a beautiful place, and the closest part of Russia to the US border. We have plans to organize Extreme Tourism trips, and to create business relations with entrepreneurs of this area. Just a short leap across the Bering Strait from Alaska, Chukotka is home to beautiful tundra and mountain scenery. Hunting and fishing the arctic blue rivers is a rich experience, and wildlife is abundant, including polar bears and whales. Extreme travelers consider this one of the most interesting places on earth, and travelers can now depart straight from Memphis to Chukotka.
And as I said, we always have the young generation in our minds. They are our priority. As part of “Discover Chukotka”, we want to offer to work with the government of Chukotka to develop a program for children to spend summer vacation in the warm and sunny Mid-South. Their health will be strengthened, and their experience broadened to meeting their close neighbors, as we consider ourselves to be.
In conclusion, I should emphasize that our success in approaching these plans demands the strong attention and support of our governments, business corporations, educational and scientific institutions, and philanthropists. And today I would add to this list my personal appeal to Women’s Organizations, who always have a sensitive understanding about ensuring the future and safety of the new generation. I am grateful to know people who have the desire to use their time talents and energy to change the world through new development. And I am proud to be part of a team that promotes people diplomacy, leaving behind old stereotypes.
