AYF Burbank Varak

The AYF Glendale Roupen Chapter finds the editorial cartoon below divisive and fallacious. Armenians have been residing in the city of Glendale for several de...cades and have contributed a great deal to the city. Instead of implicitly attacking specific groups, we recommend highlighting them and noting the significant developments they have made for the betterment of the city. Juxtaposing an Artsakh Street sign with the headline, "I miss the old Maryland Avenue," implicitly targets Glendale’s ethnic Armenian community. Mentioning restaurants that have long since closed is a crude attempt at masking the xenophobic intent of the cartoon. For those uninformed on what Artsakh is and its significance to both Armenian and American culture, it would serve them well to educate themselves first before drawing racist caricatures. Artsakh is an independent republic that has continually fought for not only its sovereignty, but its very existence. The name and history hold a significant place in the hearts of Armenian-Americans, and evoke our most cherished American values freedom, self-determination, and independence. As the city celebrates the one-year anniversary of the renaming of this street, and in light of the incident last week when the Armenian Council on Aging building was vandalized with messages stating Death to Armenians and Leave now, it is extremely distasteful and unacceptable that the Glendale News-Press could be this tonedeaf and contribute to the perpetuation of racism in the city. These racist undertones are already evident in some of the comments under the Facebook post of this political cartoon, as people have begun to allude that Glendale was lost to an invasion years ago. Jokes and satire have their place, but every satirical piece carries a message. With this cartoon, the Glendale News-Press bolsters a message of returning Glendale to the days before the diverse population made its mark. The Newspress should be reminded that in those long gone days, Glendale played host to avowed white supremacists and racists, and that in the past is exactly where that history should stay. Such a cartoon is absolutely unacceptable for a newspaper with the stature of the Glendale News-Press (acquired by the Los Angeles Times) to publish, a newspaper that is supposed to also represent the tens of thousands of Armenian-American residents of the city. While folks may be deprived of Tony Roma’s and Chuy’s all to no fault of the renaming they do not need to be deprived of culture, acceptance, and the understanding that our collective diversity is what makes us all, including the city of Glendale, great.

The AYF Glendale Roupen Chapter finds the editorial cartoon below divisive and fallacious. Armenians have been residing in the city of Glendale for several de...cades and have contributed a great deal to the city. Instead of implicitly attacking specific groups, we recommend highlighting them and noting the significant developments they have made for the betterment of the city. Juxtaposing an Artsakh Street sign with the headline, "I miss the old Maryland Avenue," implicitly targets Glendale’s ethnic Armenian community. Mentioning restaurants that have long since closed is a crude attempt at masking the xenophobic intent of the cartoon. For those uninformed on what Artsakh is and its significance to both Armenian and American culture, it would serve them well to educate themselves first before drawing racist caricatures. Artsakh is an independent republic that has continually fought for not only its sovereignty, but its very existence. The name and history hold a significant place in the hearts of Armenian-Americans, and evoke our most cherished American values freedom, self-determination, and independence. As the city celebrates the one-year anniversary of the renaming of this street, and in light of the incident last week when the Armenian Council on Aging building was vandalized with messages stating Death to Armenians and Leave now, it is extremely distasteful and unacceptable that the Glendale News-Press could be this tonedeaf and contribute to the perpetuation of racism in the city. These racist undertones are already evident in some of the comments under the Facebook post of this political cartoon, as people have begun to allude that Glendale was lost to an invasion years ago. Jokes and satire have their place, but every satirical piece carries a message. With this cartoon, the Glendale News-Press bolsters a message of returning Glendale to the days before the diverse population made its mark. The Newspress should be reminded that in those long gone days, Glendale played host to avowed white supremacists and racists, and that in the past is exactly where that history should stay. Such a cartoon is absolutely unacceptable for a newspaper with the stature of the Glendale News-Press (acquired by the Los Angeles Times) to publish, a newspaper that is supposed to also represent the tens of thousands of Armenian-American residents of the city. While folks may be deprived of Tony Roma’s and Chuy’s all to no fault of the renaming they do not need to be deprived of culture, acceptance, and the understanding that our collective diversity is what makes us all, including the city of Glendale, great.

Thank you to everyone who joined us tonight to commemorate the Armenian Genocide Special thanks to the City of Burbank and Congressman Adam Schiff for their constant support!

Thank You Burbank: The ANCA Burbank was honored to join with Congressman Adam Schiff this evening for the Burbank City Council commemoration of the Armenian Gen...ocide, led by Mayor Emily Gabel-Luddy and City Council members. Representatives from CA State Senator Anthony J. Portantino, CA Assemblymember Laura Friedman, and LA County Supervisor Katherine Barger joined in the solemn occasion, which included broad Armenian American community support from organizations including the local Armenian Youth Federation, Homenetmen Armenian Athletic and Scouting Association, Armenian Relief Society and Burbank High School Armenian Club. Following the presentation of the Burbank City Council Armenian Genocide proclamation, community groups held a candle-light vigil in front of City Hall. Video from the candle-light vigil will be shared shortly.

Burbank Community to Commemorate Armenian Genocide on April 16, 2019. Burbank, CAThe Armenian National Committee of America Burbank (ANCA B), the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) Burbank ‘Varak’ and Gaidzag Chapters, Homenetmen Sipan Chapter and the Burbank High School (BHS) Armenian Club have teamed up this year to commemorate the 104th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide on Tuesday, April 16. The commemoration will begin at 6:00 pm with a short remembrance program... led by ANCA B. BHS Armenian Club will showcase a testimonial presentation during the Burbank City Council meeting and, as is Burbank tradition, the City Council will present its proclamation in recognition of the Armenian Genocide. A candlelight vigil will follow on the front steps of Burbank City Hall, located at 275 E. Olive Ave, at 7:00 pm, during which there will be speeches and performances from community leaders and a performance by members of the AYF Juniors 'Gaidzag' Chapter. The commemoration event is open to all community members, activists, and leaders. Join us in remembering the 1.5 million Armenian lives lost. For too long, the crimes against humanity the Armenian people endured have been denied. We must unite in demanding recognition and restitution for the genocide perpetrated by the Turkish government. We must persist in our fight for justice. The Armenian-American youth recognizes the importance in unifying to promote awareness. For this reason, we urge people of all ages to come together and support this event, stated Christina Mkrtchyan the Treasurer of AYF Varak’ Chapter. The Armenian National Committee of America Burbank advances the social, economic, cultural and political rights of the area’s Armenian American community and promotes increased Armenian American civic participation at the grassroots and public policy levels.

Happiest birthday to our Alumna Lilit, who has been helping at our meetings since her transfer to AYF Seniors. #AYFJuniors

As young Diasporans, it is our responsibility to be well-informed about the issues faced in our Homeland. Check out our breakdown to keep up with recent developments.

Children’s Summer Fest this Friday starting 4:00pm, at ACF Burbank Youth Center. Special performance by Children's singer MAGGIE TUNE!

Burbank members visiting AYF in Yerevan, Armenia! #AYF #

AYF Internship in Artsakh!

Today our chapter had the honor of welcoming our newest oath-taken member! We also heard an educational about Armenian individuals involved in the film industry #AYF # #Armenianyouth #Activism #Armenianactivism