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City of Miami Beach Officially Recognizes the Armenian Genocide
Miami Beach City Commissioner Mark Samuelian
MIAMI BEACH, FL – On Wednesday, December 11, 2019, the City of Miami Beach, Florida passed a resolution officially recognizing the Armenian Genocide, reported FLArmenians.com.
The resolution was introduced by Miami Beach City Commissioner Mark Samuelian and passed unanimously.
“I am extremely proud of my Armenian heritage, and happy to have visited Armenia this summer and seen the wonderful countryside and its people. I commend the U.S. House of Representatives for condemning and recognizing the Armenian Genocide and proud of the City of Miami Beach for adopting this resolution,” Mark Samuelian said in a statement to FLArmenians.com. “In addition, I congratulate the Armenian Genocide Committee, Inc. (AGC) for its efforts in commemorating the Armenian Genocide here in South Florida. This is a significant step in honoring the history of the Armenian people and their contributions,” Samuelian said.
In 2017, Samuelian became the first Armenian American elected official in Miami-Dade County history.
“The City of Miami Beach is the first city in Miami-Dade County to officially recognize the Armenian Genocide, and I know I speak for the thousands of Armenian Americans in Miami-Dade when I say ‘Thank You’ to Commissioner Samuelian, Mayor Gelber, and the entire City Commission on this historic occasion,” stated AGC Chairwoman Arsine Kaloustian. “As the Armenian American community in South Florida continues to grow, AGC will continue to build on our accomplishments and expand Armenian Genocide awareness, education, and affirmation in the Sunshine State,” Kaloustian said.
A copy of the resolution is available here.
Mark Samuelian Elected Miami Beach City Commissioner
On Tuesday night, Mark Samuelian became the first Armenian American elected official in Miami-Dade County history.
MIAMI BEACH, FL –On Tuesday night, Mark Samuelian won his race for the Miami Beach City Commission. With all precincts reporting, Samuelian received 7,535 votes out of a total of 11,111 votes cast, or 67.82%. He is the first Armenian American to hold public office in Miami-Dade County.
In a wild race that once had five people vying for the Group II seat, Mark Samuelian stayed above the fray throughout the campaign. He ran a clean, professional, and solid grassroots campaign, and he kept working until the very end, despite his opponents’ woes.
Miami Beach Commissioner-Elect Mark Samuelian and Florida Armenians Editor Taniel Koushakjian on Election Night, Tuesday, November 7, 2017.
Surrounded by family, friends, and supporters at the Betsy Hotel in South Beach, Samuelian shared the big news to a long and celebratory applause. In his victory speech, he outlined his governing principles and campaign priorities. He reiterated his vow to work hard to ensure his policies are adopted and that residents are well represented on the commission.
In addition to Samuelian, two other FLArmenians.com endorsed candidates won their races. Dan Gelber was elected Miami Beach Mayor with 82.38%, and Michael Gongora was elected to the Miami Beach Commission Group III seat with 64.81%.
“Florida Armenians congratulate all the winners in Miami Beach and throughout Miami-Dade County,” stated Florida Armenians Editor Taniel Koushakjian. “We are especially proud of Mark Samuelian on his historic, and resounding victory. I expect there to be many more Armenian Americans holding public office in Florida in the years to come,” Koushakjian said.
Florida Armenians 2017 Endorsements
Florida Armenians is proud to support the following candidates for Miami Beach City Commission in the upcoming November 7, 2017 elections:
Mayor: Dan Gelber
Commissioner Group II: Mark Samuelian
Commissioner Group III: Michael Gongora
Florida Armenians also support Micky Steinberg for Miami Beach Commissioner, Group I. She is running unopposed, therefore she will automatically be elected and will not appear on the ballot.
We are especially proud to support fellow Armenian American Mark Samuelian. We believe his unique story, strong academic and business background, commitment to residents, and passion for public service will greatly serve the people of Miami Beach. Read our exclusive interview with Mark Samuelian here.
Florida Armenians 