ATHENS – The Greek magazine “To Vima” recently featured the Manatos family in an extensive article that delves into their history and dedication to the Greek-American community. Titled “The Remarkable Tale of the Manatos: A Lens into Greek-American History,” Petros Kasfikis recounts the family’s journey from Crete to the coal mines of Wyoming, culminating in their influential presence in Washington, DC.

The article notes the 40th anniversary of the family’s lobbying firm, Manatos & Manatos. Their office walls are adorned with memorabilia, including presidential pens used to sign landmark legislation such as the Civil Rights Act, Medicare, arms control treaties, and voting rights laws. Mike Manatos, Jr. reflected on his family’s legacy, recalling how his grandfather, Mike Manatos, Sr., was involved in lobbying for major changes and received a pen that signed a significant bill. This involvement in making impactful changes inspired Mike Jr. from a young age.

The Manatos story begins with Nikos Manatakis, who arrived in America with dreams and little else. Upon arrival at Ellis Island in 1910, he reclaimed his identity by changing his surname from Manatakis to Manatos, shedding the Ottoman-imposed ‘akis’ suffix. This act was a silent protest against foreign rule, although it has since led to bureaucratic challenges for his descendants. Mike Manatos, Jr. is currently working to establish his family’s Greek citizenship, a task complicated by the name change.

The article highlights the surge in interest among Americans of Greek ancestry seeking to reclaim their Greek citizenship, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic. The Manatos family, now based in Washington for almost 80 years, may need to search far and wide for the necessary documentation.

In the early 20th century, the first generation of the Manatos family found resilience and camaraderie in Rock Springs, Wyoming, a town with a significant Greek immigrant population. Nikos Manatakis worked in the coal mines, enduring harsh conditions to secure a better future for his descendants. The town, with its diverse mix of ethnicities, became an unlikely home for Greek immigrants, despite the prevalent prejudice and discrimination. Mike Manatos, Jr. recounted the brutal working conditions his great-grandfather faced, emphasizing the sacrifices made by that generation.

Andy Manatos, the grandson of Nikos, shared stories of prejudice and discrimination faced by Greek immigrants, including signs in small towns that excluded Greeks and other minorities. Despite these challenges, Andy remembers his grandfather as a man of few words but deep wisdom. He recalled his grandfather’s saying, “I can’t leave you a lot of money, but I can leave you a good name,” a testament to the enduring values of the Manatos family.

The full article is available online: https://shorturl.at/qaD8T.