Tankian, AYF, ANCA Promote Genocide Awareness with Free Track Download

AYF Executive Director, Serouj Aprahamian, talks to high school students at Rose & Alex Pilibos Armenian School about the “Yes, It’s Genocide” campaign.

LOS ANGELES–Grammy Award-winning artist Serj Tankian is offering fans and activists a free download of his new song “Yes, It’s Genocide” in an effort to call attention to the cycle of genocide. The release is part of a broader campaign initiated by Serjical Strike Records, the Armenian National Committee of America, and the Armenian Youth Federation.

The song, which is the eighth track off of Tankian’s new album, “Imperfect Harmonies,” is a solemn tribute to the victims of genocides past and present. It is available for download on the AYF’s website, www.AYFwest.org.

Students pass out Serj Tankian posters distributed as part of a presentation aiming to raise awareness about the cycle of genocide.

“Serj took a bold step by featuring this moving song on his album in its natural state—in Armenian,” said Arek Santikian, Chair of the AYF-Western US. “We stand for the same message the song conveys and are excited about the opportunity to spread its message to fans and activists worldwide.”

AYF members have been busy over the last several weeks visiting high school and college campuses, talking to students about the song and the joint campaign. Some of the various campuses which have received presentations include Ferrahian High School, Mesrobian Armenian School, Rose & Alex Pilibos High School, Glendale Community College, and Woodbury University.

“Speaking out against the scourge of genocide is not an act reserved solely for the month of April,” said Serouj Aprahamian, Executive Director of the AYF – Western US. “The AYF took this unique opportunity to work with Serjical Strike and the ANCA in order to raise awareness all year round.”

Members of the Pasadena City College Armenian Student Association plan to submit a group video after listening to a presentation about the “Yes, It’s Genocide” campaign.

Concerned citizens are being urged to lend their voice to the campaign by visiting www.anca.org/yesitsgenocide and sending a free ANCA action alert directed to President Obama. The AYF is also calling on youth to submit 1-minute video clips calling on Obama to recognize the Armenian Genocide and take decisive action to end the atrocities in Darfur.

In addition to making the song available online, the organizers of the campaign have been distributing posters, fact sheets, and official “Yes, It’s Genocide” t-shirts at campuses and community events. The t-shirts will soon be available on the AYFwest.org website, with all proceeds from sales going to genocide recognition activities.