CYCLE OF GENOCIDE DISCUSSED WITH LAKEWOOD HIGH STUDENTS
Asbarez
Mar 16th, 2010
HOLLYWOOD-This past Wednesday, more than 250 sophomores and juniors
at Lakewood High School took part in a special discussion on the
Armenian Genocide led by the AYF and ANC. The presentation marked the
second year in a row that Armenian activists have visited the school
to speak with students about the horrors of genocide.
Lakewood High History teacher, Angela Wood, extended the invitation
to the AYF to organize the discussion. With the curriculum for her
students already covering the Armenian Genocide, the presentation was
geared more toward giving them insight into what can be done about
stopping such atrocities.
"As the direct descendents of those who survived the Armenian Genocide,
we see it as our duty to raise awareness about this grave crime
against humanity," said AYF Executive Director Serouj Aprahamian. "It
was very rewarding speaking with the students at Lakewood High, not
only about the crime of genocide, but the steps our generation needs
to take to eliminate this scourge once and for all."
Aprahamian and ANC-WR Community Relations Director, Haig Hovsepian,
gave the two, two-hour presentations to mostly non-Armenian history
students gathered in the school library. In addition to covering the
motivation and steps behind Turkey’s attempted annihilation of the
Armenian people, they discussed the ongoing killings in Darfur and
explained how students can get involved in advocacy efforts to end
the cycle of genocide.
"Just as important as it is to learn about the Armenian Genocide
is to learn that it is also a part of American history as well as a
contemporary issue," said Hovsepian. "Education and civic engagement
form the base of any meaningful change towards ending the cycle of
genocide. While there was much to share, it was also inspiring to
hear from many of the students who had learned about the genocide
and were eager to translate that knowledge into action."
Towards the end of each session, the students drafted letters, in
their own words, directed toward Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi,
calling on her to push for a full vote on the Armenian Genocide
Resolution. "History is written by its victors, but if the Turkish
government receives what they want Armenian culture will be lost,"
read one of the letters written to Pelosi. "All I ask for is that
the Genocide be brought to justice. Please do your part by supporting
this request."
The students were also shown the recent 60 Minutes segment on the
Armenian Genocide, as well as footage of recent AYF grassroots activism
on the issue. They were encouraged to visit to the ANC’s website to
learn more about how to get involved and encouraged to attend the AYF’s
upcoming April 24 demonstration in front of the Turkish Consulate.