No Stone Unturned
The time travels of photographers Ted and Nune in search of Armenian history
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September 24, 2014
AGBU Hye Geen Initiates the Armenian Women’s Coalition of Los Angeles (AWC-LA)
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The Armenian Women’s Coalition of Los Angeles (AWC-LA) is a group of thirteen women’s organizations who have join forces to pay homage to the survivors of the Armenian Genocide.
Thirteen women’s organizations join forces to pay homage to the survivors of the Armenian Genocide
With the centennial of the Armenian Genocide quickly approaching, Armenian organizations around the world are planning tribute events to honor their ancestors. One such organization is AGBU Hye Geen, which spearheaded a collaboration with twelve other Armenian organizations in the Los Angeles area to honor the memory of the victims of the Armenian Genocide.
The AWC-LA convened for the first time on March 24, 2014 at St. Gregory Armenian Catholic Church in Glendale, California. Representatives of the following organizations were in attendance: AGBU Hye Geen, Armenian Democratic Liberals-Nor Or, Armenian Educational Benevolent Union, Arpa Foundation for Film, Music and Art, AGBU Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Center Ladies, Armenian International Women’s Association-Los Angeles, Armenian Missionary Association of America, Armenian Relief Society, Armenian Society of Los Angeles, Saint Gregory Catholic Church Ladies, Organization of Istanbul Armenians-Los Angeles, Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church and Western Diocese Ladies Society Central Council.
The founder of AGBU Hye Geen, Sona Yacoubian, was inspired to form this coalition to celebrate the unique role that Armenian women played in the aftermath of the Armenian Genocide. “The Armenian women who survived the terrible massacres between 1915-1922 were the force behind the recreated Armenian family unit. They deserve much more credit than they have received in the past,” she notes.
In all AWC-LA events, the strength and resilience of Armenian women will be at the forefront. Their first event will take place on January 17, 2015 at Woodbury University in Burbank, California. It will feature a group of speakers who will highlight the essential participation of women in the resurrection of the Armenian communities of the Middle East after the genocide.
In conjunction with this event, the AWC-LA is publishing a memorial book that will include the stories of female survivors of the genocide. “There are many stories that remain private in families, and as the years pass, these unbelievable stories will fade into obscurity,” says Yacoubian.
The AWC-LA is committed to saving these memories and is calling on the Armenian community to contribute their family stories of survival to preserve the tragic, yet heroic tales of Armenian women.
To contribute your family story to the book project, please email saveourpast@gmail.com or fill out the questionnaire here.
To learn more about AGBU Hye Geen, please email agbuhyegeen@gmail.com or visit www.agbuhyegeen.org.
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