WESTWOOD—The Armenian Student Association of UCLA kicked off a series of events this week commemorating the 98th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide orchestrated and executed by the Ottoman Turks in 1915.
The events kicked off on Monday and will continue through Thursday. The ASA will hold multiple events as part of the “Genocide Awareness Week.”
ASA Publicity Director Knarik Gasparyan highlights the importance of having multiple events throughout the week, stating, that “these events aim to broaden our understanding of the genocide. Monday will bring to light its legal and historical implications. Tuesday’s event will transform us from victims to activists. Wednesday will be the day we join hands with others to demand justice not only as Armenians, but as global citizens. And finally, Thursday, is the celebration of life and of renewal.”
On Monday, April 22, a Comparative Genocide Panel took place in Kinsey Pavilion. The panel featured professor of Political Science and History, Levon Marashlian who discussed “Consequences of the Genocide and the Question of Restorative Justice.” USC professor and author of the book “Survivors” Donald Miller spoke about “Post-Genocide Trauma: Armenian and Rwandan Cases in Perspective.” This presentation was followed by UCLA professor, second generation Holocaust survivor Von Blum who spoke about “A view of Genocide in the 20th Century and Why Have to Resist.”
This distinguished panel was moderated by William Bairamian, Executive Director of the Armenian National Committee of America, Western Region, which is largest and most influential Armenian American grassroots advocacy organization in the United States.
On Tuesday April 23rd there will be a screening of the film “Screamers” in Kinsey Pavilion, room 1220B at 7 p.m. “Screamers” features the popular rock band, ?System of a Down.” This is an empowering documentary about how the popular Armenian – American band uses music and art as a form of political activism to raise awareness about the Armenian Genocide and to shed light on crimes against humanity. The screening will conclude with a Q & A segment with director Carla Garabedian.
Wednesday April 24th marks the 98th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. The ASA is joining with other organization on campus at Wilson Plaza for the “Global Advocacy Day to inform and educate the UCLA student body on genocides that occurred, their interconnected nature, as well as the importance of the recognition. This event will unite people of diverse backgrounds that have endured crimes against humanity. Following the event the groups will join as one in a silent protest to display the unity of all the diverse groups on campus as they condemn and protest unlawful denial of the Armenian Genocide.
On Thursday April 25th there will be an Armenian Cultural Night “Revival”, celebrating the continued existence of our nation, culture and heritage. The evnt will be held in the Public Affairs building, room 1246 at 7 p.m. The guest speaker for this event will be Stepan Partamian, the author of “The Armenian in America.” His research brings to light known as well as the unknown facts and names of the Armenian descent, many of whom were Genocide survivors, who came to the United States and, with their inventions, contributed immensely to the development of the United States and mankind generally.
George Skirban, an ASA member, states that, “due to numerous ethnic groups sharing the commonality of persecution it is only fitting that a multi-ethnic panel will be leading the discussion. Sharing viewpoints, documented firsthand accounts, and analyzing issues ranging from political relations to cultural identities during those historical occurrences would not only help our generation, but also future ones in formulating possible solutions.”
Bless you boys, our word is being spread