Last week, representatives of the Armenian National Committee of America Western Region Board and Staff met with California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond and California State Senator Maria Elena Durazo who is serving a seat previously held by longtime advocate of Armenian-American issues, Senate President Pro Tem Emeritus Kevin de Leon.
Alice Petrossian, Chairperson of the ANCA-WR Education Committee also joined the meeting with Superintendent Thurmond. During the meeting, the ANCA-WR delegation stressed the importance of genocide education in public schools and its significance in combating denialists efforts that continue today.
Superintendent Thurmond expressed his deep understanding of the need for genocide education and his support for the Armenian community of California, promising to be a strong advocate for the needs of Armenian Americans in the sphere of education.
The meeting with Senator Durazo served as an opportunity to discuss issues the Armenian community in Southern California faces today. The ANCA-WR delegation also presented the policy priorities of the ANCA-WR. Senator Durazo’s 24th district includes Little Armenia among other cities.
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Representatives of the Armenian Youth Federation – Western U.S. were also in Sacramento to meet with various elected officials as well as their staff to educate them about the Divest Turkey Initiative.
The Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region is the largest and most influential Armenian American grassroots advocacy organization in the Western United States. Working in coordination with a network of offices, chapters, and supporters throughout the Western United States and affiliated organizations around the country, the ANCA-WR advances the concerns of the Armenian American community on a broad range of issues.