Glendale News Press: TAAL Hosts Armenian Genocide Commemoration Event at Central Library
Truth And Accountability League (TAAL) hosted its annual TAAL Remembrance and Honors: Armenian Genocide Commemoration and Awards on Friday, April 24, at the Glendale Central Library Auditorium.
It marked the 111th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide and honored distinguished leaders whose work reflects courage, public service, and commitment to justice, a news release states.
Glendale Mayor Ardy Kassakhian joined elected officials, dignitaries, community leaders, and media outlets at event founded and hosted by journalist Vic Gerami, presented by Golden State Bank and underwritten by Mark Geragos.
“Commemoration must be more than remembrance. It must be a call to truth, accountability, and action in the face of ongoing injustice,” Gerami said.
The program included remarks by Kassakhian, as well as the presence of Los Angeles County Assessor Jeff Prang, Assemblymember Nick Schultz, Glendale Police Chief Robert William, representatives of Gov. Gavin Newsom, and other dignitaries.
This year’s honorees were: U.S. Judy Chu (Pinnacle Award for Extraordinary Leadership); U.S. Rep. Laura Friedman (Summit Award for Foremost Excellence in Impact); journalist Ana Kasparian (Truth & Courage Award for Unwavering Commitment to Truth and Moral Courage); former West Hollywood Mayor Sepi Shyne (Luminary Award for Significant Impact & Influence); and artist Arpi Jinbashian Krikorian (Visionary Artist Award for Cultural Impact).
“It was deeply meaningful to gather with leaders and community members to remember the victims of the Armenian Genocide while also recognizing individuals who continue to use their voices and platforms for justice,” Gerami said. “The lessons of genocide remembrance remain urgently relevant in a world still confronting displacement, hatred, and the denial of human suffering.”