Voices of Remembrance: Armenian Club Sheds Light on the Armenian Genocide

April 24, 1915. A day that will live in infamy. The Armenian Genocide is a topic that is close to the heart of many Armenians as it is the day 1.5 million Armenians were murdered by the Turks of the Ottoman Empire. This day, Armenians around the world honor the lives that were lost and fight to ensure they gain justice. The Armenian Genocide serves as a reminder to the importance of compassion and unity, not only within the Armenian community, but around the world.

The Armenian Cultural Club at Grant has been dedicated to preserving Armenian culture, fostering unity, and supporting the local Armenian community in times of need. This includes spreading awareness about the Armenian Genocide every year with an assembly.

Through passionate dialogue, singing, dancing, and reciting poems, the Armenian club hopes to keep Armenian culture alive to demonstrate that despite all the adversity Armenians continue to face, they are able to be united and mourn the losses of the genocide. “[B]ringing awareness by educating others can be the most effective way of bringing light to the issue.” said Erna Kocharyan, president of Armenian Club.

“Through shedding light on the unique and personal stories of those impacted” said Natali Hayotsyan, the vice president of Armenian Club. According to Hayotsyan, it is crucial to remember the importance of unification and valuing Armenian culture as it is the only way to overcome adversity. 

Currently, Armenian Club officers have started drafting possible ideas for this year's assembly and are in the process of gathering volunteers for each aspect of the assembly. This includes dancers, artists, instrumentalist, singers, and poets who all come together to convey the Armenian genocide and its impacts through art. Kocharyan explained that “Each part of the assembly, whether that is the dance or poems, was made to inspire and educate the youth into becoming the next voices and advocates of human justice.” 

This year's assembly will be on Wednesday, April 23 during periods 2 and 3.