In a touching display of remembrance and advocacy, Ulysses S. Grant High School’s Armenian Cultural Club hosted its annual assembly dedicated to honoring the history of the Armenian Genocide. PESA’s support at the event aimed not only to commemorate the historical atrocities but also to shed light on the ongoing threats faced by Armenia and Artsakh today.
The assembly, attended by over 250 students, was a multifaceted tribute to the resilience of the Armenian people. Students took center stage, delivering poignant spoken poetry, engaging in open dialogues, and presenting compelling videos that depicted the harrowing realities of the genocide. Musical and dance performances by talented students further added to the emotional resonance of the event.
The presence of esteemed elected leaders, including former California State Assembly member Adrin Nazarian, Los Angeles Unified Board of Education Members Kelly Gomez, and Scott Schmerlson lent gravitas to the occasion. Their presence underscored the broader significance of remembering and acknowledging historical injustices within the educational sphere.
One particularly moving segment of the assembly involved five students translating a poetry section into five different languages, including Spanish, Russian, and Armenian. This gesture served as a powerful reminder of the universality of suffering and the importance of solidarity in the face of adversity.
Elizabeth Sosa, a Community Representative for PESA, emphasized the profound significance of commemorating this historical event,”Regardless of one’s ethnic background, it is imperative, especially for our youth, to not only be educated but to understand the significance of this tragedy. Fostering a culture of awareness and understanding benefits us all as a community."
Sosa further emphasized the role of education in empowering students, “In striving to stop such occurrences happening right now around the world, it's equally important to empower students to become agents of change.”
In essence, this served reminded everyone of the importance of remembering the history of the Armenian Genocide. By fostering awareness and understanding among the youth, such initiatives pave the way for a more compassionate and just future, where the lessons of history are not forgotten but serve as beacons of hope for generations to come.
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