Mobile, AL- On April 24, 2007, the University of South Alabama hosted a screening of The Armenian Genocide by Andrew Goldberg to help educate students and faculty about the Armenian Genocide. During the event students and faculty also collected signatures in support of the Armenian genocide resolution, reported the Armenian National Committee of America, Eastern Region (ANCA-ER).

The event was sponsored by Dr. Morris, Director of International Studies, and was organized by three South Alabama students Rachel Logan, Narine Karapetyan, and Hannah Skewes. Following the video, there was a question and answer portion, as well as an opportunity to receive further information about the Armenian genocide.

“It was exalting to be able to inform people about something so close to my heart. I appreciated that people showed such concern und understanding to a people’s suffering that has gone unrecognized for far too long,” commented Karapetyan. “I am confident that next year we will also be a success and attract a larger audience.”

Working with the ANCA-ER, the students organized signature collection in support of the genocide resolution for both the House of Representatives and the Senate (H. Res 106/S. Res 106). Students signed petitions to Congressman Bonner (R-AL), as well as Senator Sessions (R-AL) and Senator Shelby (R-AL). The ANCA-ER also provided students with materials about the Armenian genocide.

“This was a great initiative taken by young activists who wanted to educate their peers on the Armenian genocide. Currently the ANCA-ER is working to outreach to different communities throughout the region. We look forward to working with activists in Alabama and continue to educate others on this issue,” commented Karine Birazian, ANCA-ER Executive Director.

To date, the H. Res 106 has 196 Cosponsors and S. Res 106 has 31. The legislation reaffirms the U.S. record on the Armenian Genocide and urges the President to properly characterize the Armenian Genocide as “genocide” in his yearly April 24th statement. The House version was introduced this January by Representatives Adam Schiff (D-CA), George Radanovich (R-CA), Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Joe Knollenberg (R-MI) along with Representatives Brad Sherman (D-CA) and Thaddeus McCotter (R-MI) of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. The Senate resolution, introduced by Senators Richard Durbin (D-IL) and John Ensign (R-NV).

The Armenian National Committee of America is the largest and most influential Armenian American grassroots political organization. Working through a network of offices, chapters, and supporters throughout the US and around the world, the ANCA actively advances the concerns of the Armenian-American community on a broad range of issues.

Photo Captions:
Photo #1: Attendees signing petitions in support of H. Res 106 and S. Res 106

Photo #2: University South Alabama students Rachel Logan, Narine Karapetyan, and Hannah Skewes surrounded by community and student activists