Bosniak-Americans Make History on Capitol Hill: Inaugural Day of Advocacy Unites Community for the “Bosniak-American Day on the Hill”
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a historic day for the Bosniak-American community, over 100 Bosniaks from across the United States gathered on the steps of the U.S. Capitol for a powerful photograph that captured not only their presence – but their perseverance.
This unprecedented moment marked the inaugural Bosniak-American Day on the Hill, a national advocacy day organized by the Congress of Bosniaks of North America (CBNA). Community leaders, students, professionals, genocide survivors, and activists convened in Washington, D.C. to meet with members of Congress, build bridges with other communities, and reaffirm the values Bosniaks have long stood for: peace, justice, democracy, and human dignity.
“It’s difficult to put into words what this photo means to us,” said Selma Porca, Executive Director of CBNA. “For a people who were nearly wiped off the map thirty years ago, to now stand united in front of the very symbol of democracy is both healing and historic. We come not with anger or vengeance, but with purpose – and pride.”
This fly-in marks the largest organized gathering of Bosniak-Americans in the nation’s capital in history. It is a milestone not just for the community’s visibility, but for its civic awakening. Participants met with legislators and their staff to advocate for continued U.S. support for Bosnia and Herzegovina’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, human rights protections, and official recognition of a National Day of Remembrance of the Srebrenica Genocide in the United States.
“Fly-ins like this are essential for communities like ours,” said Amir Ovcina, President of CBNA’s Board of Directors. “We are often misunderstood or unseen. Days like today allow us to put a face to our story and a voice to our values.”
Just two days before the advocacy day, and one day before the commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the Srebrenica Genocide, a bipartisan group of members of Congress introduced legislation to strengthen stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Upholding the Dayton Peace Agreement Through Sanctions Act calls for sanctions against those who undermine Bosnia’s sovereignty and the peace secured by the Dayton Accords. The timing of this measure, coming just ahead of the community’s meetings on Capitol Hill and the solemn 30th anniversary commemoration of the Srebrenica Genocide event, reflects growing bipartisan support in Congress for a secure and united Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The initiative underscores a broader message: Bosniak-Americans are part of the American story. Many arrived as refugees fleeing war, genocide, and displacement. Today, they are doctors, engineers, lawyers, professors, teachers, business owners, public servants, and proud contributors to the fabric of American life.
“Throughout our history, Bosniaks have stood for coexistence and mutual respect,” said Porca. “Even when we were being erased, we believed in a better future for all. Today, we are proving that future is possible.”
The photo of 100 Bosniaks – men, women, elders, youth – standing shoulder to shoulder in front of the Capitol is not just a celebration of how far the community has come. It is a statement of belonging. A peaceful, powerful declaration that the Bosniak-American story is still being written – on our own terms and in our own voice.
CBNA extends heartfelt gratitude to all the community members who traveled from near and far to support this historic day, and to every congressional office and staff member who made time to meet with our delegates, listen to our concerns, and stand with us in building a more just and peaceful future.
