A great man is one who collects knowledge the way a bee collects honey and uses it to help people overcome the difficulties they endure - hunger, ignorance and disease!
- Nikola Tesla

Remember, remember always, that all of us, and you and I especially, are descended from immigrants and revolutionists.
- Franklin Roosevelt

While their territory has been devastated and their homes despoiled, the spirit of the Serbian people has not been broken.
- Woodrow Wilson

Pearl Drops by Željka Cvjetan Gortinski

Željka Cvjetan Gortinski presents her first recording of Serbian Folk Poems, oral poetry that has been handed down by word of mouth for centuries. She began her acting career on stage with the Belgrade Drama Theater. Fortunate to have worked with some of the greatest directors of the former Yugoslavia, she continues a successful career in theater, film, television and radio in Europe and the United States.

All three poems have been soulfully narrated by Željka in both the English and the Serbian languages and fully enhanced by mystical music and sound design. Included is a bonus track performed by Savo Kontić, a much respected gusle player in Serbia.

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“These recordings are unique and extraordinary partly due to Zeljka’s talent and skill as an oral interpreter and partly because of her strong personal connection to the material. As I worked with Zeljka to help create her oral interpretations I was drawn more and more deeply into the rich tradition of maternal wisdom that pervades the pieces and I became profoundly moved by the timeless universality of the stories. If you listen to these exquisite recordings with an open heart, I am sure they will touch you as much as they have touched me. If they do, please Fromshare your appreciation of these precious pearl drops with others.” Rod Menzies, Voice Recording Producer

From Spoken Word Inc.


SA

 

People Directory

Bogdan Denitch

Bogdan Denitch (born August 9, 1929) is an American sociologist of Yugoslav origin who is an emeritus professor at the City University of New York (CUNY). He is a leading authority on the political sociology of the former Yugoslavia. Active in democratic left politics, Denitch is an honorary chairman of the Democratic Socialists of America, and has served as its representative to the Socialist International. From 1983 through 2004 he organized the annual Socialist Scholars Conference in New York. Since the 1990s he has been an advocate for human rights and an opponent of nationalism in the former Yugoslavia.

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Publishing

All Roads Lead to Jackson

Serbian American Contributions in Amador County, California, since the Gold Rush
Milina Jovanović offers a unique compilation of individual and family immigration stories that include enormous contributions to the development of California and significant community involvement. In this version of people’s history she chronicles how Serbian Americans have strengthened community, region, state, and country through the endeavors and struggles of 150 years. This book also focuses on women’s contributions that are too often overlooked. Ms. Jovanović’s study reveals that Jackson not only remains an original and symbolic home to Serbian Americans and Serbian Orthodox religion, but also an oasis where the Serbian community has preserved its positive reputation and social influence.

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