Glendale will host its annual Armenian Genocide Commemorative Event on Sunday, April 21, at 4 p.m. at the Alex Theatre.
This year’s theme, “1.5 Million+,” pays tribute to the enduring strength of survivors while honoring the memory of the countless victims of the 1915 genocide.
This year’s program features an enlightening experience, with carefully curated segments aimed at educating and engaging the audience. The event will kick off with a solemn acknowledgment of the ongoing atrocities in Artsakh, underscoring a commitment to raising awareness of humanitarian crises.
Attendees can expect firsthand accounts of the persistent challenges and displacement confronting Armenians as produced by Nairi Bandari, including footage from Zartonk Media. The event will showcase traditional performances by the Character Dance Group and the Haikian Chamber Choir.
The city is honored to welcome distinguished guests, including Karnig Kerkonian, an esteemed international lawyer and founding member of the Committee on the Protection of the Fundamental Rights of the Artsakh People, and Astrid Kamalyan, author of the recently published children’s book “Bábo.” The book delves into the rich rug tradition originating from her family’s ancestral village in Artsakh.
The program will be emceed by local TV reporter Ellina Abovian.
WEEK OF REMEMBRANCE
In the spirit of solidarity with victims of genocide around the world, the city of Glendale acknowledges and remembers those who have endured other tragic events. While the primary focus of this week is on the Armenian genocide, the city stands in solidarity with others affected by genocide, reaffirming the Glendale’s commitment to never forget and to work toward a future free from such atrocities.
The city invites the community to come together to honor, remember and stand in solidarity by attending one or all of the following free events:
- Saturday, April 20, at 11 a.m.: “Bábo: A Reading and Book Signing with Astrid Kamalyan,” on Artsakh Avenue, between Broadway and Wilson Avenue, Glendale 91206.
- Saturday, April 20, from 6:30-8:30 p.m.: “Before and After: Reflections on the Armenian Genocide,” presented by Glendale Library Arts and Culture ReflectSpace Gallery, at 222 E Harvard St., Glendale 91205.
- Sunday, April 21, at 4 p.m.: Glendale’s 23rd annual Armenian Genocide Commemorative Event at the Alex Theatre at 216 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale 91203. For tickets, visit ticketmaster.com/event/0B006083EF132BD0.
- Thursday April 25, at 6 p.m.: “Poets Against Genocide,” hosted by Glendale Poet Laureate, Raffi Joe Wartanian, at The Center for Armenian Arts at 250 N. Orange St., Glendale 91203.
- Friday, April 26, at 7 p.m.: Film screening of “Songs of Solomon” and a discussion with Producer Asko Akopyan at Look Dine-In Cinema at 128 Artsakh St., Glendale 91206. For tickets, visit eventbrite.com/e/screening-of-songs-of-solomon-with-a-discussion-with-producer-asko-akopyan-tickets-876308080057.
Information about partnership opportunities for community organizations will be posted at Glendaleca.gov/AGCE.
First published in the April 13 print issue of the Glendale News-Press.
