LOS ANGELES — On Friday, March 22, Professor Taner Akçam (Clark University), will deliver a public lecture at noon at the University of Southern California (USC) Shoah Foundation Center for Advanced Genocide Research, co-sponsored by the USC Dornsife Institute of Armenian Studies. The lecture is co-sponsored by the two organizations.
A unique feature of the Armenian Genocide has been the long-standing efforts of successive Turkish governments to deny its historicity and to hide the documentary evidence surrounding it. Denialists have claimed that there was no central decision taken by Ottoman authorities to exterminate the Armenians and that all available documents that indicate otherwise are either fake or were doctored by Armenians. In this lecture, Professor Taner Akçam (Clark University) will explore how his latest research provides a major clarification of the often-blurred lines between facts and truth with regard to these events. Akçam both brings to light documents either hidden or destroyed by the Turkish government that contain the killing orders, and demonstrates the authenticity of these orders, which had been signed by Ottoman Interior Minister Talat Pasha. He will introduce this new evidence and the online archive he has developed to provide the public access to these documents.
Chair of Armenian Genocide Studies at Clark University, Akçam is widely recognized as one of the first Turkish scholars to write extensively on the Ottoman-Turkish Genocide of the Armenians in the early 20th century. He is the author of more than ten scholarly works as well as numerous articles in Turkish, German, and English on the Armenian Genocide and Turkish nationalism. His most known books, A Shameful Act: The Armenian Genocide and the Question of Turkish Responsibility (Metropolitan Books, 2006) and Young Turks’ Crime Against Humanity: The Armenian Genocide and Ethnic Cleansing in the Ottoman Empire (Princeton University Press, 2012) have received several awards.
Akçam’s latest book is Killing Orders: Talat Pasha’s Telegrams and the Armenian Genocide (Palgrave 2018).
By Rev. Dr. Avedis Boynerian & Dr. Yn. Arpi Boynerian
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — Back when we were still engaged, we ran into a certain man at a market. As soon as he learned about our engagement, he said, “Enjoy your engagement days, because marriage is love’s tomb.” His message bothered both of us and put a heavy toll on our hearts. But God’s provision was very present and eased all doubts because a few days later, we had a meeting with our minister to reflect on our growing relationship. During our meeting, the minister shared how he cherishes his relationship with his wife. Over the years, he told us he understood the meaning of true love. He said, “After 25 years of marriage, today I feel that I love my wife more than I used to love her when we first met.” The minister’s message gave us great encouragement and hope and cleared up the previously negative image of marriage in our mind.
After 30 years of marriage, we can tell you that the minister’s message is true. But our true love did not evolve by itself. It took a lot of effort, time, communication and work over the years. We attended many marriage seminars, which helped us understand each other more and offered practical tools to help others along the way.
Marriage is the most important relationship. That’s why it needs our undivided attention to nourish it, clean it and dust it from the debris of life’s everyday challenges. Otherwise, it can quickly become something that’s repetitious and lackluster, like a monotonous chore or responsibility in daily life. Without empathy, excitement and joy, marriage can become a decision that we can unfortunately regret.
Knowing the importance of this blessed union, last year the New England clergy along with yeretzgins of the Greater Boston area came together to plan and orchestrate the first Couples’ Night Out. The mutual respect and cooperation of the clergy is a unique reality of the New England area. Eight clergies and 66 couples attended the event. The speakers were Drs. Paul and Virginia Friesen from Home Improvement Ministries.
The couple’s mission has been to equip the faithful and churches to better encourage marriage and families in living out loving relationships. The Friesens have an interesting way of feeding off each other during their presentation; it’s entertaining, engaging and most importantly, enlightening.
Upon the positive feedback from last year, we have decided to host this event on a regular basis. This year, Father Vasken and Yeretzgin Arpie Kouzouian are going to be the hosts of the second annual Couples’ Night Out at the Holy Trinity Armenian Church in Cambridge. The program will take place on March 30 at 5:30 p.m. This year, the Friesens will be talk about establishing and maintaining marriages that thrive, last. The cost is $100 per couple, and it includes an authentic Armenian buffet and live Armenian music.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (Uprise RI) — State Rep. Katherine Kazarian (Democrat, District 63, East Providence) introduced a bill on February 5, H5238, that would take away the power of some Rhode Island General Assembly legislators to pass judgement on marriages they disapprove us, preventing the institutionalized bigotry currently on display.
Kazarian’s bill would “authorize the governor in his or her discretion to designate a justice of the peace in each town or city, as considered expedient, to solemnize marriages. It would also allow the governor to designate any other person to solemnize a particular marriage on a particular date. There would be a fee to obtain a certificate of designation, whether the application is submitted by mail, hand, facsimile or electronically.”
If passed, the bill would allow anyone to act as an officiant during a marriage after filling out a simple online form, and would allow people to become officiants when the General Assembly is not in session. Right now the General Assembly has to be in session to pass such bills.
For the LGBTQ community, a bill like Kazarian’s will prevent members of the General Assembly from treating their marriages in a second-class fashion. Since Marriage Equality passed in Rhode Island, both the House and the Senate have separated out those solemnization of marriage bills that appear to be for same sex couples and passed the bills separately.
Doing this allows certain legislators, notably Arthur Corvese (Democrat, District 55, North Providence) in the House and Frank Lombardi (Democrat, District 26, Cranston) in the Senate, to abstain or vote no on these marriages.
Kazarian’s bill is the first to try to tackle this issue since 2015, when the Senate passed Sen. Michael McCaffrey (Democrat, District 29, Warwick)’s bill that would have sent would be officiants to the Secretary of State’s office and charge a $150 fee. The bill failed to pass in the House.
LOS ANGELES — Forging a bridge to connect students with professionals and encourage mentorships is a vital undertaking for the Western Diocese and among its chief priorities. Through its innovative Nerouj program, the Armenian youth of the Los Angeles community are empowered through education, support and guidance as they build instrumental relationships that will navigate them in their professional and personal lives.
During its most recent panel, Climb Higher Heights, more than 100 high school and college students were exposed to qualified specialists who touched upon the relevant topics of career development, professionalism and spirituality on Sunday, February 10, at the Western Diocese in Burbank, , under the auspices of Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America.
From left, Salpi Ghazarian, Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Harout Keuroghlian, Natalie Qasabian, Nerses Aposhian, R-Mean, and Amy Ashvanian
The panelists, including Harout Keuroghlian, owner and CEO of JohnHart Realty; Natalie Qasabian, independent film producer; Nerses Aposhian, director of content at JohnHart Realty and co-host of “The Founder Hour” podcast; R-Mean, rapper and pharmacist; and Armenui Amy Ashvanian, California Superior Court Judge, elaborated on their experiences in their respective fields in a thought-provoking discussion led by adept moderator Salpi Ghazarian, director of the University of Southern California (USC) Institute of Armenian Studies.
As generations churn and assimilation becomes more of a concern, the ability to bring the youth together matters more than ever. The success of Nerouj in its short history is a testament to the prescient vision of Derderian, who devised the program when he observed gaps and missed opportunities by community leaders to usher in the new generation.
“Through this mission, we send a clear message that the due respect and trust should be given to the youth, our young leaders, because they have the intellectual motivation and self-confidence to become successful and bring the community to a new level,” said Derderian. “We have to invite them so they will come.”
An abundant number of bright-eyed youth answered his call and have benefited ever since from the initiative. Nerouj, a compound word that has its roots in the Armenian words nerkin (within) and ouj (strength), is a positive force in the Los Angeles Armenian community that advocates relationship building and mentorship while also placing high value on inner spirituality and morality.
“There is both a need and a desire in our community for young professionals to meet and establish connections,” said Chair Silvana Vartanian, who leads the 20-member committee. “Nerouj has been a positive impact on the youth because they can see the vast variety of individual talents and career paths the new generation of Armenians have taken.”
In recognition of Nerouj’s influential strides, California State Sen. Anthony Portantino made a special appearance at the Climb Higher Heights panel, remarking that it was an “honor” to be in attendance at the Western Diocese.
“Any organization that tries to connect young people with mentors and helps young people succeed has my support,” said Portantino, who acknowledged the third anniversary of the program with a special certificate on behalf of the State of California. “Nerouj provides opportunities to the youth for enrichment as they pursue their dreams,” he added.
As a way for the panelists to introduce themselves and also demonstrate how to present oneself when the opportunity arises, Ghazarian asked that they each make a one-minute elevator pitch about their work. Key takeaways from the responses included dedication, sacrifice, setting goals, avoiding excuses and working hard.
For many of the panel members, whose professions ranged from real estate to entertainment to law to the arts, their motivation stems from the fulfillment they derive from their careers.
“I was born and raised in an oppressive Soviet regime so I always wanted to change the world,” said Amy, who noted that she regularly sought guidance from her mentors. “I discovered that my way of helping people was through public service.”
For Qasabian, her dreams materialized when she picked up a camera at the age of 10 and started making short films. “At a young age I discovered I enjoyed entertaining those around me,” she said.
A catalyst in the workplace, Keuroghlian said he pushes those around him to always aim higher. “I want to make every single person who comes into my world the wealthiest they can be, whether in terms of emotional or financial success,” he said.
Touching upon the theme of an evolving world, Aposhian spoke of finding his niche in the digital age.
“I want to impact people and be the leader who guides and motivates his team,” he said.
R-Mean, who earned a doctorate in pharmacy but turned to his passion of rapping full-time, said he appreciates waking up each day and pursuing music.
“Anyone who has a creative side can understand how rewarding it is to the point of it becoming an obsession,” he said, while highlighting the importance of continuing education in order to reach the pinnacle of success.
“Never stop learning,” said R-Mean. “Keep learning in whatever field you are in and stay ahead of the curve.”
Speaking on the evident changes in society, the panelists said they have noticed that their counterparts are more aware of their surroundings.
“Social responsibility is bigger than ever,” said Qasabian. “The world is more in tune with what is going on.”
The trend that has been most clear to Amy is diversity in the workforce, “a very positive change” that now represents more women and minorities.
The panelists also spoke of practical skills such as planning and improvising in the office as well as adapting to different professional environments and technological changes.
“Technology gives us such an advantage,” said Keuroghlian. “Instead of being afraid of it, people need to learn it so they can welcome the opportunity to disrupt the industry.”
Turning the conversation to their cultural heritage, Ghazarian inquired how being Armenian has affected the panelists in their work and how they partake in advancing the homeland.
“What are you doing to empower Armenia, Artsakh and its people?” she asked. “How do you make it real and not just symbolic?”
In response, Ashvanian said she pursues her work for the next generation so “they have human rights and can understand laws and procedures.”
“Each one of us contributes what we can to make this world a better place,” she said. “I grew up in a society where I wasn’t allowed to ask questions so I want to help others express themselves.”
Discussing individual power and how to maneuver it into a collective entity, Ghazarian posed the question of how the panelists tackle the basic social needs of the community.
“It’s important to have the knowledge and know what is going on,” said Aposhian. “It is the responsibility of those in the community to inform business leaders, filmmakers, musicians and tell them to take part and be helpful.”
Pertaining to the concept of “Armenianness” and how it affects their daily work, Natalie said that it is time to change the way society thinks of Armenians and that more should be done to attract attention.
“It’s about us making noise and people recognizing us,” she said.
“Hip hop is the voice of struggle and I wanted to tell the story of my people,” said R-Mean. A song of his, Open Wounds, started a movement to prevent social injustice and he parlayed it into a popular non-profit venture alongside his music career.
At the conclusion of the panel, Vartanian thanked Derderian and expressed gratitude for his support of Nerouj’s mission. “He has shown us that the doors of the Diocese are open not only for practicing our faith but planning and structuring a better future for the Armenian community.”
Derderian remarked that it was an “enlightening and educational” panel and explored the meaning of the organization’s name.
“Nerouj means inner strength,” said Derderian, who emphasized to the participants the significance of being mindful of their inner selves. “Understanding who you are sets the tone for the path of your life.”
He urged the individuals in attendance to have a vision and passion for their futures and to learn from both the structured nature of school but to also educate themselves through others.
“The mentor and the mentee are born together and they journey together,” said Archbishop Derderian, who recounted the organic manner in which he and the late Catholicos of All Armenians Vazken I, established a mentor and mentee rapport.
He thanked Vartanian, the committee members, the panelists, the moderator and the audience members, whose presence he highlighted. The attendees, in turn, gained useful insight as they widened their horizons.
“As a passionate youth committed in empowering my inner spirit with wisdom, this year’s guest panelists were not only successful in giving me the tools to witness a new perspective about life, but they also shed a light on the importance of the Armenian youth community and its connection to our motherland, Armenia,” said Delilah Shahbazian, a fashion marketing student at Woodbury University and a Nerouj committee member.
Participants connected with the thoughts and opinions of the panel members, such as Meg Chakerian, who reflected on Keuroghlian’s sentiments of the phrase “fake it until you make it,” in which he expressed that people should exert more effort so they can put their best, and most truthful, foot forward.
“This quote and his perspective stood out to me because it made me realize there is no need to fake something,” said Meg, a UCLA graduate with a bachelor’s degree in biology, who is preparing to apply to medical school. “By working harder, it is possible to achieve all of your goals.”
Through the Nerouj platform, students in high school, college and those in transition have the chance to network with professionals in a myriad of fields, such as business, finance, entrepreneurship, law, entertainment, communications, medicine, academia, psychology and fashion. Stepping into the world of both Armenian and non-Armenian circles, participants are invigorated through social events, symposiums and panels such as the New Connect program. The organization also bolsters its network through collaborations with others including AGBU Young Professionals, Armenian National Committee of America Professional Network, Armenian Professional Society, and Birthright Armenia. These groups consistently work together on noteworthy projects that benefit the homeland, such as raising funds for the HALO Trust, which supports demining efforts in Artsakh as well as collecting clothing and blankets with the Armenian Relief Society to distribute to the homeless Armenians in Los Angeles.
Sarelle Janoian, a college student studying public health, acknowledged the unique aspects and objectives of Nerouj’s programming.
“Nerouj has opened new doors for individuals into the community and it has allowed the youth to have the opportunity to socially connect with all kinds of professionals and to receive fresh perspectives and views,” she said.
Nerouj fosters a strong and nurturing environment for its participants, who have a consistent place to turn to when seeking professional guidance, all within the aura of the Western Diocese, which serves as a serene setting for many of its events, while embracing the Armenian youth.
“I had a great time meeting people and learning powerful information,” said Jack Janoian, a student at Burbank High School.
The panel, and the greater scope of Nerouj, serves as an inspiring outlet for students to establish professional connections while remaining involved in their culture through the lens of the Armenian Church, which recognizes the influence of the next generation.
“Rarely do you see a gathering where the vast majority in attendance are the youth and this is exactly what we want to see in the life of the Los Angeles Armenian community,” said Derderian. “The drops create rivers and oceans.”
For more information and upcoming events visit nerouj.com, email info@nerouj.com.
FRESNO — “How We Lived: The Houshamadyan Project” will be the topic of a presentation by Dr. Vahe Tachjian, director of the Berlin-based Houshamadyan Project. The talk will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, March 11, in the University Business Center, Alice Peters Auditorium, Room 191 on the Fresno State campus.
The lecture is part of the Spring 2019 Armenian Studies Program Lecture Series at Fresno State.
Houshamadyan was born from a simple and powerful idea: we should bring back to life the cities, towns and village in which Armenians lived in the Ottoman Empire by reconstructing our inheritance – the rich memory of the lives of our ancestors.
Houshamadyan is a non-profit organization founded in Berlin in 2010. The website www.houshamadyan.org appears in three languages: Armenian, English and Turkish.
Alongside written articles, the Houshamadyan website uses a great variety of multi-media tools, such as musical recordings of historic value, oral history testimonies, old photographs, pictures, old film footage, maps, podcasts and so on. Every month, three or four new articles and new materials are added to the constantly growing website. More than 170 articles and family collections are already published.
A kharpert wedding
Tachjian earned his PhD in history and civilization at the École des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales (EHESS) in Paris. He is now the chief editor of the Berlin based Houshamdyan website. His main publications are: La France en Cilicie et en Haute-Mésopotamie. Paris, 2004; Les Arméniens, 1917-1939: La quête d’un refuge, Paris, 2007 (co-editor); Ottoman Armenians: Life, Culture, Society, Vol 1, Berlin, 2014 (editor) and Daily life in the Abyss: Genocide Diaries, 1915-1918, New York/Oxford, 2017.
The lecture is free and open to the public. A free parking code can be obtained by contacting the Armenian Studies Program.
For more information about the lecture contact the Armenian Studies Program at www.fresnostate.edu/armenianstudies.
BOSTON and BERD, Armenia — On January 28, Armenia’s Army Day holiday, the Armenian American Veterans of Greater Boston (formerly AMVETS POST 41 of Watertown, MA), hosted a holiday meal for 350 frontline troops serving on Armenia’s Northeastern international border with Azerbaijan.
This meal was organized by Rev. Aram Mirzoyan, pastor of the Shamshadeen frontier villages for a second year in a row, coordinated by the Fund for Armenian Relief field office in Berd, the center of the 16 frontier village cluster called Shamshadeen. While the Armenian-American veterans funded the meal, all the arrangements, including the procurement of a huge 250-kilogram cow, its slaughtering, cooking, and delivery to the frontline troops were organized by Mirzoyan. A delicious beef barbecue was prepared along with all the fixings, including soft drinks, and desserts. As in the past year the regional base commander of the Armed forces expressed his gratitude to the Armenian American Veterans for their thoughtfulness, which he said warmed the hearts and souls of his troops in realizing that Armenians living so far away from the conflict care about them.
This program was initiated by George Haroutunian, commander of the Veterans group, and Jack Medzorian, trustee and a founder of the veterans’ organization. Both are also past commanders of the Knights of Vartan Ararat Lodge#1 of Boston. They commented, “we do not forget the sacrifice our young men are making in protecting the frontiers of our fledgling nation and are proud to honor them on their annual Army day holiday.”
FRESNO — Dr. Ara Sanjian, director of the Armenian Research Center at the University of Michigan, Dearborn, will give a presentation on “Armenia’s Road to and Since the ‘Velvet Revolution’” at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 7, in the University Business Center, Alice Peters Auditorium, Room 191 on the Fresno State campus.
In his presentation, Sanjian will give a brief review of the long-term and more immediate causes which led to the success of the “Velvet Revolution” in Armenia in April-May last year. He will then describe the rise of Nikol Pashinyan from a young and controversial journalist in the mid-1990s to a politician with immense power and even a cult-figure status in 2018. Thereafter, Sanjian will analyze the group profile of the new and young political elite, assembled around Pashinyan, which now controls both the executive and legislative branches of government in Armenia. Finally, he will list the major challenges of the Pashinyan administration in domestic and foreign policy and portray the basic features of this administration’s actual and potential critics in the Armenian world.
Sanjian is associate professor of Armenian and Modern Middle Eastern History and director of the Armenian Research Center at the University of Michigan-Dearborn. He completed his PhD in modern history of the Middle East at the School of Oriental and African Studies, the University of London. From 1996 to 2005 he was the Chairman of the Department of Armenian Studies, History and Political Science at Haigazian University in Beirut. In Fall 2003, he was the Henry S. Khanzadian Kazan Visiting Professor in Armenian Studies at California State University, Fresno.
He joined the University of Michigan-Dearborn in January 2006. His research interests focus on the post-World War I history of Armenia, Turkey and the Arab states of Western Asia. He is the author of Turkey and Her Arab Neighbors, 1953-1958: A Study in the Origins and Failure of the Baghdad Pact (2001), as well as two monographs and a number of scholarly articles and book chapters, published in English, Armenian, Russian and French.
The lecture is free and open to the public. For more information about the lecture contact the Armenian Studies Program or visit www.fresnostate.edu/armenianstudies.
LOS ANGELES — A founding member of the American University of Armenia, where he was President Emeritus, and life-long community activist and educator, Dr. Mihran Agbabian, died on Tuesday, February 12, in Los Angeles.
Agbabian was born in Cyprus in 1923 and he grew up in Aleppo, Syria, before moving to Beirut, Lebanon to study at the American University of Beirut. He received a bachelor’s degree in physics (1944) and bachelor’s degree in engineering (1947), and he came to the United States in 1947 to continue his education at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) where he received his master’s degree. He completed his studies at the University of California at Berkeley where he received his PhD in civil engineering in 1951.
After working as a structural engineer at several engineering companies, he co-founded the engineering consulting company, Agbabian Associates, in 1963.
In 1984, Dr. Agbabian was appointed as the Fred Champion Professor of Engineering at the University of Southern California. He served as chairman of the Civil Engineering Department and director of the Environmental Engineering program from 1984 to 1992.
He was the founding president of the American University of Armenia in Yerevan which started its operation on September 23, 1991, the same day when Armenia declared its independence. The university, known as AUA, is affiliated with the University of California system and is sponsored by the Armenian General Benevolent Union.
After serving AUA in the capacity of founding president, he retired in 1997, and he was appointed by the Board of Trustees as President Emeritus, working on special assignments for the growth of the university.
Dr. Agbabian was married to Elizabeth Apkarian who worked with him serving their community. They have three sons, Paul (married to Kate Nyberg); Bryan (married to Valina Ghoukassian); and Michael; as well as three granddaughters, Sabrina, Erika, Lori, and a grandson. Arman.
He was elected Member of the US National Academy of Engineering (1982) , the Armenian National Academy of Sciences (1990), and the Russian Academy of Natural Sciences (1995).
Dr. Mihran Agbabian and his wife, Elizabeth
He received the University of California at Berkeley Distinguished Engineering Alumnus Citation and the Caltech Distinguished Alumnus Award.
He received an Honorary Doctor of Science degree from Yerevan State University and was Honorary Member of the Earthquake Engineering Research Institute and its past president, and he was a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
In 1955 he received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor from the National Ethnic Coalition Organization of New York for outstanding contributions as an immigrant.
Agbabian received the Movses Khorenatzi Medal (2001) from the President of the Republic of Armenia for exceptional achievement in educational development. The Armenian Church recognized Dr. Agbabian with the Sahag-Mesrob Medal from Catholicos Karekin I, the St. Mesrob Medal from Catholicos Aram I, and the St. Vartan Medal from Catholicos John Bedros XVIII.
Agbabian served the Armenian community in a number of organizations. He was member of the Central Board of the Armenian General Benevolent Union, a founding member of the Armenian Film Foundation, vice president of the Armenian Missionary Association of America, vice-chairman of the Board of Haigazian College, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Armenian Assembly of America, and General Chairman of the First Congress of the Armenian Engineers and Scientists of America.
He was also a former board co-chair and longtime member of the Armenian Assembly of America.
With members of the Armenian Assembly in 1986
“Dr. Mihran Agbabian’s spirit, character, and great sense of humor was inspiring to all who were fortunate to know him. His generosity, dedication, and commitment to the Armenian Assembly and preservation of our Armenian heritage knew no bounds. He was a humanitarian whose contributions touched the lives of so many people. Dr. Agbabian was a gem, admired and respected by all. The Armenian people benefited greatly from his interest and generosity as did the Assembly, and we are deeply grateful. His passing is a tremendous loss,” stated Assembly Co-Chairs Anthony Barsamian and Van Krikorian and Assembly President Carolyn Mugar.
“It was always such a pleasure to hear his ideas and comprehensive thinking. I loved working with him,” Mugar added.
Dr. Agbabian and his wife Elizabeth were members of the Assembly since its formative years. Dr. Agbabian participated in the Airlie House conference that established the Assembly in 1972. He was co-chairman of the Assembly from 1982-1983, served on the Board of Directors from 1979-1986, and was an Executive Committee Member in 1980. Mrs. Elizabeth Agbabian served on the Assembly’s Board of Directors from 1992-1999. In addition, longtime community leaders, Dr. and Mrs. Agbabian, hosted many special events in Los Angeles that contributed to the expansion of the Assembly’s membership base and support in southern California.
Their sons, Bryan and Michael, participated in the Terjenian-Thomas Assembly Internship Program in Washington, D.C. in 1981 and 1990 respectively. Michael was a keynote speaker at the Assembly’s 2017 Newport Beach Gala honoring the 40th anniversary of the Summer Internship Program. Valina Agbabian currently serves as the Assembly’s State Chair, and is based in San Francisco.
The Agbabian family is also supportive of many groundbreaking initiatives in California, including the opening of the Republic of Armenia’s Consulate General in Los Angeles, and have long been guiding stewards in the Armenian Evangelical Church.
President of Armenia Armen Sarkissian sent a condolence letter on Agbabian’s death.
“With a deep sorrow I have learnt about the death of Professor, foreign member of the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia, Founding President of the American University of Armenia (AUA), AUA Honorary Chairman Mihran Agbabian. Mihran Agbabian was one of the greatest sons of our people who was always with the homeland with his activities.
“Being one of the best specialists in the field of engineering seismology and seismic resistance construction, he visited Armenia shortly after the Spitak earthquake and provided professional support to the native specialists.
“The American University of Armenia, one of the best universities in the region, has been created in 1991 by the initiative of Agbabian and a group of dedicated specialists. Mihran Agbabian chaired the University until 1997 and later became its Honorary Chairman.
“Understanding quite well that education is going to be the key of Armenia’s future, Mihran Agbabian greatly contributed to developing that field in our country with his activities.
I offer sincere condolences to his family, relatives and share their grief,” the president’s letter noted.
LOS ANGELES (Washington Post) — On Friday, February 15, the collusion case between the NFL and former teammates Colin Kaepernick and Eric Reidwas settled, the two sides announced.
The news followed a Associated Press report on Thursday that Kaepernick was approached by the Alliance of American Football but the 31-year-old quarterback was looking for $20 million to play in the nascent league.
Both reports left many to question whether Kaepernick was going to get another shot in the NFL or even wanted to play football at all.
Mark Geragos, Kaepernick’s attorney, answered the latter in a CNN interview Saturday, stating his client “absolutely wants to play. He wants to compete at the highest level. This is a competitive young man.”
Geragos did not go into detail about the resolved collusion case but predicted three teams could be interested in signing Kaepernick, including the Carolina Panthers and New England Patriots.
“I’m going to make a bold prediction that one of three teams picks him up,” Geragos said. “If Cam Newton is out, then the natural place to be is to play with Eric [Reid] in Carolina. I mean, can you imagine?”
Colin Kaepernick
Kaepernick and Reid were San Francisco 49ers teammates from 2013 to 2016. On Monday, Reid signed a three-year extension worth more than $22 million with the Panthers.
“I will tell you, besides the Panthers, it would not surprise me if [Patriots owner] Bob Kraft makes a move,” Geragos said at the end of his interview. “That would not surprise me. And it would not surprise me if his former coach . . . also makes a move.”
Geragos never named the third team. Few of Kaepernick’s former coaches make sense, though he could be referring to one of Kraft’s ex-employees: Seattle Seahawks Coach Pete Carroll, who coached the Patriots under Kraft from 1997 to 1999. Earlier in the interview, Geragos mentioned the Seahawks, saying “Seattle was probably the only place that talked to him” after Kaepernick left the 49ers in the 2017 offseason.
The Seahawks reportedly worked out Kaepernick in May 2017 and canceled an April 2018 workout over uncertainty as to whether he would stop kneeling during the national anthem.
Signing Kaepernick would make a lot of sense for the Panthers, given that the team’s offense is centered around athletic quarterback Cam Newton. Newton underwent arthroscopic shoulder surgery in January and while Carolina is hopeful he’ll be ready by the 2019 season opener, Kaepernick would provide security in case Newton falls behind schedule in his recovery.
Kaepernick joining the Patriots, meanwhile, would make for interesting story lines, given the friendship President Donald Trump has with Kraft, Coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady. Trump lambasted NFL players for kneeling during the anthem, saying in 2017 that owners should cut players who protest.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — On February 14, state Sen. Anthony J. Portantino (D – La Canada Flintridge) introduced SB 302 to reestablish the California-Armenia Trade Office. In 2005, the original trade office was established through legislation authored by former state Sen. Jack Scott, the Schwarzenegger Administration later terminated it in 2008. Sen. Portantino and co-authors Sen. Scott Wilk, Sen. Henry Stern, Sen. Scott Wiener, Sen. Melissa Hurtado and Assemblymember Autumn Burke and Assemblymember Evan Low hope to build a vibrant business relationship between California and Armenia. Several of these co-authors attended the September Tech Trade trip to Armenia.
State Sen. Portantino
Through this legislation, Portantino hopes to capitalize on the trade trip’s positive momentum with establishing the trade office. California is home to one of the largest Armenian populations outside of Armenia. The 25th Senate District represented by Portantino has the largest Armenian population of any state legislative district in the country.
“There is so much excitement and optimism in Armenia under the leadership of Prime Minister Pashinyan and in California under Governor Newsom that we should capitalize on the moment and formalize a positive economic relationship with Yerevan. I was a young politician sitting in the audience when the Jack Scott Bill was signed and I am very pleased to be in a position to help bring it back,” commented Portantino.
Consul General Dr. Armen Baibourtian and Glendale Mayor Zareh Sinanyan joined Portantino in Sacramento to introduce SB 302. Baibourtian made his first trip to the State Capitol while serving his second term as consul general representing Armenia in Glendale.
“This is truly an important development for both California and Armenia. We have long-wanted to reestablish the trade office and are very grateful to Senator Portantino and his colleagues for authoring this promising proposal. I know it will be well-received by the Armenian Community in California and business and political leaders in Yerevan,” added Baibourtian.
In September, Portantino, Stern, Sinanyan and the ANCA completed a tech trade trip to Yerevan and Gyumri. The trip was Portantino’s second trip to Armenia. Attending Senators and Assemblymembers were introduced to the many facets of the Armenia tech and education communities in Armenia’s two largest cities. The goal of the trip was to strengthen economic ties between California and Armenia. During his first term in the Senate, Portantino established the Senate Select Committee on California, Armenia and Artsakh Mutual Trade, Art and Cultural Exchange. Establishing the trade office is a natural extension of these efforts.
“Our community in California is igniting a renewed optimism toward the Armenian economy, something Senator Portantino witnesses first-hand. We are lucky to have him championing and fostering this formalization effort. Now, the responsibility falls upon all of us to ensure its success. I am confident that the trade offices will lead to mutual economic and social benefit,” commented Mayor Sinanyan.
SB 302 seeks to establish the trade office under the umbrella of Go Biz, the official economic development arm of the Governor’s Office. The legislation calls for the trade office to be funded by private funding. Before funds can be raised, the office needs formal designation and creation. Today, that effort took its first giant step.
“We are excited to be part of this effort. The wonderful entrepreneurial spirit of Armenian Americans has a new avenue to pursue success. It is truly exciting times in California and in Armenia,” concluded Wilk.
NEW YORK — Louise Manoogian Simone died at the age of 85 on February 18. She had dedicated her life to civic leadership, philanthropy and was first and foremost passionate about the promotion of Armenian culture and heritage.
Most who knew her will remember her as an intelligent, outspoken and witty woman who strived for excellence in herself and others.
She was born in Detroit to Alex and Marie Manoogian. Her father, Alex, an Armenian immigrant who had left Turkey after the Armenian Genocide, developed the Delta company single-handed faucet and went on to become one of America’s leading industrialists as the founder of MASCO corporation. Upon achieving business success, he used his resources to work tirelessly for the benefit of the Armenian people worldwide.
Louise Manoogian Simone in Armenia in 1988
Louise inherited her parents’ passion for Armenians, which led her to follow in her father’s footsteps and serve on the board of the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU), the world’s largest non-profit organization dedicated to upholding Armenian heritage through educational, cultural and humanitarian projects. In 1982, she made her first trip to Armenia, then still a Soviet republic. She quickly fell in love with the country and its people and over the next few years, returned frequently, bringing others with her.
Her brother, Richard Manoogian, joined her in supporting a number of projects in Armenia.
In 1988, after a devastating earthquake hit Armenia, she was on the first US cargo plane delivering relief supplies and rescue teams to the disaster area. She spearheaded the disaster relief on behalf of the AGBU. An iconic picture of her standing in the ruins near the epicenter of the quake is remembered by many affected by the disaster.
In 1989 she was elected the international president of the AGBU and began directing operations in 31 countries and 74 cities. She opened an office in Yerevan and when Armenia became an independent country, she, through the AGBU and her own resources, focused efforts on re building a newly-independent homeland.
She was a charter board member and major benefactor of the American University of Armenia in Yerevan.
After a million miles traveling the world to oversee operations and projects, in 2002 she retired as president of the AGBU. However, she continued her charitable efforts through the Manoogian Simone Foundation, working with, among others, the Armenian Apostolic Church, reconstructing and maintaining hospitals, schools and children’s and cultural centers and historical monuments.
She was also a significant supporter of the arts and many artists.
She was a great benefactor to American universities, museums and cultural institutions, including the University of Michigan, Wayne State University and the Detroit Institute of Arts.
She received many honors throughout her life, among them the Ellis Island Medal of Honor.
She leaves a daughter, Christine, and two sons, David and Mark.
GLENDALE, Calif. – After a months-long debate on the future of rent stabilization in the city of Glendale, City Council members passed a “right-to-lease” ordinance in a 3-0 vote during the February 12 City Council meeting. The chambers were filled with landlords and tenants who for months have been pleading their case. A clear divide could be heard with landlords arguing that a rent control measure would be an attack on their livelihoods and tenants, represented by predominately Armenian and immigrant community members, saying they are being forcefully relocated out of the community.
Protesters in Glendale at the City Council hearing (photo: Raul Roa./Los Angeles Times)
In a surprise last minute twist, Mayor Zareh Sinanyan, a lone voice of support for rent control on the City Council, was forced to recuse himself upon the recommendation of City Attorney Mike Garcia, who determined that comments he had made on Armenian television a few weeks prior were “biased” and constituted grounds for recusal.
The only remaining council members who voted in favor of “right-to-lease” were Paula Devine, Vrej Agajanian and Vartan Gharpetian. Ara Najarian was also forced to recuse himself because of prior interest in rental properties owned in Glendale.
Although “right-to-lease”has been sold by council members as rent control, this measure is in fact not rent control and does nothing to address curbing runaway rent increases that are forcing long-time residents out of the city of Glendale. It calls for a mandatory one-year lease offered to tenants during which period rents cannot be raised, as well as relocation fees if the tenant refuses any increases above 7 percent, based on the length of time the tenant has resided in the unit.
But Armenians in the community are outraged, both at the Armenian City Council members who did not live up to promises of protecting their rights, as well as the fact that they are having to make tough decisions on whether to leave their beloved community or be forced to pay exorbitant rents.
“I’ve lived in the same building in Glendale for 24 years with my sister and my 90-year-old mother. My rent has increased from $1,500 to $2,050 in the last year and a half. The building was built in 1960 and is not in good condition. Landlords are always changing hands and now they’ve sold the building to a property management company who doesn’t take good care of the building. The majority of Armenians who lived in this building have left as they can no longer afford these rising rents. Unfortunately, I can’t leave as I am the sole care-taker of my mother,” says Sofia Azarian, who helped collect over 500 signatures during a unsuccessful attempt last year by local tenants to gather 11,500 signatures to put rent control on the city ballot.
Members of the Armenian community and other minority groups have been activated in joining the push for rent control through the Glendale Tenants Union (http://www.GlendaleTenants.org or www.facebook.com/GlendaleTenants), a grassroots community-led organization whose efforts have resulted in rent control becoming the number one issue for the city. They have been holding rallies in front of City Hall since July and encouraging community members to make their voices heard.
“Right-to-Lease does nothing but offer a conciliatory pat on the head for tenants forced out of their homes and communities, and we therefore condemn both the futility of “Right-to-Lease” and the mockery our council made of democracy in order to force it through. If council thinks this will somehow silence the tenants movement in our city, they are sorely mistaken,” said Glendale Tenants Union member, Mike Van Gorder.
ALTADENA, Calif. — The Tekeyan Cultural Association Metro Los Angeles Chapter hosted a bilingual program titled “Roupen Herian: Rescuer of Armenian Orphans,” on February 17 at the Tekeyan Center in Altadena. Boston-based scholar Aram Arkun, executive director of the Tekeyan Cultural Association of the United States and Canada and assistant editor of the Armenian Mirror-Spectator, served as the keynote speaker and presented the fascinating life of Herian, who dedicated himself to the herculean task of locating kidnapped Armenian women and children during and immediately after the Armenian Genocide.
Aram Arkun
The master of ceremonies, Carl Bardakian, chairman of the TCA Metro LA chapter, offered brief welcoming remarks. He introduced Kana Hovhannisyan, second secretary of the Republic of Armenia’s Consulate General in Los Angeles, who spoke poignantly about Herian and the importance of his great sacrifices.
Bardakian then introduced Arkun, who presented a detailed overview of the incredible life Herian lived. In particular, he noted that Herian was not driven by narrow political ideology. He started out as a member of the Hnchag Party, became a Reformed Hnchag, and then a member of the Armenian Democratic Party, the predecessor of the Armenian Democratic Liberal Party. Though a dedicated member of his party, he worked with many other organizations for the betterment of the Armenian people and nation.
Arkun noted that Herian was born in Tokat sometime between 1868 and 1872, and later worked in Constantinople, before immigrating to Boston and afterwards moving to New York City. He became a successful businessman in the tobacco industry, while continuing to be deeply involved in Armenian political activities.
In 1916 he carried out a secret war mission for the British government.
Herian helped arrange the transportation of many of the 1,200 Armenian-Americans who joined the Armenian Legion, which successfully defeated the Turkish and German forces at the Battle of Arara in Palestine in September 1918, and himself later enrolled as a legionnaire though he was older than most of the other volunteers. In fact, he was often called the “grey-haired youth” due to his enthusiasm and energy.
Carl Bardakian
Herian served as the director of an infirmary in Egypt for the legionnaires, and participated in an abortive expedition to help the besieged city of Hadjin in Cilicia. He also played a role in the defense of the Cilician city of Dört Yol (Chork-Marzban).
As representative of the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU), Egyptian Armenian Relief and [Armenian] United Orphan Care, with additional financial support from the Armenian Church, the Armenian Democratic Party (predecessor of the Armenian Democratic Liberal Party), various other Armenian relief organizations, and, most strikingly, many individual Armenians who themselves barely had enough money to live after the Genocide, Herian tried to rescue kidnapped Armenian women and children from the Bedouins, Turks, Kurds and their harems. Using his adept linguistic skills, Herian disguised himself as needed as an American missionary, British official or Bedouin, primarily in the Aleppo, Der Zor and Mosul regions, to carry out his mission. Despite threats of death and robbery and facing great resistance from those who did not want to easily relinquish Armenian women and children from their hold, Herian remained valiant. He used persuasion, money and sometimes threats to rescue Armenian women and children from their captors.
Arkun noted that Herian was a moving and effective speaker who participated in fundraising activities in the United States, France, the Ottoman Empire and Egypt with the intent to rescue more women and orphans. His untimely death in Cairo, Egypt on July 7, 1921, prevented him from fulfilling those plans. He was to have gotten married only a few days later.
Kana Hovhanisyan
Recognized at the program was Hratch Manoukian, whose father, Nazaret Manoukian, was a member of the Armenian Legion and fought at the Battle of Arara. He also was a military policeman in Adana. Two others recognized were Hagop Mardirossian, whose father was saved by Roupen Herian and taken to an orphanage in Jerusalem, and Irena Varjabedian, whose grandmother was born in the town of Aksehir in the province of Konya, and saved by Herian.
Participating in the program were the dancers of the Patille Dance Studio of Pasadena, under the direction of Patille and Cynthia Albarian.
Alique Bardakian (center) of the Patille Dance Studio of Pasadena
Roupen Herian made many personal sacrifices to serve the Armenian people, in part by means of the Armenian Legion, Armenian Democratic Party, Armenian National Union and AGBU. He remains a great patriot and hero of the Armenian nation, whose bravery, determination and selflessness led to the rescue of countless Armenian orphans and women.
LOS ANGELES — The celebration of the 80th birthday of composer Tigran Mansourian is an occasion both for reflection on the musical path he has traversed as well as to revisit select works from his hauntingly diverse repertoire in performance at a day-long event at UCLA’s Schoenberg Hall on March 6.
Born in Beirut, Lebanon, Mansurian resettled in Armenia with his family after World War II, where he began to study music, soon distinguishing himself as a representative of the avant-garde constellation of Soviet composers that included Arvo Pärt, Alfred Schnittke, and Valentin Silvestrov. That generation boldly experimented with styles emanating from Western Europe, before branching out to develop the individual approaches that characterize their mature work. Mansurian’s complex evolutionary path thus becomes the subject of two round table discussions by musicologists, exploring first the vertical dimension of his affinities with the musical trajectory of his homeland, while at the same time situating his compositions horizontally within the broad spectrum of musical exchange between East and West in the modern and contemporary world. Presenters comprise Artur Avanesov (American University of Armenia, Yerevan), Elena Dubinets (artistic administrator of the Seattle Symphony), Lisa Cooper Vest (University of Southern California), Vatche Barsoumian (director of the Lark Musical Society, Glendale), together with A. J. Racy (UCLA) and Ian Krouse (UCLA) in a conversation moderated by S. Peter Cowe (UCLA).
The gala concert to follow opens with a pre-taped message of congratulations by the president of the Armenian Republic and welcoming remarks by the Armenian consul general in Los Angeles. The program embraces several of Mansurian’s masterpieces, including the US premiere of his acclaimed String Quintet, intercalated with compositions by his close friends Pärt, Schnittke and Silvestrov. Featured guest artists include principal clarinetist of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and UCLA faculty Boris Allakhverdyan, Artur Avanesov (piano), the VEM String Quartet, Danielle Segen (mezzo-soprano), Antonio Lysy (cello), Varty Manouelian (violin), Movses Pogossian (violin), Miroslava Khomik (violin), Tiffany Wee (violin), James Lent (piano), Michael Kaufman (cello), James Bass, and the Seraphic Fire/UCLA Ensemble Artists.
The symposium will take place in the Popper Theater, 2-5:30 p.m., while the concert will be held in the adjacent Schoenberg Concert Hall, beginning at 8 p.m. The program is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served. Self-service parking is available at UCLA’s Parking Structure #2.
GLENDALE — A delegation of representatives of the Tekeyan Cultural Association of the United States and Canada (TCA) visited the Consulate of the Republic of Armenia in Glendale on February 18 to meet with Consul-General Dr. Armen Baibourtian and Counselor Varazdat Pahlavuni. The Tekeyan representatives included TCA Executive Director Aram Arkun, TCA Los Angeles Chapter Chairman Parsegh Kartalian, TCA Pasadena-Glendale Chapter Vice-Chairman Kevork Keushkerian, who is also a member of the TCA Central Board of Trustees, and TCA Metro Los Angeles Chapter Chairman Carl Bardakian.
During the meeting, issues concerning both Armenia and the diaspora were discussed. Baibourtian remarked that this year was the 25th anniversary of the founding of the consulate, otherwise known as “Mer Doon,” so that several events were being planned in its celebration. He expressed his readiness to collaborate with TCA in the cultural realm and stressed in this respect the key goals of preservation of Armenian identity, the strengthening of bonds with Armenia and the familiarization of Americans with Armenian culture.
Baibourtian noted that he has visited California capital of Sacramento and invited the president of the Senate to visit Armenia in 2020. He added that on the same day, State Sen. Anthony Portantino, known as a staunch supporter of the Armenian community, proposed the reestablishment of the California-Armenia Trade Office which had ceased operations in 2008.
Baibourtian observed that he has begun a program in conjunction with local public schools. He has invited two students from Hoover High School to work in the consulate as interns. He also declared that he is striving to establish good ties with other ethnic groups living in the Los Angeles metropolitan region, including Mexicans, Thais and Lithuanians. For example, he organized a conference for the Mexican and Armenian communities which will take place May 21-23.
The Tekeyan delegation in turn spoke about TCA’s lectures, concerts and various cultural activities in the Los Angeles region. Arkun and the local TCA chapter leadership expressed the desire to support the activities of the consulate as well as to collaborate in a practical fashion wherever possible.
GLENDALE — The Tekeyan Cultural Association Los Angeles Chapter, in collaboration with the Tekeyan Cultural Association Metro Los Angeles Chapter, present a program on the rich literary legacy of the poet Vahan Tekeyan and the activity of the Tekeyan Cultural Association (TCA) to take place Sunday, March 10 at the Glendale Public Library.
Parsegh Kartalian, chairman of the TCA Los Angeles Chapter, will serve as the master of ceremonies. The main speakers will be Drs. Krikor Adanalian and Tamara Hovhannisyan. Dr. Adanalian, a cardiologist originally from Aleppo, will lecture about the more than 70 years of productive cultural activity of TCA. Dr. Hovhannisyan, a poet, gallery owner and literary critic, as well as a former staff member of the Monterey Institute of International Studies, will lecture about Vahan Tekeyan as a poet and man of letters. The program will be in the Armenian language.
Kartalian said, “I believe this program will be entertaining and informative. The poet Vahan Tekeyan has played an important role in our modern culture and deserves to be better known, while the efforts of the Tekeyan Cultural Association over the decades to promote and advance Armenian culture in many parts of the world is a story of dedication and sacrifice that has allowed several generations of Armenians a deep connection to their roots. Our March event includes very talented musicians as well as renowned speakers.”
Melo Ekizian, a graduate of the Melkonian Educational Institute, is an expressive and talented reciter who will present some pieces of poetry, while the musical portion of the evening will include songs by Mariam Aghajanian with Shushana Hakobyan performing on the piano, and a performance by Yergnayeen Dagher (Heavenly Chants Flute and Harp Duo), composed of Salpy and Sossy Kerkonian.
Mariam Aghajanyan was born and raised in Yerevan, where at the age of 16 she began her music education at Arno Babajanyan Music College. After four years there, she pursued her master’s in vocal performance at the Komitas Conservatory. Shortly after she graduated, she immigrated to the United States where she continued her musical career and performed in recitals, community gatherings, churches, and for US veterans. In June 2018, she had her big debut performance with pianist Shushana Hakobyan.
Shusan Hagopian
Hakobyan received her master’s and doctorate degrees in music from the Komitas State Conservatory. She was one of the leading soloists of the Armenian State Philharmonic and a founding member of the SHELL Armenia State Philharmonic Trio. She has given recitals in USA, Canada, Austria, France, Italy, Lebanon, Russia, and Ukraine. Since 2014 she has collaborated with violinist and composer, Ruben Aghiyan, forming the group, Unison Duet with whom she has played numerous concerts in USA and abroad. Since 2016 the duo have done charitable concert tours in Armenia to help families in need. In 2018 they opened a violin class in the village Achajur for their program, “Keep Armenian Borders Spiritually Strong,” helping talented kids in the borders of Armenia to get musical education. The proceeds from their CD, Fantasy, all go to this cause. Shushana is also a successful and inspiring piano instructor with more than 13 years of teaching experience.
Yergnayin Dagher Heavenly Chants Flute and Harp Duo performed La Boheme for Charles Aznavour at his Hollywood Walk of Fame star ceremony, just months before his passing. Flautist Salpy Kerkonian and harpist/pianist Sossy Kerkonian are first-place winners of 22 solo competitions, including for the LA Philharmonic, Glendale Symphony and the Lucille McKinstrey Foundation, which featured Salpy Kerkonian as soloist in Chaminade’s “Concertino” on PBS television. In 2018, Heavenly Chants won the Glendale Central Library Concert Series Competition.
Sossy and Salpi Kerkonian
Salpy Kerkonian graduated from the USC School of Music, and has performed as First Flute of the Glendale Symphony, American Youth Symphony, Debut Orchestra, Burbank Philharmonic and, Santa Cecilia Orchestra, for world renowned Conductors Mehli Mehta, Lalo Schifrin, and Michael Tilson Thomas at the Hollywood Bowl.
Harpist/Pianist Sossy Kerkonian studied with LA Philharmonic harpist Amy Wilkins. Before arriving in Los Angeles, Sossy Kerkonian was a broadcaster at the Armenian Echoes Radio Station in NY, and performed cultural events at Town Hall and Weill Carnegie Recital Hall, accompanying Armenian vocal soloists from the Metropolitan Opera. In that capacity, she had the unique opportunity to perform live for composer Aram Khatchaturian.
The program will begin at 5 p.m. at the hall of the Glendale Public Library at 222 E. Harvard Street (validated parking at the Marketplace parking structure at Harvard and Maryland), with complimentary admission. It will conclude with a reception.
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — Holy Trinity Armenian Church and the Trinity Men’s Union will welcome state Sen. Lou D’Allesandro of New Hampshire for a luncheon and book talk on Sunday, March 24, at 12:30 p.m.
D’Allesandro will discuss the book written about his extraordinary career in politics, Lion of the New Hampshire Senate and Thoughts for Presidential Hopefuls. The program will take place at the Charles and Nevart Talanian Cultural Hall of Holy Trinity Church, 145 Brattle St.
For more than a generation, D’Allesandro has been a force in New Hampshire politics and on the national stage. His brand of grassroots politics, relatability and the genuine relationships he has forged with voters have made D’Allesandro the go-to source for presidential hopefuls seeking to understand the political landscape for the New Hampshire primary. He has been sought for his advice, counsel and friendship by Bill Clinton, Joe Biden and Elizabeth Edwards, to name a few. Yet, this is a story about more than politics. The exchange promises to touch on themes of trust, leadership, humble service and American opportunity.
Donation for the luncheon is $8 and a Lenten option will be available. Tickets will be sold at the door. Books will be available for purchase.
For further information, contact the Holy Trinity Church Office, office@htaac.org.
FRESNO — Dr. Taner Akçam, the Kaloosdian and Mugar Professor of Armenian Genocide Studies at Clark University, will speak on “The Denial of Armenian Genocide and the Killing Order of Talat Pasha” on Friday, March 15, at 7:30 p.m., in the Satellite Student Union (2485 E. San Ramon, enter at Barstow and Maple Aves.), at Fresno State.
The presentation is part of the Armenian Studies Program Spring 2019 Lecture Series and is co-sponsored by the Knights of Vartan, Yeprad Lodge.
A unique feature of the Armenian Genocide has been the long-standing efforts of successive Turkish governments to deny its historicity and to hide the documentary evidence surrounding it. Denialists claimed that there was no central decision taken by Ottoman authorities to exterminate the Armenians and all available documents that indicate otherwise are either fake or were doctored by Armenians.
Akçam, with his latest book, brings to light documents either hidden or destroyed by the Turkish government that contain the killing orders, as well as demonstrates the authenticity of these orders, which had been sign by Ottoman Interior Minister Talat Pasha.
As such, this work removes a cornerstone from the denialist edifice and represent an earthquake in the field of Armenian Genocide and will contribute enormously to the fight for recognition.
Historian and sociologist Akçam, one of the first Turkish intellectuals to acknowledge and openly discuss the Armenian Genocide, holds the only endowed chair dedicated to research and teaching on this subject. As Robert Aram and Marianne Kaloosdian and Stephen and Marian Mugar Professor of Armenian Genocide Studies at the Strassler Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies at Clark University, he is committed to research, teaching, and training future scholars. An outspoken advocate of democracy and free expression since his student days at Middle East Technical University in Ankara, he is an internationally recognized human rights activist.
Akçam received his PhD in 1995 from the University of Hanover with a dissertation titled, “Turkish Nationalism and the Armenian Genocide: On the Background of the Military Tribunals in Istanbul between 1919 and 1922.”
He is the author of The Young Turks’ Crime Against Humanity: The Armenian Genocide and Ethnic Cleansing in the Ottoman Empire (2012); Judgment at Istanbul: The Armenian Genocide Trials, with Vahakn Dadrian (2011); and A Shameful Act: Armenian Genocide and the Question of Turkish Responsibility, (2006).
GLENDALE — The Armenian American Museum Board of Trustees has announced the appointment of Shant Sahakian as executive director, effective March 1.
“The Board of Trustees are pleased to welcome Mr. Shant Sahakian as the Executive Director of the Armenian American Museum,” stated Executive Chairman Berdj Karapetian. “Mr. Sahakian brings strong leadership and community relations skills to the organization and will be an asset to the museum in his new leadership role.”
Sahakian first joined the Armenian American Museum project in 2014 as a member of the Armenian Genocide Centennial Committee. Since 2016, he has supported the museum’s community outreach efforts. Most recently, he directed the staff, professionals, and volunteers who collectively organized the highly successful Inaugural Gala and Telethon. In his new role as Executive Director, he will be responsible for leading the organization’s development and community relations as well as collaborating with the Museum’s principal architect, exhibition design consultant, and construction team.
“I am grateful to the Board of Trustees for their trust and the opportunity to serve as the Executive Director of the Armenian American Museum,” stated Sahakian. “We have a unique opportunity to build a landmark cultural and educational center that will serve generations to come and I am excited to work with our board, staff, volunteers, and community to make this historic project a reality.”
In addition to his role at the museum, Sahakian is an elected member of the Glendale Unified School District Board of Education. He was elected in April 2017, becoming the youngest School Board Member elected in Glendale history.
Sahakian is a lifelong resident of Glendale and has deep roots in the community. In the past, he has served as the Chair of the City of Glendale Arts & Culture Commission, Chair of Glendale Youth Alliance, President of the Glendale Parks & Open Space Foundation, and Vice President of Glendale Kiwanis. Sahakian’s professional career began at the age of 14 when he founded his own digital agency serving businesses and non-profit organizations with design and technology services.
Sahakian became the first Armenian American to be honored with the prestigious Man of the Year Award from the Glendale Chamber of Commerce in 2016. He is also a recipient of the Hope Diamond Award from the Glendale Educational Foundation, Community Award from the Character & Ethics Project, and the inaugural Hero Award from Glendale Youth Alliance.
Sahakian holds a Bachelor’s Degree in graphic design with a marketing minor from California State University, Northridge (CSUN) and a certificate in marketing from University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA Extension).
He and his wife, Suzanna, reside in Glendale, with their son, Raffi Sebastian Sahakian, and are expecting their second child.
The Armenian American Museum and Cultural Center of California is a developing project in Glendale, CA with a mission to promote understanding and appreciation of America’s ethnic and cultural diversity by sharing the Armenian American experience. The Museum will serve as a cultural campus that enriches the community, educates the public on the Armenian American story, and empowers individuals to embrace cultural diversity and speak out against prejudice.
The governance of the Museum is entrusted to ten Armenian American cultural, philanthropic, and religious non-profit institutions including the Armenian Catholic Eparchy, Armenian Cultural Foundation, Armenian Evangelical Union of North America, Armenian General Benevolent Union Western District, Armenian Missionary Association of America, Armenian Relief Society Western USA, Nor Or Charitable Foundation, Nor Serount Cultural Association, Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America, and Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church.
SOMERVILLE, Mass. — Zoravik presents the Paris-based Collectif Medz Bazar in their only New England appearance, on Monday, March 18, at 8 p.m.
The concert will raise funds to help the band’s travel to music and media festival South by Southwest (SXSW) in Austin, Texas. Collectif Medz Bazar is a genre-bending, women-led ensemble comprised of six musicians who sing and play urban diaspora music inspired by folk music from Armenia, Turkey and Iran, Caucasian Rabiz, rhythms from Thrace, Venezuelan sounds, hip-hop, jazz and bluegrass. Beyond this traditional repertoire, Collectif Medz Bazar create compositions of their own that tackle social issues and challenge political and cultural boundaries.
The concert will take place at ONCE Somerville, 156 Highland Ave.
Medz Bazar performs regularly in Europe, in the Middle-East, and in North America. Their third album, “O,” will debut this May as they venture out on yet another successful world tour, making appearances in Portugal, France, Poland, Armenia, Turkey, Georgia, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany. All proceeds from ticket sales will be used to fund Medz Bazar’s attendance and performance at SXSW.
Zoravik (“in solidarity”) is a Boston-based Armenian activist collective that promotes new avenues for political and grassroots organizing and project-based engagement for progressives. Formed in the wake of the Velvet Revolution, the group seeks to mobilize the political, cultural, and social institutions of the diaspora to support and encourage transformative efforts in Armenian communities worldwide. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/651959421901776 or email zoravik@gmail.com.
