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University of Miami Hosts ‘Walk for Justice’ for Armenian Genocide Recognition
By Mercedes Gechidjian
FLArmenians Miami Contributor
The Armenian Student Association (ASA) at the University of Miami (UM), organized a “Walk for Justice” this past Saturday, April 23, 2016, sponsored by the Armenian Genocide Commemoration, Inc. and Florida Armenians, LLC. The walk began at 6:30PM alongside Lake Osceola at the University of Miami.
ASA invited the broader Armenian and non-Armenian community to “Walk for Justice,” to demand international recognition of the Armenian Genocide of 1915 and to condemn all crimes against humanity. Marchers were holding signs with statements such as “We Remember and Demand” and “1915 Never Again”, in addition to waving Armenian flags as they walked around the University’s historic lake. Participants had a common idea-to march for the recognition of the massacres of 1915. “It is wonderful to have a walk respecting the victims of the Genocide in our own campus,” said Max Armour, a University of Miami senior of non-Armenian descent.
The Association’s E-Board decided to celebrate the lives of their ancestors by performing and teaching Khochari to all the participants. “We want to celebrate their lives, to remember them dancing in the streets of Van and Adana,” said ASA member Guadalupe Gechidjian, “I am extremely proud of this organization and the event we were able to organize.”
Those in attendance were able to enjoy exquisite Armenian appetizers, such as dolma, lavash rolls, baklava, gata, and pockets with basturma, cooked by Sirvard Saakian, a Member of the National Registry of Food Safety Professionals in Los Angeles. In addition, participants received a free t-shirt with the Forget-Me-Not flower in commemoration of the 100+1 anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.
The UM-Armenian Student Association would like to extend a big THANK YOU to the following individuals: Reverend Paren Avedikian, Viviana Horigian, Iren and Arsen Gasparyan, and Sirvard Saakian.
Armenian Genocide 101: South Florida Armenians to Feature “The Cut”
As part of a program marking the 101st anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, South Florida’s Armenian Genocide Commemoration, Inc. (AGC), will feature the award-winning film ‘The Cut,’ directed by Fatih Akin.
According to IMDb, “In 1915 a man survives the Armenian genocide in the Ottoman Empire, but loses his family, speech and faith. One night he learns that his twin daughters may be alive, and goes on a quest to find them.”
The historic Armenian Genocide film stars Tahar Rahim, Simon Abkarian, and Makram Khoury.
The film will premiere in South Florida for one night only, on Sunday April 24, 2016 at Cinema Paradiso, 503 SE 6th Street, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33301. Tickets are $15, and are available online at www.101years.eventbrite.com.
Armenians united by the thousands last April, all across the country. But our work is far from done. We must not disband – we must be vigilant in our efforts to educate the world not only about the Genocide but about Armenians in general, particularly with heightened tensions in and around Armenia at this time. This film is going to be particularly poignant for Armenians because it tells the story of the past, of the loss experienced by millions – but also a story of hope, and looking forward into the future. This is the first time ‘The Cut’ has been screened in South Florida. AGC, Inc. is proud to be able to present such a powerful film to the Armenian community on April 24th,” stated Arsine Kaloustian, Florida Armenians Public Affairs Director and Chairwoman of AGC, Inc.
Florida Armenians 