Mike Manatos, President of Manatos & Manatos, speaks to the AHC about the evolution of Hellenic advocacy in the United States. With three generations of Manatos’s serving in or working with the Federal government and over 85 years of accumulated knowledge, Mr. Manatos and his father, Andy Manatos, play an integral role in advocating for our issues.
Over the years advocating for Hellenism, the Manatos’s have worked with many Greek American advocacy groups, from the AHEPA and the American Hellenic Institute, to the newer Hellenic American Leadership Council, as well as, the American Hellenic Council. After decades of collaboration, he has concluded that,
“I think one of the secrets to the Greek American lobby – even though the line that many like to use is, “If we were more united, we could do so much more,” – is that we are united in cause. Each organization has their own specialty. If each organization sticks to that and focuses on that and we support each other doing those things that we are best at, this is how we can be most powerful.”
Family History: 85 years of advocacy
In this interview, Mr. Manatos discusses the Manatos family history and involvement in advocating for Greece and Cyprus in the U.S., including his namesake’s, Mike Manatos Sr., involvement in the prevention of the lesser known 1964 attempt at the invasion of Cyprus.
The Changing Perception of Greece and the Pivotal Moments that Brought us Here
He also discusses the changed political perception of Greece in the United States and the pivotal moments in the past 40 years that have led us to our current state of affairs.
The Eastern Mediterranean Agreement and the Making of a Philhellene, Senator Bob Menendez
While outlining the key elements of the Eastern Mediterranean Agreement, he emphasizes the integral role of Senator Bob Menendez and shares the Senator’s journey to becoming one of the Congress’s most prominent Philhellenes.
Prime Minister Mitsotakis’ State Visit
Most recently, Manatos & Manatos played an integral role in organizing Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ January state visit to the United States. He shares his insights following that state visit.
Honoring Greek Contribution to WWII and Celebrating Modern-Day OXI Courage
Finally, Mr. Manatos introduce the Washington OXI Day Foundation, which he and his father, Andy Manatos co-founded in 2010, a nonprofit, 501c3 organization dedicated to informing American policymakers and the public about the profound role Greece played in bringing about the outcome of World War II and celebrating modern day heroes who exhibit the same courage as the Greeks did in continuing to fight to preserve and promote freedom and democracy around the world. This modern expression is best captivated by the concept “OXI Courage,” an internal strength and defiance of odds that transcends borders and cultures and speaks to human perseverance.
