TIMELINE
2000’s
2025: Launch of Ekrem Bardha’s Memoir
In 2025, Ekrem Bardha released his highly anticipated book, Truth: The Albanian American and the Independence of Kosovo. This memoir takes readers on a powerful journey through Bardha’s life, from his daring escape from communist-controlled Albania to the rise of his business empire in America. At its core, the book highlights Bardha’s unwavering mission to fight oppression, support those suffering under communism, and advocate for freedom. It offers a behind-the-scenes look at his influential role in politics, revealing how he persuaded the U.S. government to aid the Albanian people and support Kosovo’s path to independence.
2025: Ekrem Bardha Awarded the "Hasan Prishtina" Order
On July 12, 2025, Ekrem Bardha was honored with the prestigious Hasan Prishtina Order by President Vjosa Osmani-Sadriu of Kosovo. This award recognized his remarkable contributions as a businessman and philanthropist, and his unwavering dedication to Kosovo’s national cause and to preserving Albanian identity within the diaspora. This distinction stands as one of the highest honors given to individuals who have significantly advanced the freedom and cultural unity of the Albanian people.
2025: Ekrem Bardha Celebrated in National Media
On July 28, 2025, Albania’s largest newspaper Panorama published a two-page feature celebrating Ekrem Bardha’s lifelong contributions to the Albanian and Kosovar causes. The article highlighted his historic meetings with seven U.S. presidents, his decades of political advocacy, and his recent honors—including the dedication of “Parku Bardha” in Prishtina, the launch of his memoir in Detroit, and his receipt of the prestigious “Hasan Prishtina” Order from President Vjosa Osmani. This feature marked a moment of national recognition, showcasing Bardha’s enduring legacy as a leader, philanthropist, and advocate for Albanian identity worldwide.
2018: Ekrem Bardha receives highest honor, The Presidential Medallion, from the President of Kosova Hashim Thaci.
Ekrem received this award for his contribution to the freedom and independence of Kosovo. The award was presented in Prishtina on July 4, 2018.
2016: Ekrem Bardha Receives the Order of Independence
On September 3, 2016, Ekrem Bardha was honored with The Order of Independence, one of Kosovo’s highest awards, presented by President Hashim Thaçi. The ceremony took place in Tirana, Albania, recognizing Bardha’s lifelong dedication to advocating for Kosovo’s freedom and the rights of the Albanian people.
2015: Recognition from Ramush Haradinaj
Ramush Haradinaj, leader of the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo and former Prime Minister, honored Ekrem Bardha with the Golden Map of Kosova in recognition of his tireless work and dedication to Kosovo’s cause. This award symbolized gratitude for Bardha’s contributions to promoting the rights and independence of the Albanian people in Kosovo.
2009- Vice President Biden and Ekrem Bardha speak Kosova and Albanian issues
2004- Ekrem Bardha receives an award from NAAC
2004- Presidential Fundraiser for John Kerry
In 2004, Ekrem established a foundation to raise funds alongside Albanian businessmen for John Kerry’s campaign, personally donating $100,000. Simultaneously, he also contributed $100,000 to President Bush’s campaign.
2004 - Ekrem Bardha supports President Bush on his second term election
1990’s
1999- Free Kosova Campaign
The Free Kosovo Campaign event was held in Harry Bajraktari's home village in Kosovo. These images were captured during the visit, which featured the National Albanian Council hosting Congressman Eliot Engel.
1998- 1999 Stop the Killing in Kosova
Ekrem took action to support Yugoslavia by raising awareness about the killing of innocent people and the widespread human rights violations. During this time, he organized and participated in protests, marching in both Detroit and Washington, D.C., and even met with President Bush to advocate for an end to the violence in Kosova.
Working alongside American Ambassador William Rayerson, they began developing a plan for the National Albanian American Council (NAAC).
1995- Ekrem Bardha develops NAAC
On November 14, 1990, Andrew Card, who would later serve as White House Chief of Staff under President George W. Bush, met with Robert Hodgkins, Ekrem Bardha, and Sami Repishti to discuss the situation in Kosova. This letter was sent to Ekrem following their meeting, reflecting the significance of their efforts and conversations regarding the region.
1990: Letter from Andrew Card
1992 Ekrem goes home to Albania
For the first time since his departure, Ekrem was able to set foot on his homeland once again, marking an emotional and historic moment in his life.
1992: Humanitarian Aid Mission to Kosovo
With assistance from the Pentagon, which provided the Bardha family with a C-3 cargo plane, they were able to collect donations and deliver vital medical supplies to the region. Over a span of seven months, $2.5 million worth of supplies were gathered from American health and aid organizations, clinics, and hospitals.
Seeking to enhance Albania’s economic and cultural landscape, Ekrem, together with his daughter Donika, opened the country’s first restaurant, café, piano bar, bookstore, and gallery—all under one roof. This innovative space, known as The Piazza, became a vibrant cultural center where people could gather, marking the first of its kind in Albania and introducing Western-style service to the region.
1992 The Piazza Opens
1992: Ekrem Represents Albania on the International Stage
Ekrem attended the Congress of the European Democratic Party, part of the International Democratic Union (IDU). He was invited to the event alongside Edward Selami, marking an important moment of international recognition and collaboration.
1990: Meeting with President Bush: Stop the Killing in Kosova
During a pivotal meeting for the "Stop the Killing in Kosova" campaign, Ekrem spoke directly with President Bush about the ongoing human rights abuses. He urged the President, saying, "Don't forget the Albanians living in Yugoslavia."
1990- Communism Falls
In 1990, Albania experienced a historic turning point as communism collapsed, ending decades of isolation and authoritarian rule. This shift opened the door to democracy, free markets, and greater connection with the global community. For many Albanians, it marked the beginning of new opportunities, freedom of expression, and hope for a brighter future.
1980’s
1988: Lobbying for Kosova in Washington
In 1988, Ekrem Bardha worked alongside Congressman William Bromfield and Secretary of State Lawrence Eagleburger to advocate for support for Kosova. To strengthen these efforts, Ekrem invited Isa Zymberi from London and Bujar Bukoshi of the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) to join the discussions, laying the groundwork for a lobbying initiative in Washington, D.C.
1986: Ekrem Testifies Before Congress – The Ivezaj Case
In 1986, Ekrem testified before the United States Congress in The Ivezaj Case, a pivotal moment in advocating for Albanian rights. The case marked a significant victory over Yugoslavia, sparking a strong and positive reaction from the Albanian community.
During the proceedings, Congressman William Broomfield and other members of Congress openly condemned Yugoslavia, declaring that unless Ivezaj was freed, diplomatic relations with Yugoslavia would be reconsidered. A total of 160 Congressmen demanded Ivezaj’s release, sending a powerful message to the international community and bringing global attention to the human rights abuses taking place in the region.
1980: Letter from Albanian Leader Abas Ermenji
I received your letter dated July 29, along with a photocopy of the report you sent to Mr. Max M. Kampelman, as well as the photocopy of his response and a copy of Ilmar Heinaru’s reply from the State Department.
The report you sent to Max M. Kampelman was excellent and thorough. Certainly, these documents are necessary and valuable because they express the feelings of the Albanians in Yugoslavia and provide the necessary arguments to present before the American side, particularly at the Madrid Conference.
On the other hand, the State Department has now been made aware of the situation of Albanians in Yugoslavia and of the responsibility of American policy, which has supported and sustained the Yugoslav state with all kinds of aid, without ever obligating it to respect the rights and freedoms of the Albanian ethnic group.
This information will help both the State Department and the American Congress better understand the issue. The news and information must continue to be collected from every source possible so that the truth about the Albanians is known worldwide.
1984: Recognition in Edwin E. Jacques' Book
In 1984, historian Edwin E. Jacques wrote complimentary words about Ekrem Bardha in his book, The Albanians: The Ethnic History from Prehistoric Times to the Present. He highlighted Ekrem’s activism with the following passage:
"A good example of what one man can do to protest violations of human rights, such as those that were occurring routinely throughout Albania on a scale that the world was beginning to understand, was a concerned activist named Ekrem Bardha."
1981: Ekrem Bardha meets with President Reagan
In 1981, Ekrem Bardha had the honor of meeting President Ronald Reagan, marking a significant moment in his ongoing efforts to advocate for Albanian rights and raise awareness about the human rights abuses occurring in Yugoslavia. This meeting helped strengthen support for the Albanian cause at the highest levels of the U.S. government.
1970-50’s
1975: Meeting with President Ford
In 1975, Ekrem and his wife, Lumteri, had the honor of meeting President Gerald Ford. This meeting marked an important moment in Ekrem’s journey as he began building connections with U.S. leadership to advocate for Albanian rights and raise awareness about the struggles faced by Albanians under Yugoslav rule.
1969: Meeting with President Nixon
In 1969, Ekrem attended a meeting with President Richard Nixon, where Nixon addressed concerns about communist oppression and equal treatment for all communities. During the meeting, Nixon stated:
"The Greek government will receive no preferential treatment, territorially or otherwise. All Americans, regardless of origin, are especially my concern. Richard Nixon and I have a special intent in all the people who live under communist oppression."
This statement highlighted the U.S. government’s commitment to advocating for freedom and human rights during a time of intense global tension.
1968: Meeting with Governor Romney
In 1968, Ekrem had the opportunity to meet with Governor George Romney, where he shared his insights and perspective on the political and humanitarian situation in Albania. This meeting helped raise awareness among U.S. leaders about the struggles faced by the Albanian people under communist rule.
1964: Bardha Salon Opens
In 1964, Ekrem opened Bardha Salon, marking the beginning of his entrepreneurial journey. The salon not only launched his career but also provided a unique opportunity for him to share his Albanian culture with his clients. During this time, Ekrem met Senator William Broomfield, who took a deep interest in both Ekrem and the situation in Albania. With the Senator’s encouragement and support, Ekrem developed a passion for politics as a means to advocate for and assist his homeland.
1974: Opening the First McDonald’s
In 1974, seeking a new challenge, Ekrem opened his first McDonald’s restaurant, marking the beginning of a remarkable business journey. Through his strong leadership and commitment to excellence, he became a pioneer in perfecting the American customer service experience. Following the success of his first location, Ekrem expanded his business, eventually opening 17 additional McDonald’s restaurants, establishing one of the top-performing chains in the industry.
1957: Ekrem Arrives in America
In 1957, Ekrem arrived in the United States, finally reaching the land of opportunity he had long dreamed of. Determined to support himself and his family, he began working as a gardener, embracing every challenge with hard work and a deep willingness to learn. This marked the beginning of his inspiring journey toward achieving the American Dream.
1953: Fleeing Albania
In 1953, Ekrem and his family made the difficult decision to flee communist Albania, leaving behind their home and everything they knew in search of freedom and safety. This courageous act marked the beginning of a long and challenging journey that would eventually lead them to a new life and greater opportunities abroad.