In connection with the forthcoming erection in Washington, D. C., of a monument to the greatest Ukrainian poet, Taras Shevchenko, it is worthwhile to recall an intimate friendship between the undaunted Ukrainian champion of freedom and justice for all peoples and the famous Negro tragedian, Ira Aldridge, one of the, greatest actors of all times. Not only is this timely but also necessary, because both men are little known in this country, in spite of their universal significance and impact upon the consciousness of their respective peoples.