FOR IMMIDIATE RELEASE
October 11, 2006

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

MARCHERS CROSS INTO OHIO AFTER SUCCESS IN ILLINOIS AND INDIANA

After six days of walking, the Journey For Humanity (J4H) has now crossed from Indiana into Ohio. While in Indiana, the group received coverage from the local CBS affiliate, WANE-TV, as well as the Fort Wayne’s largest newspaper, Sentinel News. This coverage comes as positive rebound, after a slight media lull in Illinois, where most of the Chicago media seemed disinterested in the Journey. In one instance, as one of the final events in Chicago, the marchers – accompanied by a local clergyman, students from Northpark University, a local reporter and other various community members – engaged in a quiet, nonviolent procession, passing beside the local ABC station, where the studio lowered a black screen, erasing the group and supporters from sight. “This is just it. This is the problem,” said Hasmig Tatiossian to a member of the local Pioneer Press. “They refuse to bring this news to the people. We must stop shutting ourselves off from the reality of genocide. We have to face it before we change it.”

The group arrived in Chicago late on Saturday, September 31, and was welcomed with an invitation to attend a reception by the local chapter of the Armenian General Benevolent Union, where the marchers spoke about recent experiences and the importance of placing genocide in a context of continuity over the last two centuries. The following day, J4H attended Chicago’s Saint Gregory The Illuminator Church for their first religious service as a group, with Deacon Vahe Abovian, one of the marchers, serving on the altar. After the service, the group led a community discussion with members of the church and community.

On October 3 and 4, due to heavy scheduling, the group split into two with three members presenting classroom and university presentations and setting up an exhibit at the Chicago Federal Center’s Plaza. The other journeyers met with local legislators, Representatives Bobby Rush, Luis Gutierrez and Jan Schakowsky. Following their presentation at Sunset Ridge Middle School, the group was introduced to three local residents, all descendents of the 1915 genocide. The guests had come to meet with the marchers and share a survivor testimony that was handed down by an elder who witnessed the crimes. For fifteen minutes, all remained silent as the words of a horrific past were relived, reminding those present of the humanity lost with each victim. “92 years later, pain lives. People want to share their stories. They want to let it out and every opportunity to do so can serve as a healing process,” said Albrik Zohrabyan, a marcher.

Later, the group spoke to students of a genocide course at Northpark University and, at their Wednesday afternoon exhibit, was visited by Congressman Danny Davis of Illinois, who shared personal memories about Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement in Chicago. “It was an honor to meet with someone who serves as a link between our generation and such a pivotal time in American history. It brings us a bit closer to Dr. King himself,” intimated Edward S. Majian. In meeting with other Illinois legislators, Sarkis Nazaryan expressed that, “the support in Illinois is hopeful but often, I just think of the innocent people in refugee camps who don’t sit on leather seats.” On that evening, the marchers led a second community discussion at Saint Gregory The Illuminator Armenian Church.

Thursday, October 5, marked the Journey’s final day in Illinois. Accompanied by members of the community, students and professors from the local Northpark University, the walkers commenced their walk across the Illinois / Indiana border at 9am, proceeding down Michigan Avenue until the late afternoon. On the JourneyForHumanity.com Guestbook, Paula King, a student of Northpark University, remarked: “The walk was definitely a holy moment and I am so inspired by your passion and willingness to give your life for this cause.” On Thursday evening, J4H spoke as part of the Forum on Immigration and Refugees at Truman College. This event also marked the unveiling of a National Geographic photo exhibit, Surviving Darfur, presenting some of the first photos taken of genocide in Darfur, Sudan. The group spoke alongside and applauded Senator Jackie Collins, who was instrumental in passing the Sudan Divestment Bill in the state of Illinois. In attendance were students, activists, legislators and refugees from various part of the world, all discussing the reality of genocide and its consequences.

The Journey For Humanity is a 3,000-mile walk across the country to raise awareness and action about the problem of genocide. For more information, please view their regularly updated and interactive website, www.JourneyFor Humanity.com.