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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.
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.