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.