Serj Tankian Helping in the Fight Against Armenian Genocide

Posted on Sep 29th 2010 8:00AM by Amy Sciarretto Comments

Serj Tankian Stefan Gosatti, Getty Images

On the heels of former System of a Down vocalist Serj Tankian's 'Imperfect Harmonies' release, the politically active musician is partnering with the Armenian National Committee of America and the Armenian Youth Federation in calling on President Obama to honor his pledge to recognize the Armenian genocide and take decisive action to end the genocide in Darfur. The campaign is dubbed, 'Yes, It's Genocide,' which is named after a song on his new album.

Tankian is of Armenian descent and released 'Imperfect Harmonies' on National Armenian Independence Day. The campaign encourages Tankian fans and anti-genocide activists to visit www.anca.org/yesitsgenocide and send a free ANCA Webmail to President Obama to take immediate action. The only way to have your voice be heard is to speak up through any mode of communication possible. This campaign makes voicing your concerns incredibly easy.

AYF Western U.S. Chairman Arek Santikian said, "As activists and concerned citizens, it is our duty to struggle against crimes against humanity at every turn. Serj's recording of this powerful new song provides us with yet another opportunity to raise awareness and inspire the youth to take action. We commend his long track-record of standing up for social justice and look forward to this opportunity to work together."

There is a companion video contest as part of this campaign, which urges the youth across the United States to submit
videos explaining why it's vital to speak honestly about the Armenian genocide and take action to end the cycle of violence. The top video submissions will be featured on the Serjical Strike, ANCA and AYF websites, with the winners receiving free tickets to an upcoming Tankian concert and the opportunity to meet Tankian backstage.

'Imperfect Harmonies' eighth track, 'Yes, It's Genocide,' pays tribute to genocide victims with portions of the melody first featured in Tankian's 2009 video entreaty to President Obama titled 'As President I will Recognize the Armenian Genocide,' which included remarks by fellow artists and anti-genocide activists Tom Morello, Boots Riley and Congressional Representative Adam Schiff.

Interested parties can review President Obama's record on genocide. So educate yourself and decide if you want to take part in the effort.

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