Ekrem Bardha, celebrating the Life and the Contributions of an Albanian American Icon

Anila Nicklos, M.Ed., CDP/

Throughout my life, I have considered myself abundantly blessed to have met the most incredible Albanian Icons, the ones who have influenced, directed and shifted the fate of our very own existence as a nation and as a people. And when you place the attention to learn more about their journey, you might just find out how tall the stakes were for them, how high they had to jump, how tough the obstacles to overcome, and how much pain their heart endured.

Almost 20 years ago, as fate decided, in one of the events I participated with the Albanian American community in Cleveland, the honored and the most distinguished guest, Ekrem Bardha, made his presence too. He had traveled from Detroit to support the Albanian American community of Cleveland. Ever since then, the person who walked across the room with an incredible confidence, power, vitality, and yet kindness has taught me much through his active political engagement and his own efforts for the betterment of an entire culture, people, and our homeland.

In his first book, Far Yet Near Albania, Mr. Bardha with an open heart shares his personal journey from Albania to America. I remember reading the book that he personally gifted to me and others in our community in Cleveland. To this day, I am in awe of the power of love this family had for one another and for those in need as well as the love of their hearts for their country, Albania.

Life runs so fast and we experience being busy. And if things go well, we also might become a bit selfish, value our personal lives more and withdraw from community contributions. With Mr. Bardha’s commitment no matter how far away from Albania, how successful and what achievements he enjoyed, Albania and Kosova remained forever top of mind and near his heart.

It is so fitting that his birthday today, and Mother’s Day celebration are one day apart from each other here in America. Mr. Bardha’s mother Buleja a fierce, brave and compassionate woman taught her sons well. There is no coincidence her picture is quite visible in Mr. Bardha’s office. Nene Buleja participated fully in Mr. Bardha’s life and memories of them together in different events bring beautiful loving energy and fill up his office always. What I love the most (I would highly recommend everyone to read the book) about the story that Mr. Bardha shares with us in his book is this particular moment in their life, mother and son, that I can never forget, I will never forget and I will always cherish.

Radanj, June 1953 – Young Ekrem decides to escape Albania. One of his brother’s Samiu already suffering in the communist jail. Nene Buleja made a tough decision, leaving one part of her heart in Albania to save her other sons. For young Ekrem, his heart cried for his brother and as much as he loved his country he could not collaborate with the regime. Both, mother and son torn with the decision embarked on the journey to not look back and cross the border. There was a moment where Nene Buleja felt exhausted walking at night. She says to young Ekrem, go ahead… I can’t walk anymore. But young Ekrem knew, if his mother stayed behind, he might never get to see her again. And Nene Buleja could have suffered awful consequences. Young Ekrem carries his mother Bule on his back until they make it to the border. As I read this story in his book, I could not stop crying. We live in times of uncertainty and times in which we might question a whole lot. One thing is very clear…the love for one another is what transports us through tough times. Mr. Bardha remembers his mother Bule emphasizing to him and his brother how they should all stay together, united and love one another always and forever. Later in life, the bond between mother and son got stronger, and fonder. Mr. Bardha saves a special place in his heart for his mother and fondly remembers how Nene Buleja’s vision positively and successfully impacted their lives.

Mr. Bardha’s example of leadership and role modeling cemented a new era in the way political engagement, lobbying and relationships are built and in the best way to positively impact Albanian causes in Albania and Kosova. There is tremendous depth in how Mr. Bardha leads his political engagement, his fierce efforts, and his balanced view to what should be the best approach for all of us and in to how to achieve the best outcome on behalf of all of us. Mr. Bardha impresses upon how his political party is Albania and how the Albanian Diaspora in the USA is the most precious treasure for the Albanian nation.

In the years, in which I have had the pleasure and the honor to meet Mr. Bardha, I have met his best friend and life partner Ms. Lumturia. We have met several times, and for different occasions. At home, she displayed the most hospitable characteristics of a classy, elegant and loving host and when at events, Lumturia still expanded her love and offered gifts. The best gift I have received was her pure love. Ms. Lumturia consistently and with devotion supported Mr. Bardha in his endeavors of Albania and Kosova. She became an inspiration in a journey that did not come without hard work and effort. She is an inspiration to me too. There is so much sunshine in her eyes and in her soul.

In closing, I could spend hours speaking about Ekrem Bardha a friend to all of the Albanians. Although, today, I wish to celebrate him, his vision, leadership, and the love for his country. In the words of Ekrem Bardha — Albanian Diaspora ought to invest in Albania. Albania is our homeland and we must love it in good moments or tough ones. We must invest there and support its economy.

Happy Birthday Ekrem and many more wonderful ones! I am most blessed to have met you!