ACAD is proud to announce that they have been able to provide 2 scholarships this year to current and prospective students who had personal and impacting stories with discrimination and how they are moving forward with a  respect and appreciation of diversity.

One scholarship was awarded to Pauline Yeghnazar, a prospective Phd student with an academic interest in Ethnic Studies. Her essay can be found here.

A scholarship was also granted to Robert Danielak, a Master’s student at California State University, Northridge who has taken his passion for literature to an academic plateau. His essay can be read here.

Alicia Ghiragossian, the groundbreaking poet and author of now 59 volumes of meteoric poetry once again showers us with her blazing lyrical genius. In her latest epic poem and manifesto, “An Inconvenient Genocide,” the poet shares her life-long experiences and gathered first hand wisdom as the child of Armenian genocide survivors. The work solidifies Ghiragossian’s voice as a leader among the Armenian people, who challenges the world governments to recognize the Armenian genocide as a “genocide.”

As reported by the New York Times in an article by Sabrina Tavernise and Sebnem Arsu, on April 23, 2009 Turkey and Armenia have agreed to a framework for improving their strained relations. This is a break-through in diplomacy not seen between the two countries in over a decade. However the timing of this agreement, on the eve of the commemoration of the Armenian Genocide, seems specifically to be issued in order to “dampen” enthusiasm for passing a resolution in U.S Congress to recognize the Armenian killings as “genocide”.

The full article can be found at: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/24/world/europe/24turkey.html?_r=1&ref=world

On April 7, 2009, the state of Vermont legalized gay marriage, adding themselves to the small but growing list of states that approve and recognize same sex marriage. This is a victory not just for the LGBT community, but for human rights in general. ACAD looks forward to more of these victories in the years to come!

ACAD is currently focusing on creating a book that reflects the experiences of everyday individuals when it comes to discrimination, racism and diversity.

We encourage all individuals to share a synopsis of an experience they had with the aforementioned issues. All submissions are welcome. Ideally, the synopsis will be a blurb or a series of paragraphs and should highlight the encounter one had with being discriminated against, or having discriminated. The following guidelines may be incorporated:

1. What lessons were learned from the experience, if any.
2. If the experience still resonates with the person you are today.
3. Any other information you deem useful.

You can find a sample excerpt by clicking here.

Email us at info@alliedcultures.org to get your story heard!

ACAD is now featured on www.Facebook.com under “Causes.” You can find more here: http://apps.facebook.com/causes/175335

Click on the link to check for announcements, post a topic in our discussion boards, donate and so much more!

The Allied Cultures Against Discrimination was disappointed with the outcome of the California Proposition 8, which would have continued to give same-sex couples the right to marry. The majority of voters were in favor of a ban on gay marriage, thus writing the outcome into the Constitution.  Gay rights activists are fighting this battle long past the final decision, as it surely isn’t over. ACAD continues to be active throughout this process. Contact us for resources on how to keep the effort an ongoing one in California!

ACAD was present at Valley Alternative Magnet School’s Peace Day event this June! Wendy Phelps, Owner of More is Available Coaching and Consulting gave two speeches on Conflict Resolution to groups of 6-12th graders. ACAD was proud to be part of Valley Alternative Magnet School’s efforts on peace and tolerance education!

On May 15, 2008, California’s Supreme Court reversed the ban on gay marriage, giving gay couples the right to legally marry in this state. ACAD applauds this decision, as it is a momentous day not just for gay couples, but for Humanity overall.

ACAD partnered with See’s Candies this past Valentine’s Day to make the holiday experience all the more sweeter! Thank you to all our supporters who made this fundraiser a success!