Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your tax-deductible donation now.
Armenian Genocide 108th Anniversary Commemorated With Events Throughout The Day
Armenian Americans march in protest through the Little Armenia neighborhood of Hollywood on April 24, 2018, demanding recognition by Turkey.
(
Frederic J. Brown
/
AFP via Getty Images
)
Today is the 108th anniversary of the start of Armenian genocide. Los Angeles and Glendale Unified School Districts are closed, and commemorative events are being held throughout L.A. County, which is home to the largest Armenian population in the United States.
"We are here on an assignment that we inherited from our ancestors,” said Peter Haig, a board member of the United Armenian Council of Los Angeles. “To familiarize the whole world about our bad chapter in history.”
Between 1915 and 1923, 1.5 million Armenians were killed at the hands of the Ottoman Turkish Empire. Turkey claims those who died were caught up in a civil war.
Haig said that while over 25 countries, including the U.S., have recognized the genocide, the most important one — Turkey — has still yet to do so.
"There's an unfinished business here regarding the Armenian genocide,” he said. “Genocide that took place over a hundred years ago that is still unpunished."
Their message is especially important, said Haig, amid the ongoing blockade of Artsakh in the Nagorno-Karabakh region.
Sponsored message
Artouin Hartounian with United Young Armenians said Azerbaijan's blockade is causing food and medicine shortages, and separating Armenian families.
"This is something that is affecting not only the 120,000 Armenians living there,” he said, “but also their relatives who have been basically cut off from Artsakh."
Here are some of the events happening today:
10 a.m.: United Young Armenians will hold the Armenian Genocide Commemorative Rally for Justice at Western and Hollywood Blvds.
12 p.m.: The Armenian Genocide Committee will host a rally in front of the Turkish Consulate.
6 p.m.: United Young Armenians will hold the Rally to End the Blockade of Artsakh at the Consulate of Azerbaijan on Wilshire Blvd.
7 p.m.: The city of Glendale will host its 22nd annual Armenian Genocide Commemoration at the Alex Theatre. This year's theme is "The Armenian Experience Through the Lens."
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
