EAST HOLLYWOOD, CA—Preparations are under way to celebrate the Los Angeles City Council's recent announcement designating the Armenian-American business and community district in the Hollywood area as "Little Armenia." The opening ceremony on Sunday, November 12th at St. Garabed Armenian Apostolic Church, 1614 N. Alexandria St. Hollywood , featuring speakers from the community as well as the Los Angeles City Council, will kick off the community's renewed commitment to promote safe schools and neighborhoods, attract new investments in the business sector and reaffirm the sense of spirit and pride that has characterized the long-standing Armenian-American district in the East Hollywood area.
"We share the excitement of all Armenian-American families in this community whose dedication and enthusiasm put Little Armenian on the map," said Gary Khanjian, chairman of the Armenian National Committee of Hollywood, the Armenian-American grassroots organization that played a key role in coordinating the effort of to establish Little Armenia. "As a community that has been an active part of Hollywood for decades, Little Armenia is proud to recognize its cultural roots and to participate in the renewed development and growth taking place in the Hollywood area."
Home to a large Armenian-American population, Little Armenia designates the area bounded by Hollywood Boulevard to the north, Santa Monica to the south, Vermont to the east, and the 101 freeway on the west. Little Armenia's central location and proximity to one of the world's most attractive tourist spots presents a great opportunity for visitors to experience Armenian culture and heritage by going only a mile further from the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Throughout the years the Armenian-American culture in the area has thrived by keeping its roots alive through its churches, schools and its athletic and cultural organizations. With close-knit family ties and traditions, the younger generation feels a deep connection with its heritage and history while also having a great appreciation for the diversity of the Hollywood area. As active business owners they took the lead in spearheading a movement to reinforce the Armenian cultural and heritage that bonds the community together by calling for the designation of "Little Armenia." Recognizing their common heritage and the need to improve their neighborhoods, schools and businesses, Armenian-Americans in Hollywood petitioned the Los Angeles City Council to lend their support to this new community initiative.
"We are pleased to support the revitalization of the Hollywood Armenian-American community by designating the area "Little Armenia" as a symbol of the great pride and cultural wealth that it has to offer," remarked Baydsar Thomasian from the Office of Council-member Jackie Goldberg. "We look forward to the continued efforts of the community to improve its neighborhoods and contribute to the renewed economic growth taking place in the Hollywood area."
The opening celebration of "Little Armenia" will take place Sunday, November 12, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the St. Garabed Church, 1614 N. Alexandria, Hollywood, and is open to all who want to join the Hollywood Armenian-American community for the joyous event.
©Asbarez Homepage
