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AYF Members Stage 'Die-In' In Front Of Staples Center

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  • AYF Members Stage 'Die-In' In Front Of Staples Center

    AYF MEMBERS STAGE 'DIE-IN' IN FRONT OF STAPLES CENTER

    Monday, March 2nd, 2015
    http://asbarez.com/132248/ayf-members-stage-%E2%80%98die-in%E2%80%99-in-front-of-staples-center/

    AYF members weathered the rain to stage a 'die-in' at Staples Center
    on Sunday

    LOS ANGELES--More than 60 members of the Armenian Youth Federation -
    Western United States took part in a "die-in" demonstration Sunday
    afternoon in front of the Staples Center in Downtown to raise awareness
    about the Armenian Genocide and bring attention to its continued
    denial by Turkey, as part of the AYF's 100 Days of Action campaign
    leading to the centennial of the Genocide.

    "We're here today to show the resilience of the Armenian youth 100
    years after the Ottoman Empire tried to wipe out our entire race,"
    said Raffi Senekeremian, a member of the AYF's Central Executive body.

    "The Armenian Genocide, being the first genocide of the 20th century,
    is not as widely-known as it should be, so we're here trying to raise
    awareness on the issue in an active part of our city."

    Demonstrators simultaneously collapsed to the ground in the
    sudden-death act despite the rainy weather, as thousands of people
    exited the Staples Center following a Lakers game. They wore t-shirts
    that displayed the hashtag #ArmenianGenocide in order to foster a
    sense of awareness within the Los Angeles community. Several spectators
    joined the demonstrators on the ground.

    Following the silent demonstration, AYF members marched across the
    street through L.A. Live chanting slogans to educate the public
    around them. Members also passed out multilingual pamphlets about
    the Armenian Genocide.

    The "die-in" demonstration coincides with the United Nations' Zero
    Discrimination Day. The day draws attention to millions who continue
    to suffer from prejudice and intolerance.

    "The foundations of the Armenian Genocide were set on the ideas of
    racism and discrimination, but it has yet to be recognized by its
    perpetrators to this day," said Verginie Touloumian, a member of
    the Central Executive. "The AYF calls on the global community to
    shed light on all crimes against humanity that have derived from an
    endless cycle of discrimination."

    The 100 Days of Action, which began on January 14, includes daily
    actions such as weekly social media campaigns, boycotts and divestment,
    political lobbying, tactical demonstrations, cultural displays, and
    educational forums. The campaign will culminate on April 24 with the
    March for Justice from Little Armenia to the Turkish Consulate in
    Los Angeles.

    Information about the 100 Days of Action is available on
    www.ayfwest.org and across social media outlets (@ayfwest). Those
    who wish to participate can contact the AYF at 818-507-1933 or
    [email protected].

    Founded in 1933, the Armenian Youth Federation is the largest and
    most influential Armenian American youth organization in the world,
    working to advance the social, political, educational and cultural
    awareness of Armenian youth.

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