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Council observes 111th anniversary of Armenian Genocide; members and guests urge remembrance and solidarity
Summary
Councilmember Nazarian led a city council commemoration of the 111th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, reading names of detained Armenians, introducing community leaders and a guest athlete, and receiving statements of solidarity from multiple councilmembers.
Councilmember Nazarian led a commemoration during the April 24 meeting to mark the 111th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide and urged the city to remain vigilant against hate speech and marginalization.
Nazarian recited a list of people reported detained in Azerbaijan for advocating for Armenian rights and said the remembrance is both about honoring victims and protecting communities today. Nazarian said the city has a moral obligation to oppose rhetoric that demonizes an entire group and described Los Angeles as a place of solidarity: "When they come for one of us, they come for all," (Spanish in the transcript: "Cuando vienen por uno de nosotros, vienen por todos").
Several councilmembers voiced support and related the commemoration to community events and cultural contributions. Councilmember Padilla and others highlighted local Armenian leaders and athletes, and the council introduced guest speakers from the Armenian legal and cultural community and invited ArmE9n Sarukian, an Armenian-born athlete, to address the chamber about the importance of remembering and resilience.
The remarks emphasized remembrance as both historical education and a civic commitment to prevent the marginalization of minority communities in Los Angeles. No formal action or vote on policy followed the commemoration in the recorded segments.
