AYF to host Roxanne Makasdjian’s documentary screeningFebruary 24, 2016 - 08:26 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The United Human Rights Council (UHRC) of the Armenian Youth Federation – Western Region’s (AYF-WR) is hosting a screening of Roxanne Makasdjian (Bezjian)’s documentary “Charles Garry: Streetfighter in the Courtroom” and panel discussion on Sunday, Feb 28, according to Asbarez. The event will be held at Occidental College in Eagle Rock, California, and is co-sponsored by the Occidental College Armenian Students’ Association and Black Student Alliance. The one-hour documentary tells the story of Armenian-American defense attorney Charles Garry, who was noted for his defense of political activist groups including the Black Panthers, Los Siete de la Raza, the Oakland 7 and the Chicago 8. Streetfighter highlights Garry’s childhood and experiences with anti-Armenian and xenophobic racism in the Central Valley of California, and how his background as the son of Armenian refugees escaping the 1890’s Hamidian massacres shaped his career. “This is the second edition of this year’s ‘Haytoug Talks’, a series of panels, film screenings, and other conversations hosted by the AYF-WR to engage the Armenian-American community with unique topics that are not often extensively addressed”, said Mikael Matossian, current co-chairperson of the UHRC. “Charles Garry’s legacy is a symbol of the intersection between African- and Armenian-American experiences. We hope to use the film and discussion to not only highlight those parallels of the past, but also explore the current conditions of both communities, including today’s systematic anti-Blackness in the United States and oppression of Armenian citizens in the Republic of Turkey,” added Matossian. “I’m very gratified that Charles (Garabedian) Garry’s life and work, which I tried to share through this documentary, can still serve to inspire our youth to continue the fight for justice for all,” stated Makasdjian, who produced, directed and edited the film. The organizers of the event aim for the panel discussion to not only focus on Garry’s life and impact, but also highlight the various intersectionalities between the Armenian- and African-American communities, and the contemporary issues that these communities face in both in the United States and globally. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | Putin congratulates Pashinyan’s birthday Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on his birthday on June 1. Opposition motorcade en route to Gyumri for large rally A motorcade of protesters headed by Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan is heading to the city of Gyumri. Ruling MPs, Foreign Minister talk Armenia-Azerbaijan processes MOs from the ruling Civil Contract party met with the Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan in the Armenian parliament. Russia: Armenia’s frozen membership weakens CSTO position in Caucasus A Russian envoy said any step that could alienate the CSTO member states from each other is “deeply wrong”. |