A town hall to bring awareness to anti-Armenian racism and other hate is set for Thursday, May 4, in Glendale.
The event, organized by the L.A. County Commission on Human Relations and the Truth And Accountability League (TAAL), seeks to foster a discussion on solutions to rising anti-Armenian incidents, along with other forms or hate against other minority groups in the county.
Moderated by TAAL’s founder & Chair, Vic Gerami, and live-streamed on various platforms, the event’s panel of elected officials and experts include the L.A. County Commission on Human Relations Executive Robin S. Toma, Esq., Glendale Mayor Daniel Brotman, Police Chief Manuel Cid, Chief of Staff Joseph F. Iniguez from the L.A. County District Attorney’s Office, State Commissioner Sam Kbushyan, and West Hollywood Mayor Sepi Shyne.
Rep. Judy Chu, D-Pasadena, will likely be the last panelist, organizers said Monday. Other elected officials, dignitaries, community leaders, and stakeholders are confirmed to attend.
The discussion follows a recent spate of incendiary incidents that have troubled local resident and leaders.
Last month, Glendale police began investigating as a possible hate crime fliers containing anti-Armenian sentiments. They were found posted on poles near St. Mary’s Armenian Apostolic Church in the city, sparking condemnation from city officials.
The fliers reportedly contained messages denying the Armenian genocide, while claiming that Israel “fully supports” its completion. According to reports, The fliers also referenced the ongoing blockade of the Nagorno-Karabakh region by Azerbaijan, which has become a humanitarian crisis.
The region is populated primarily by ethnic Armenians but lies within Azerbaijan. Last year, Azerbaijanis claiming to be environmental activists began blocking a winding road known as the Lachin Corridor that forms the only land connection between Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh.
The blockade threatens food supplies to…
Read the full article here
