FOR IMMIDIATE RELEASE
August 22, 2006

Ruzanna Avetisyan
pr@journeyforhumanity.com
(323) 464 0479
(800) 657 1707

JOURNEY FOR HUMANITY WALKS WITH JOURNEY FOR LIFE IN COLORADO

The marchers on Journey for Humanity (J4H) are now on their way to Longmont, Colorado after two days of intimate engagements with communities in Denver and Boulder. They commenced their march on 27 June, in Los Angeles, and will walk until Washington D.C. to raise awareness about genocide. The team, in collaboration with the Colorado Coalition for Genocide Awareness and Action (CCGAA) will hold a week-long set of events, which began with a rally on the morning of Monday, August 21, at the steps of the City and County Building in Denver. Among the speakers were Roz Duman, Founder and Project Coordinator of CCGAA; Ahmed Ali, General Secretary of the Darfur Association-USA; Kim Christanian, Chairwoman of the Armenian Genocide Commemoration Committee of Colorado; Essie Garrett, 1996 Olympics torch-bearer for Colorado; and Hasmig Tatiossian, one of the J4H marchers. The speeches highlighted the immediate need for action to stop the current genocide in Darfur, as well as the significance of recognizing all genocides of the past. “The Dead Weight of Complacency,” a photo exhibit of a series of genocides that have plagued our world, was exhibited outside the City and County Building. Following the rally, there was a silent procession to the Armenian Genocide memorial plaque, where a prayer was offered for all victims of genocide.

That afternoon, the J4H marchers and CCGAA met with Matthew Cheroutes, the community liaison of Colorado Senator Ken Salazar, to discuss the issue of genocide and to thank him for his support on legislation pertaining to genocide. A J4H marcher, Edward S. Majian, commented, “Meeting with Matthew reaffirmed our own conviction that what’s necessary is the support and action on the grassroots level. Additionally, we’re reassured that the people of Colorado have the benefit of a concerned aid in the office of Senator Salazar. We only hope that the people take advantage of that and advocate for genocide-related legislation.”

The Armenians of Colorado hosted a reception for the marchers at the Platteforum Gallery, where the attendees engaged in a warm discussion with the marchers. “Learning about your daily experiences during the journey, as well as your mental and emotional growth, is incredible. It’s also helpful to know what exactly my role can be in this very important campaign,” intimated a member of the community. The discussion included actions that every individual can take to help stop and prevent genocide.

On the morning of August 22, Journey for Humanity joined with Journey for Life, represented by Essie Garrett, and the group will walk together for the next six days. The marchers were welcomed by the Boulder community in the afternoon for another gathering. Following passionate remarks by the representatives of organizations present, the group walked to the Boulder courthouse, where a brief demonstration was made in front of reporters, who were situated under large tents. Hasmig Tatiossian explained that the purpose of the demonstration was to bring the issue of genocide to the media in attempts to receive much-needed attention. “Innocent victims are dying right now in Darfur. Americans will act if they know, and it is the responsibility of the media to bring this news to the people,” she said.

Journey for Humanity’s fruitful collaboration with CCGAA has brought this issue to the attention of many Coloradans. “I want to thank the Colorado Armenian community for putting me in touch with Vahe Abovian which brought about the merging of our two organizations during the time Journey for Humanity traveled through Colorado. It has been a privilege and honor to be with these beautiful, passionate and committed young people who have made great personal sacrifices to get our message out concerning genocide. May God watch over you as you continue your walk towards Washington D.C.,” expressed Roz Duman of the CCGAA.

Journey for Humanity and Journey for Life will pass through and hold rallies in Longmont, Loveland, Fort Collins, and Greeley in the upcoming several days. For more information on the two Journeys, please see www.journeyforhumanity.com and www.ccgaa.org.