ARMENIAN LEGISLATIVE CAUCUS LEADS THE GENOCIDE CENTENNIAL EVENTS IN CALIF. LEGISLATURE
Monday, April 6th, 2015
>From left: Assemblymembes Adrin Nazarian, Khatcho Achadjian and
Scott Wilk
SACRAMENTO–The Armenian Legislative Caucus, formed by Assemblymembers
Adrin Nazarian, Katcho Achadjian, and Scott Wilk, are leading the
effort to commemorate the Centennial Anniversary of the Armenian
Genocide.
The Caucus has introduced Assembly Joint Resolution (AJR 2) designating
this year as California’s Year of Commemoration of the Centennial
Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. The resolution also calls upon
Congress and the President of the United States to recognize the
Armenian Genocide.
“Congress and President Obama must officially recognize the Armenian
Genocide, and engage in dialogue with the Republic of Turkey to come
to terms with its past once and for all,” stated Assemblymember Adrin
Nazarian. “In California, we are forging ahead, educating students on
the genocide through an essay scholarship program and sponsoring an
exhibit at the California State Museum that will focus on the Armenian
Genocide, Armenian Immigration, and prominent Armenian-American
figures in California History.”
In a show of solidarity for the centennial anniversary, AJR 2 has been
jointly-authored by a majority of the Assembly, an unprecedented show
of support from previous resolutions.
In addition to introducing AJR 2, the caucus has an array of activities
to commemorate and engage California citizens during the centenary
year of the Armenian Genocide.
“I am proud of the California Legislature for continuing to recognize
the Armenian Genocide,” said Assemblymember Achadjian. “This year we
commemorate the 100th anniversary of these atrocities. This day is
not only about recognizing those tragic acts that happened a century
ago, but about celebrating the triumphs of the Armenian people in
rebuilding their lives and thriving all across the world.”
Efforts by the State of California and the Armenian Legislative
Caucus include:
Armenian Genocide Commemoration in Sacramento: Community Commemoration
on the West Steps of the State Capitol on April 20, 2015 at 2 PM.
“Armenian Journey: From Shattered Past to Prosperity.” Exhibit at the
California State Museum: Exhibit opens on March 31, 2015 and concludes
on August 2, 2015. The exhibit will focus on the Armenian Genocide,
Armenian Immigration, and prominent Armenian-American figures in
California History. Some highlights in the exhibit include original
works by William Saroyan and sister carpets of the Armenian Orphan
Rug woven by orphans, of the Armenian Genocide.
Armenian Genocide Essay Scholarship: A statewide scholarship contest
sponsored by the Armenian Legislative Caucus with the aim to increase
awareness of the Armenian Genocide. California high school students in
9th-12th grade are invited to participate. The three top entries will
receive scholarship awards of $1,000, $500, $250, respectively, and
will be invited to Sacramento to witness the Legislatures commemoration
of the Armenian Genocide and be recognized by the Caucus for their
winning entries. The top three winning submissions will also be
displayed in the “Armenian Journey” exhibit at the California State
Museum. Deadline for submissions is April 6, 2015.
Inclusion of Armenian Genocide Books in the California State Library:
The Armenian Caucus worked to secure a collection of books, on the
Armenian Genocide, for inclusion in the California State Museum’s
catalogue.
AB 1410 (Divestment from Turkish Bonds): The Caucus introduced AB
1410, which calls for the divestment and prohibits holdings of state
retirement investments in Turkish bonds.
“I know firsthand through family members, and will always remember,
the horrors visited upon the Armenian people by the Ottoman Turks
starting in 1915. That is why last year I joined two of my Assembly
colleagues in forming the Armenian Caucus to dedicate ourselves
to educate this and future generations of those events so they
may recognize the Armenian struggle for justice and commit to the
proposition that nothing like that will ever happen again anywhere
in the world.” said Assemblymember Scott Wilk.
Assemblymember Nazarian added: “Education is the cornerstone
of change. I look forward to providing future opportunities for
Californians to learn about the Armenian story, while celebrating
the collective achievements of the diverse and vibrant communities
in our state.”
The Armenian Legislative Caucus serves as a forum for members of
the Legislature to identify key issues affecting Armenian-Americans
and develop and empower the Armenian-American community throughout
California.