USC’s Armenian History Month and Why It’s So Important

by Avery Thunder ‘26

This April marks Armenian History Month, a celebration that has been observed nationwide in the U.S. for nearly eight years. Surprisingly, this is the first time USC has officially embraced and celebrated this occasion, despite the university's renowned Armenian Institute, led by the esteemed Dr. Shushan Karapetian, a distinguished scholar in the field whom I've had the privilege of learning from this past semester.

As April draws to a close, we can look back on Armenian History Month and its inaugural celebration at USC. The impact of recognizing and celebrating the Armenian community within the university cannot be overstated. Throughout April, USC has hosted a series of events, lectures, and cultural showcases, offering students, faculty, and the wider community a unique opportunity to explore Armenian history and culture.

One crucial aspect of Armenian culture often overshadowed by its tragic history, particularly the Armenian Genocide, is its rich and diverse heritage. As Dr. Karapetian often emphasizes, it's essential for Armenian language and culture to be celebrated and enjoyed beyond the confines of historical trauma. The events held throughout the past few weeks beautifully exemplify this perspective.

The Armenian Institute curated a well-rounded series of events that encompassed various facets of Armenian culture, including performances, art exhibitions, culinary experiences, historical lectures, film screenings, and language immersion sessions. The festivities kicked off with an Opening Ceremony on the 4th, featuring President Carol Folt, Dr. Karapetian, and Mane Berikyan, Vice President of the USC Armenian Student Association, along with an exquisite display of Armenian cuisine and a captivating performance by the folk group Lernazang.

Subsequent events included an Armenian Cultural Showcase hosted by the USC Armenian Student Association, a lecture on the Armenian Genocide by Manuk Avedikyan, a screening of "Aurora’s Sunrise" followed by a Q&A session with the director, and an Armenian Language Immersion session led by Dr. Karapetian. The month's celebrations culminated on the 24th, Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day, with a Candlelight Vigil held jointly with UCLA.

As someone who initially enrolled in Dr. Karapetian's class on a whim, I am profoundly grateful for the unexpected journey it has taken me on. Armenian History Month at USC has underscored the importance of embracing diverse cultural narratives, and Dr. Karapetian's teachings have been instrumental in broadening my perspective. I wholeheartedly recommend Professor Karapetian's classes for an enriching and challenging exploration of Armenian heritage, especially for those not previously familiar with the culture. The inaugural Armenian History Month at USC has been impactful, and Dr. Karapetian’s dedication to organizing such a diverse array of events and showcases is commendable. It has not only provided Armenians with a platform for celebration but also served as an educational opportunity for those unfamiliar with the culture. I'm confident that it will continue to flourish in the years to come.

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