Congresswomen Judy Chu, Laura Friedman, and Journalist Ana Kasparian to Be Honored at Armenian Genocide Commemoration in Glendale Library
Sepi Shyne, former Mayor of West Hollywood, and artist Arpi Jinbashian Krikorian will also be honored at the Truth And Accountability League (TAAL) event, presented by Golden State Bank and underwritten by Mark Geragos, bringing together elected officials and community leaders.
Los Angeles — Truth And Accountability League (TAAL) will commemorate the 111th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide on April 24 in Glendale, honoring the memory of 1.5 million victims and recognizing distinguished leaders for their contributions to advancing human rights and combating discrimination.
The event is presented by Golden State Bank and underwritten by attorney Mark Geragos, who also serves on TAAL’s board of directors. TAAL Remembrance & Honors: Armenian Genocide Commemoration & Awards will take place on Friday, April 24, from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Glendale Central Library Auditorium, 222 East Harvard Street in Glendale.
Parking is available at the library. Validated parking is also available at the Glendale Exchange structure at 115 North Artsakh Avenue for up to three hours.
The commemoration is free and open to the public. It will include speeches by dignitaries, a pre-program reception, and an awards ceremony to recognize public figures who exemplify public service, visionary leadership, and empathy.
Honorees & Awards
Congresswoman Judy Chu (D-CA-28) – Pinnacle Award for Extraordinary Leadership
Congresswoman Laura Friedman (D-CA-30) – Summit Award for Foremost Excellence in Impact
Ana Kasparian, Journalist and Defining Voice in Independent Media – Truth & Courage Award for Unwavering Commitment to Truth and Moral Courage
Sepi Shyne, Former Mayor of West Hollywood – Luminary Award for Significant Impact & Influence
Arpi Jinbashian Krikorian, Artist – Visionary Artist Award for Cultural Impact
“It is both tragic and unacceptable that, more than a century after the Armenian Genocide, we continue to witness mass displacement, ethnic cleansing, and the erasure of indigenous peoples around the world,” said Vic Gerami, Founder & Chair of the Truth And Accountability League (TAAL). “The forced displacement of Armenians from Artsakh is not an isolated event, but part of a broader pattern of injustice that persists today. Once again, Armenians were left alone as their ancestral homeland was emptied, met with silence from much of the international community, including governments, NGOs, and the media.”
“As we look around the world today, from ongoing conflicts to humanitarian crises, we are reminded that the failure to confront injustice anywhere only emboldens it everywhere. Commemoration must go beyond remembrance. It must be a call to accountability, truth, and action. At TAAL, we believe it is critical to recognize and uplift individuals whose work reflects courage, integrity, and a commitment to justice. By honoring these leaders, we not only validate their contributions but also inspire others to stand up, speak out, and engage. This year’s honorees exemplify the power of advocacy, solidarity, and collective action across communities.”
“The Armenian Genocide claimed the lives of more than 1.5 million men, women, and children, and we are only able to understand the full weight of this atrocity through the testimonies of survivors — many of whom rebuilt their lives in Southern California, including in Pasadena in my district, home to the country’s oldest Armenian American community,” said Congresswoman Judy Chu (D-CA-28). “That is why I fought so hard to pass the House resolution that finally acknowledged the Armenian Genocide, and why I stand with the Armenian people who continue to be displaced from their homeland. We owe it to those who were lost, their children, and their grandchildren, to honor their history with the dignity and recognition it deserves.”
“I am honored to join the Armenian community in commemorating the 111th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide and celebrating the resilience of a people whose strength and culture continue to enrich our district and our nation. In an era of rampant disinformation and propaganda, organizations like TAAL are more vital than ever, fighting every day to combat the slander, erasure, and denial that the Armenian community continues to face. I am proud to stand with TAAL in that work and remain committed to ensuring the United States stands firmly on the side of truth, accountability, and the Armenian people,” said Congresswoman Laura Friedman (D-CA-30).
“It is an honor to be recognized for shedding light on the modern-day atrocities and genocide perpetrated by the Israelis, who are attempting to erase the Palestinians much like the Ottoman Turks attempted to do to Armenians. But we are survivors. The blood of brave Armenian guerilla fighters and fedayi women who courageously protected Armenian villages during Ottoman rule runs through us,” said Ana Kasparian, Journalist and Defining Voice in Independent Media.
“I’m deeply honored to be recognized by the Truth And Accountability League (TAAL). The pursuit of truth, justice, and accountability for the Armenian people is not only a moral imperative, but part of the broader responsibility we all share to stand against crimes against humanity everywhere,” said Sepi Shyne, former Mayor of West Hollywood.
“As an Armenian artist, I carry the memory of our ancestors in everything I create. It is an honor to be part of this commemoration, where remembrance becomes a living act of truth, resilience, and love,” said Arpi Jinbashian Krikorian, Artist.
TAAL, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit advocacy organization, was founded in 2020 amid a significant rise in anti-Armenian sentiment, Armenophobia, and targeted attacks on Armenian identity, culture, and communities. The organization monitors and addresses campaigns of hate, violence, disinformation, bias, propaganda, and defamation at every level, not only against the Armenian community but also against all marginalized groups, regardless of ethnicity, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
TAAL has led a range of impactful projects, campaigns, and initiatives, including partnerships with the LA County Commission on Human Relations’ LA vs. Hate program. These efforts include the “Stand TAAL to Hate” Town Hall and a series of public service announcements featuring high-profile public figures, including celebrities and elected officials, aimed at encouraging the reporting of hate incidents and crimes.
