A translated quote by Yeghishe Charents from Armenian to English: “Oh, Armenian people, your only salvation lies in the power of your unity.”
BY ELIA BILEMJIAN
So here we are once again, amid the passing of yet another April 24th, the time of year when many will suddenly become active for a day or week, if even that, and then move on until maybe next year. Don’t get me wrong, let’s not stop our marches, protests, and posts to raise awareness and demand justice! But as impressive and inspiring as all of this collective energy is during this essential commemoration of survival against all odds, I ask you, friends: why not continue this enthusiastic spirit at large throughout the year?
I understand, of course, that identity can be complex; some may not identify with being Armenian to the same extent. And obviously, not everyone will have enough time or resources to get involved. Regardless, there are way too many of us for whom this is not the case, who potentially could and would want to, but don’t. This will easily change with more awareness.
We can’t afford to fall victim to a false sense of comfort with the status quo. It’s just no longer enough to solely “be”
