DEARBORN, Mich. – Greater than 200 community members and leaders gathered on the sixteenth annual Armenian National Committee of America Eastern Region’s (ANCA-ER) gala on Saturday on the historic Dearborn Inn to mark the 12 months’s progress and recognize those whose work significantly impacts the Armenian Cause.
Michigan’s WXYZ News Channel 7 reporter Alex Bozarjian presided over the evening, which began with a cocktail hour and silent auction followed by dinner and an awards ceremony.
The region honored six deserving individuals including award-winning filmmaker Jivan Avetisyan, Michigan Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence (D-MI) and former Michigan Congressman David Trott (R-MI) with the ANCA-ER Freedom Award; longtime ANC of Michigan activist Narses Gedigian with the ANCA-ER Vahan Cardashian Award; Detroit Pistons assistant coach and Armenian National Team coach Rex Kalamian with the first-ever ANCA Eastern Region Pinnacle Award, in addition to ANCA Leo Sarkisian Internship fellow Natalia Matossian.
The ANCA-ER Freedom Award is the best honor the region bestows upon individuals who exhibit extraordinary courage and devotion to freedom and justice. Avetisyan, Congresswoman Lawrence and Congressman Trott join an extended list of notable recipients, including US Ambassadors to Armenia John Evans and Samantha Power; Senators Robert Menendez, Ted Kennedy, Bob and Elizabeth Dole, Mark Kirk, Chris Van Hollen and Ed Markey; Congresswoman Niki Tsongas; Baroness Caroline Cox; Latest York Times best-selling creator Chris Bohjalian; Ambassador Robert Morgenthau and the Morgenthau family; Dr. Eric Esrailian and Terry George; creator and media personality Sona Movsesyan and international human rights attorney Siranush Sahakyan.
Gedigian was honored with the Vahan Cardashian Award, which is given to an activist who demonstrates long-standing leadership and success on behalf of the Armenian Cause. The award is called in honor of the late Vahan Cardashian, who led the American Committee for the Independence of Armenia (ACIA), the precursor to the ANCA. Other Cardashian Award recipients include Bedros Bandazian, Tatul Sonentz-Papazian, Steve Dulgarian, Ruth Thomasian, Professor Richard Hovanissian, Zohrab Tazian, Alice Movsesian, John Jerikian, Carolann Najarian, Ken Sarajian and Andrew Kzirian, in addition to the late Vahe Amirian, Martha Aramian, Melanie Kerneklian, Armen Topouzian, Levon Palian and Weekly columnist Tom Vartabedian.
Other dignitaries in attendance included Der Hrant Kevorkian, Pastor Hagop Haroutunian, Michigan’s Attorney General Dana Nessel, Michigan State Representative Mari Manoogian, ANCA-ER Board chairman Dr. Ara Chalian, ARF Bureau representative Raffi Donabedian, ARF Central Committee chairman George Aghjayan, ARF Central Committee members Ani Tchaghlasian, Steve Mesrobian, Valot Atakhanian, Sebouh Hamakorzian, John Mkrtschjan, Sevag Shirozian and ARF Central Committee executive director Maral Choloyan. Members of the ANCA were also in attendance, including ANCA National chairman Raffi Hamparian, ANCA National Board members Aram Kaloustian, Ani Tchaghlasian, Dzovinar Hamakorzian, in addition to ANCA executive director Aram Hamparian, ANCA Communications director Elizabeth Chouldjian, ANCA Government Relations director Tereza Yerimyan, and members of the ANC of Michigan including Georgi-Ann Oshagan and Apraham Keyvanian.
In her opening remarks, Bozarjian discussed growing up as an Armenian American within the Eastern Region. She spoke of the importance of uniting in Hai Tahd and the Armenian Cause, in light of continued acts of aggression on the Armenian people by the Turkish and Azeri governments.
Bozarjian then invited ANCA-ER gala committee member and silent auction chair Araxie Tossounian to guide attendees in each the Armenian and American national anthems. An invocation by Der Kevorkian and Badveli Haroutunian followed.
In his remarks, Dr. Chalian highlighted the region’s work across 31 states and 34 local ANCs to harness the facility of local activists, foster and construct relationships with city, state and congressional officials and garner Congressional support for laws (H.Res.1351, H.Res.1400, H.Res.240, H.R.7555 and S.Res.797) condemning Azerbaijani aggression; calling for an end to US military aid to Azerbaijan; condemning Azerbaijani war crimes in the course of the 2020 attack on Artsakh; demanding Azerbaijan’s immediate and unconditional release of Armenian POWs; and directing the Library of Congress to perform activities to support Armenian Genocide teaching programs.
“Today we’re here to honor you and your work…but these remain trying times. The threat to our nation, our lifestyle and values affect Armenia and Artsakh and our Diaspora. Our work is the muse together with our other community organizations and families to constructing the longer term of the Armenian nation. Let tonight’s celebration be a catalyst. Renew your pledge, deepen your resolve… be a multiplier each in motion and messaging,” said Dr. Chalian.
Dr. Chalian then introduced ANCA-ER Board member Steve Mesrobian who emphasized the importance of coaching and empowering the subsequent generation of activists. Ahead of recognizing this 12 months’s intern, Mesrobian highlighted the importance of the ANCA-ER Leo Sarkisian Internship Endowment Fund, which was established in 2019.
“One in all the critical measures of a successful organization is developing latest leaders to make sure continued viability and long-term success,” he began. “This 12 months, we made up for quantity with quality as we had one intern, who did an exquisite job. Born and raised in California, Natalia got here to us from Louisiana after graduating from Tulane University. Not only did she complete the internship, but she is currently serving as considered one of the ANCA’s Capital Gateway Program fellows while working for Congressman Sanford Bishop on Capitol Hill. Natalia is only one example of what investing in our youth can produce and as such, the ANCA-ER will proceed to make that investment a priority,” said Mesrobian.
After dinner, there have been performances by the Hamazkayin Arax Dance Ensemble led by instructor Nayiri Karapetian. The primary dance was called Im Anoush Davigh. The mellow sounds of the duduk captivated the audience as the feminine dancers performed in traditional Armenian clothing. The second dance Sheeraki Sharan was an upbeat performance by a gaggle of male dancers. The gang excitedly clapped in unison to their beat.
Bozarjian then introduced ANCA National and Eastern Region Board member Ani Tchaghlasian, who spoke in regards to the region’s essential work with the Armenian Legal Center in its partnership with International Comparative Law Center president Siranush Sahakyan, who’s actively filing cases with the European Court of Human Rights on behalf of Armenian POWs.
Tchaghlasian then introduced ANC of Artsakh chairman Georgi Petrosyan, ANC of Artsakh member Gev Iskajyan and Areni Hamparian who all sent in video messages from Artsakh. Petroysyan and Iskajyan offered words of because of the ANCA-ER for not only supporting the ANC of Artsakh but empowering the region’s activists to proceed to fight for Artsakh. Serving as a link between the homeland and ANCs around the globe, the leaders on the bottom in Artsakh stressed the importance of constant to fight for Artsakh whether through the creation of sister cities and state-level recognitions amongst other strategies.
ANCA National Board member and ANC of Michigan chair Dzovinar Hamakorzian followed with words in regards to the ANC of Michigan’s tireless efforts over the course of the last two years because the Artsakh War. The chapter secured greater than 10 proclamations and statements at the town and state level; on the federal level, the ANC of MI worked with the state’s senators and 14 representatives, organizing events and film screenings.
“The road to justice for the Armenian people and our ongoing struggle for many years… could be overwhelming and draining, but seeing everyone here tonight supporting Hai Tahd, supporting our Cause, gives us the obligatory fuel to proceed what we’re doing with renewed energy. Our community and volunteers are a force that nobody can reckon with as we work relentlessly day and night for the survival of our nation. So long as we’ve got soldiers such as you behind the Hai Tahd army, we’ll get justice and catch up with to having a prosperous free, independent and united Armenia,” said Hamakorzian.
Prior to introducing the ANCA-ER Freedom Award to Congresswoman Lawrence, Hamakorzian read congratulatory letters from Congresswoman Haley Stevens, Senator Gary Peters and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer. Hamakorzian also presented the governor’s proclamation, which highlights the work of the ANC of Michigan and the state’s resolve in support of not only Armenian Genocide recognition, but in addition Artsakh.
Congresswoman Lawrence shared stories of her work with the community from the time she was mayor of Southfield to her tenure in Congress. “A few of you recognize that I used to be given the chance to travel to Azerbaijan and to actually be taken to task if I’d rise up for the people I do know and love… and face the fate of the state department of Azerbaijan. Once I was questioned about whether I represented Armenians and answered yes… they said I’m sure you’ve heard some stories. I said, I do know some facts… history reflects it was a genocide,” recalled Congresswoman Lawrence.
Raffi Ourlian, the Armenian Community Center of Greater Detroit’s chairman and ANC of Michigan member, introduced the second recipient of the ANCA-ER Freedom Award, Congressman Trott.
“While you’re first elected to Congress, considered one of the initial struggles is attempting to determine the way you’re going to make a difference… I appreciate this award, but frankly what I’m more thankful for is how warm and welcoming the Armenian community was after I first got elected… I used to be honored to be co-chair of the Armenian Caucus, honored to be invited to attend the premiere of The Promise, working toward Armenian Genocide recognition and a part of President Obama’s delegation to go to Yerevan. Gatherings like this, your work, your voice, your mantra always remember, the indisputable fact that you might have a Freedom Award all threaten the tyrants and strengthen the calls for peace and equality,” said Trott.
The ultimate recipient of the ANCA-ER Freedom Award was presented by ACAA Artsakh Fund chairperson Sebouh Hamakorzian to award-winning film director Jivan Avetisyan.
Avetisyan spoke about his most up-to-date work and film Gate to Heaven and said, “Thanks for motivating me to proceed having the best level of dedication to the world of cinema. I’m a movie director who believes that art can generate great power. I think that my work and that of my team can strengthen and mutually complement the work of Hai Tahd, paving the solution to greater impact. Just because the activity of Hai Tahd is aimed toward the unification of Armenians, so is art. Art unifies communities.”
Following Avetisyan’s moving speech, ANC of Michigan member Georgi-Ann Oshagan introduced lifelong ANC of Michigan activist Narses Gedigian, who was presented with the ANCA-ER’s Vahan Cardashian Award. Gedigian outlined the goals and steps taken to boost awareness of the Armenian Cause and empowered his fellow community members. “There are going to be dark days ahead; it’s the way in which it’s been for some time. But don’t despair. Despair is defeatism. Stand tall together with your comrades, shoulder to shoulder, and let’s proceed our struggle and we’ll overcome,” said Gedigian.
The ultimate awardee of the night was introduced by Michigan State Representative Mari Manoogian, who serves the fortieth district in Michigan’s House of Representatives. Manoogian introduced the Armenian National Basketball team’s coach and Detroit Pistons’ assistant coach Rex Kalamian, and presented Kalamian with the region’s first-ever Pinnacle Award. As a grandchild of an Armenian Genocide survivor Kalamian didn’t ignore his roots. He shared fond memories of his profession but in addition of his time within the homeland, concluding his remarks by saying, “I’ve been within the NBA for 29 years, but truthfully the thing that kept sticking with me as my proudest moment was coaching the Armenian National Team,” concluded Kalamian.
ANCA National chairman Raffi Hamparian offered inspiring closing remarks. “First, allow us to keep the religion in our Cause. Our faith is being sorely tested today – because it was in 1918 on the fields of Bashabaran, Karakelise and Sardarabdad. By keeping the religion, we each honor those that sacrificed for Armenia years ago, but we also remain true to the hundreds of men and ladies who gave their last measure of devotion for Artsakh in 2020. From this faith, we cannot waiver. Second, allow us to remind ourselves of the importance of organization and the facility of collective motion. In the approaching days, dark clouds will proceed to menace the Armenian nation and on this time, let or not it’s clear to our friends and foes alike that in these trying times, the ANCA will proceed to advance the reason for freedom and liberty for the Armenian people,” said Hamparian.
The evening also featured music by Shant Massoyan.
“I would like to increase my heartfelt appreciation to all for attending the gala and/or supporting the region with their contributions. During the last 16 years, we’ve got gathered to honor those that have worked tirelessly for the region. Nevertheless it’s not only the gathering itself that is essential. It’s the camaraderie and the inspiration we’re capable of draw from our honorees – from committed activists like Narses Gedigian to our youth who we’ll in the future pass the torch onto to be the subsequent generation of Hai Tahd leaders,” said Tchaghlasian.
The Armenian National Committee of America Eastern Region is a component of the biggest and most influential Armenian American grassroots organization, the ANCA. Working in coordination with the ANCA in Washington, DC, and a network of chapters and supporters throughout the Eastern United States, the ANCA-ER actively advances the concerns of the Armenian American community on a broad range of issues.
