A tribute to Harry Mark Petrakis, the chronicler of Chicago’s Greek community
Harry Mark Petrakis, one of the Greek-American community’s greatest and most beloved authors, passed away at the age of 97 on February 2nd. Petrakis was a major figure in 20th century Chicago literature, and was at the forefront of a movement in which America claimed its identity through its ethnic writers. His focus on the experiences of Greek immigrants in Chicago established him as the premiere chronicler of the city’s Greek Town, and gave a unique voice to the community. Petrakis authored 24 books, mainly fiction, and a number of short stories.
Dan Mihalopoulos, an award winning journalist and investigative reporter for WBEZ - who also profiled Harry Mark Petrakis and emceed his induction into the Chicago Literary Hall of Fame in 2014, joins us to talk about the legacy Petrakis leaves behind.