ARMENIAN STUDENTS IN SOUTH FLORIDA RAISING AWARENESS ABOUT THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

ArmRadio.am
10.04.2007 15:45

The South Florida Armenian Students’ Association (ASA), in conjunction
with the Armenian National Committee of Florida, launched an active
campaign to educate college students about the Armenian Genocide
of 1915-1923, reported the Armenian National Committee of America,
Eastern Region (ANCA).

At a benefit concert dubbed, "Make Some Noise for Darfur" sponsored by
the Florida Atlantic University (FAU)-Amnesty International and MTV,
drawing a crowd of more than 300 students, the ASA was invited, along
Hillel and the National Organization of Women (NOW), to distribute
educational materials, field questions, and promote discussion about
the Turkish government’s ongoing denial of the Armenian Genocide.

Speaking at a crowd of human rights activists, 2004 ANCA Leo Sarkisian
Intern, Michael Toumayan asked, "If we cannot get the first genocide
of the 20th century recognized, how can we prevent present and future
genocides from occurring?"

"Seeing all different student organizations, representing a wide range
of cultures and causes, gives us hope for the future of humanity"
reflected Christina Benlian, corresponding secretary for the South
Florida ASA. Also commenting on ANC/ ASA’s advocacy for the Armenian
Cause, including the support for the benefit concert for Darfur,
FAU President Frank Brogan said, "this is a good a cause" as students
webfaxed their representatives to support the current Armenian Genocide
resolution in the US Congress, H. Res 106.

Although not many people were aware of the history of the massacres of
the Armenians, Roupen Joubi rebutted, "it should not discourage us,
but rather it motivates us to work even harder to educate our peers
one of the darkest chapters of history."