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BAKU SURVIVOR EDUCATES AND INSPIRES MICHIGAN ARMENIANS
13:11 28.06.2013
Author and activist Anna Astvatsaturian Turcotte, a survivor of
anti-Armenian violence in Baku, educated and inspired a broad
cross-section of Michigan Armenians about Azerbaijan's ongoing threats
against the security and freedom of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic,
during a June 15 presentation hosted by the Armenian National
Committee (ANC) of Michigan.
The event featuring Astvatsaturian Turcotte, an ANC of Maine activist
and Baku pogroms survivor, was held at the Hagopian World of Rugs in
Birmingham, Mich. The program was moderated by Dzovinar Hatsakorzian,
who welcomed the audience and introduced the speaker for the evening.
In her introduction, Astvatsaturian Turcotte spoke highly of the
growing reach and influence of the ANC of Michigan, and invited
attendees to bring their unique contributions to this vital collective
effort on behalf of the local Armenian community.
Astvatsaturian Turcotte recounted her own story, detailed in her book,
"Nowhere: A Story of Exile," which tells of her childhood amidst the
Azerbaijani-led pogroms against the Armenians living in Baku, Sumgait
and Kirovabad. Pivoting from her own experience, to the urgent need
for Armenians across Michigan and around the country to work together
in support of Nagorno Karabakh, she underscored the importance of
local, state, and national level advocacy for the recognition of the
independence of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic (NKR). Recognizing that
Armenian families living in Nagorno Karabakh are facing many of the
same types of threats of Azerbaijani violence she experienced as a
child living in Baku, she explained that she has become a champion for
the security and independence of the Republic.
"We were thrilled to have Anna share her story with the Michigan
Armenian community. As a leader for Nagorno Karabakh recognition, Anna
taught us a great deal and we look forward to working with her more
now after she has further motivated our Hai Tahd activists," said
ANC-MI Chairman Hovig Kouyoumdjian.
As the leading force behind Maine's adoption of legislation
recognizing NKR, Astvatsaturian Turcotte reviewed her own efforts, and
suggested possible pathways for similar efforts across the United
States.
On April 10, 2013, Maine became the third state in the nation to adopt
legislation acknowledging the Nagorno Karabakh Republic, following
Rhode Island and Massachusetts in 2012. Louisiana also adopted similar
legislation earlier this year, bringing the total to four states.
The evening ended with Astvatsaturian Turcotte fielding questions and
engaging in a lengthy round-table discussion with the audience. She
also signed copies of her book, prior to a reception that concluded
the program for the evening.
http://www.armradio.am/en/2013/06/28/baku-survivor-educates-and-inspires-michigan-armenians/
13:11 28.06.2013
Author and activist Anna Astvatsaturian Turcotte, a survivor of
anti-Armenian violence in Baku, educated and inspired a broad
cross-section of Michigan Armenians about Azerbaijan's ongoing threats
against the security and freedom of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic,
during a June 15 presentation hosted by the Armenian National
Committee (ANC) of Michigan.
The event featuring Astvatsaturian Turcotte, an ANC of Maine activist
and Baku pogroms survivor, was held at the Hagopian World of Rugs in
Birmingham, Mich. The program was moderated by Dzovinar Hatsakorzian,
who welcomed the audience and introduced the speaker for the evening.
In her introduction, Astvatsaturian Turcotte spoke highly of the
growing reach and influence of the ANC of Michigan, and invited
attendees to bring their unique contributions to this vital collective
effort on behalf of the local Armenian community.
Astvatsaturian Turcotte recounted her own story, detailed in her book,
"Nowhere: A Story of Exile," which tells of her childhood amidst the
Azerbaijani-led pogroms against the Armenians living in Baku, Sumgait
and Kirovabad. Pivoting from her own experience, to the urgent need
for Armenians across Michigan and around the country to work together
in support of Nagorno Karabakh, she underscored the importance of
local, state, and national level advocacy for the recognition of the
independence of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic (NKR). Recognizing that
Armenian families living in Nagorno Karabakh are facing many of the
same types of threats of Azerbaijani violence she experienced as a
child living in Baku, she explained that she has become a champion for
the security and independence of the Republic.
"We were thrilled to have Anna share her story with the Michigan
Armenian community. As a leader for Nagorno Karabakh recognition, Anna
taught us a great deal and we look forward to working with her more
now after she has further motivated our Hai Tahd activists," said
ANC-MI Chairman Hovig Kouyoumdjian.
As the leading force behind Maine's adoption of legislation
recognizing NKR, Astvatsaturian Turcotte reviewed her own efforts, and
suggested possible pathways for similar efforts across the United
States.
On April 10, 2013, Maine became the third state in the nation to adopt
legislation acknowledging the Nagorno Karabakh Republic, following
Rhode Island and Massachusetts in 2012. Louisiana also adopted similar
legislation earlier this year, bringing the total to four states.
The evening ended with Astvatsaturian Turcotte fielding questions and
engaging in a lengthy round-table discussion with the audience. She
also signed copies of her book, prior to a reception that concluded
the program for the evening.
http://www.armradio.am/en/2013/06/28/baku-survivor-educates-and-inspires-michigan-armenians/