ARAMAC joins CCGAA in Ride Against Genocide

PanARMENIAN.Net - The Armenian American Action Committee of America (ARAMAC) has joined forces with the Colorado Coalition for Genocide Awareness and Action (CCGAA) in the fight to stop genocide. CCGAA launched its Ride Against Genocide: Promoting Awareness and Action on August 30 - September 2, 2010, reported the Armenian Assembly of America (Assembly).

The tour will make stops in over 15 cities where activists will advocate for genocide prevention with media, elected officials and the general public. This educational tour will serve to inform Coloradans about genocides past and present and provide them with tools to take action and help bring an end to the current genocide in Darfur.

Roz Duman, founder and director of the CCGAA, told the Armenian Assembly that, "the objective of the 'Ride Against Genocide' around the Centennial State this week is to educate local elected officials, the press and Colorado citizenry on grassroots efforts to end genocide." Ms. Duman added, "As part of my press meetings I always cite the horror of the Armenian Genocide, the first genocide of the 20th century, and identify it as the 'gateway' that enabled Hitler to embark on the Holocaust."

The ‘Ride Against Genocide’ tour, which will cover over 1,500 miles in just four days, will start in Denver. At each of its city stops, CCGAA staff, ARAMAC activists and accompanying tour riders will erect a 10 x 10 tent that will house a 20-panel photographic and informational exhibit, including panels on the Armenian Genocide from the Mizel Museum, entitled "The Deadweight of Complacency." This exhibit details the progression of genocides marking the destructive nature of mankind, beginning with the 1915 Armenian Genocide. In addition to featuring the exhibit, CCGAA will conduct interviews with the press, distribute informational materials and collect petition signatures.

Ms. Pamela Barsam Brown, ARAMAC State Chair for Colorado, and founder and co-editor of Rocky Mountain Hye Advocates commented, "Just last year Colorado became the first state in the nation to dedicate a day to Genocide Awareness. Roz worked with Governor Bill Ritter to make that happen. Colorado's attention to genocide attests to its non-partisan sense that genocide must be actively addressed. It is my hope that every Member of the Colorado delegation will adopt and act on the moral integrity of the 'will of Colorado.'"

Last month, ARAMAC-CO activists met with Rep. Jared Polis (D-CO-2) in his Colorado office to discuss a wide range of Armenian issues, including the urgency in passing the Armenian Genocide resolution, H. Res. 252, this year.

Congressman Polis told the Assembly, "I strongly support H. Res. 252. It reflects America's values and the need to address human rights issues." He continued, "I look forward to working with the Armenian Assembly of America to bring this bill to the floor for a vote."

Congressman Polis has served Colorado's 2nd district since 2008 and sits on the Education & Labor Committee, Rules Committee and Judiciary Committee. He was the first Member of the Colorado delegation to cosponsor H. Res. 252, and was later joined by Reps. Diana DeGette (D-CO-1) and John Salazar (D-CO-3) in support of this important human rights legislation.

The Armenian Assembly of America is a partner of the CCGAA and joins a remarkable coalition of Colorado organizations in support of genocide education and awareness, including affirmation of the Armenian Genocide. "Ride Against Genocide" tour partners include: Armenians of Colorado, Armenian Assembly of America, Coalition to Recognize the Armenian Genocide, Denver's Facing History and Ourselves, the editorial board of the Intermountain Jewish News, Rocky Mountain Hye Advocates, the Colorado General Assembly, the Governor of Colorado and the Mayor of Denver.