Westside Ararat Guild hosts Balakian and Facing History

Published: Friday June 05, 2009

Peter Balakian with members of the Westside Ararat Guild. .

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Los Angeles - On May 15, the Westside Ararat Guild held an event presenting Facing History and Ourselves as well as author, scholar and poet Peter Balakian. Mr. Balakian discussed the newly released translation, Armenian Golgotha, a dramatic eyewitness account of the Armenian Genocide by Bishop Grigoris Balakian.

Five representatives of Facing History were present for the event, which led to a better understanding of the purpose and goals of the organization, which helps classrooms and communities worldwide connect history to moral choices today.

Dan Alba, Los Angeles director of Facing History, was present, as were Marti Tippins Murphy, assistant director, Mary Hendra, a program associate who heads Facing History's Armenian Genocide program in Los Angeles, Crystal Jones, associate director, development, and Charlene Achki-Repko, a member of the Los Angeles Advisory Board and a Westside Guild member.

Mr. Balakian's in-depth discussion, reading, and PowerPoint presentation were followed by a question-and-answer segment. It left everyone deeply moved, serious, and again saddened by the recounting of events in the memoir.

The event ended with a book signing by Mr. Balakian with the eager participation of the guests.