Quilt of Origins and AHEPA Tribute Statue, Atlanta

Founded on July 26, 1922, the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) was established amidst the backdrop of significant anti-Greek sentiment, exacerbated by groups like the Ku Klux Klan. The association was created to promote and protect Greek culture, particularly critical during such a turbulent period in American history. As part of its commitment to celebrating Greek heritage and its foundational ties to the Olympic Games, AHEPA commissioned a striking tribute that aligns the spirit of ancient competition with modern international camaraderie.

The centerpiece of this tribute is a dynamic sculpture by artist Peter Calaboyias, deliberately crafted to echo the Hellenic origins of the Olympics. Featuring three figures, each representing different eras of the games, the sculpture serves as a timeline of athletic endeavor from ancient times to the contemporary period. On the far right, an Ancient Olympian stands in homage to the original games of 776 BC, performed traditionally in the nude to celebrate the human form and physical prowess. The central figure draws from the first modern Olympics held in Athens in 1896, complete with a Victorian mustache, symbolizing the revival of these historic games in a modern context. To the left, a female athlete represents the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, illustrating the evolution and ongoing relevance of these games.

The Tribute sculpture not only connects the dots between different epochs but also stands as a guardian of history and protector of lives. During the tragic bombing at Centennial Park, the sculpture's fanlike structure shielded bystanders from the blast, its robust form absorbing much of the impact and shrapnel. Remarkably, marks from the shrapnel have been preserved on the statue as a deliberate choice by the artist, turning the sculpture into a living memorial. This decision ensures that the memory of the attack and the lives affected are never forgotten, integrating a layer of somber reflection into an otherwise celebratory monument.