The Albanian-American Association of Ulqin proudly stood alongside the New York City Council to host the 1st Annual Montenegro Independence Celebration at New York City Hall. This event was led and organized by Executive Director Edon Alibegu.

Special thanks go to City Councilwoman Kamillah Hanks for her leadership and dedication, which were instrumental in making this event possible. Additional gratitude is extended to City Councilmembers David Carr, Kristin Marmorato, and Shahana Hanif for their support.

During the event, Xhemo Lanica, President of the Albanian-American Association of Ulqin, received a Proclamation from the City of New York, recognizing him as an Honorary Citizen. This accolade makes him the youngest Albanian to achieve such a title, acknowledging his tireless work as President of the association and his leadership in humanitarian initiatives and advocacy for Albanians in NYC, Montenegro, and the Balkans.

On May 21, 2006, Montenegro declared its independence through a referendum, regaining its freedom after 90 years. On that historic day, Albanians, Bosniak Muslims, Montenegrins, and other minorities from New York City traveled back to their ancestral lands to vote for Montenegro’s independence, helping to achieve the 55% needed for secession.