Being a fairly recent immigrant to the United States myself, the delicate integration of dual (or multiple) identities that most immigrants to this country engage in on a daily basis has long intrigued and fascinated me. Several years ago I started documenting the outward expression of people's national identities of origin as well as of their common American one, as manifested through the parades and other public events of the various ethnic and immigrant communities of New York City.
At this time more than ever, I feel it is not just important but in fact of almost existential significance for the continuation of this nation as we know and cherish it to keep affirming, celebrating, and exploring our diversity as well as our common identity as Americans, and to make sure we never forget that almost everyone in this country, apart from Native Americans, is actually the descendant of immigrants.
Dimitri Mellos
Born in Athens, Greece, Dimitri Mellos is an award winning street photographer based in New York City.