by Mariam Nahapetyan, B.S.W., M.P.A., Eastern European/Middle Eastern UsCC and Cultural Competency Committee
On March 27, 2022, the Los Angeles County Supervisors Kathryn Barger and Janice Hahn co-authored a motion, unanimously approved by the Board of Supervisors, to proclaim the month of April as Armenian History Month.
In the words of Supervisor Barger, “Los Angeles County is home to the greatest number of Armenians outside of Armenia.” While it is vital that we commemorate the Armenian Genocide each year, we must also celebrate the continual contributions of this vibrant community who deeply impact Los Angeles County’s culture, economy, government, and arts.”
Even though Armenians have been subjected to multiple genocides and ethnic cleansings by their neighboring countries for centuries, and undergone to ongoing complex traumas, they continue to survive and thrive. They continue finding ways to be resilient and heal from complex traumas and Post Traumatic Stress Disorders.
On April 7, 2022, the Department of Mental Health had its 4th Annual Armenian Transgenerational Effects on Trauma and Healing Event, where the department, with the help of Armenian Therapists and esteemed community members, and business owners, provided educational information about Armenian complex trauma, resiliency, and healing. We shared the Armenian culture through songs and dances. Since April 7 is considered Mother’s Day in Armenia we are wishing all the beautiful mothers happy Armenian Mother’s Day.
