TAAL REMEMBRANCE & HONORS

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Truth And Accountability League (TAAL) Commemorates the 110thAnniversary of the Armenian Genocide and Recognizes Extraordinary Leaders with TAAL REMEMBRANCE & HONORS

Seven (7) Exceptional High-Profile Figures Who Exemplify TAAL’s Mission Will Be Acknowledged For Their Dedication for Human Rights 

‘It’s become even more imperative in recent years to shine a light on genocides around the world, take preventative measures against crimes against humanity, and hold those responsible accountable and bring them to justice’ — Vic Gerami, Founder, TAAL

Los Angeles — Truth And Accountability League (TAAL) commemorates the 110th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, remembers 1.5 million victims and their families, and recognizes seven (7) outstanding individuals for their exceptional contribution to benefit the community in ways that advance the values and mission of TAAL in promoting safety from discrimination for the descendants and survivors of past and present Armenian victims of crimes against humanity.

The event, TAAL REMEMBRANCE & HONORS, will take place on Thursday, April 24, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at the Glendale Central Library’s auditorium, 222 East Harvard Street, Glendale, 91205. Parking is available at the library. Validated parking is available at the Glendale Exchange parking structure at 115 North Artsakh Avenue, Glendale, 91206. The library will validate Glendale Exchange tickets for three (3) hours. 

The commemoration is free and open to the public. It will include speeches by dignitaries, pre-program reception, and an awards ceremony to acknowledge extraordinary high-profile public figures who exemplify public service, visionary leadership, and unwavering empathy. 

Honorees & Awards

Dr. Kev Abazajian, Professor of Physics and Astronomy and Director of the Center for Cosmology at UC Irvine

Service Award

Benevolence, Activism, Patriotism 

Mark Geragos, Renowned criminal defense attorney, publisher, and philanthropist 

Icon Award 

Pinnacle of Achievement 

Oshin Harootoonian, Chair of the Armenian National Committee of American Western Region 

Luminary Award

Significant Impact & Influence

Dr. Katia Tavitian Karageuzian, best-selling author of Forbidden Homeland : Story of a Diasporan

Summit Award

Foremost Excellence in Impact 

Sam Kbushyan, Founder of SKG, Community Organizer, and CA State Commissioner 

Ovation Award

Recognizing Extraordinary Achievement

Jeff Prang, Los Angeles County Assessor 

Vanguard Award

Shaping Tomorrow Today 

Robin Toma, Executive Director of the LA County Commission on Human Relations

Pinnacle Award

Extraordinary Leadership

‘It’s unthinkable that Armenians went through a second genocide only a few years ago, this time in the hands of Azerbaijan, Turkiye’s sister-nation. Once again, as Armenians were alone while being massacred in their ancestral homeland of millennia. There was deafening silence from the international community, including agencies, NGOs, and the media,’ said Vic Gerami, TAAL Founder. He added, ‘Geo-politics, thirst for Caspian oil, and Azerbaijan’s aggressive disinformation and propaganda campaign enabled Azerbaijan to commit the Artsakh Genocide, occupy the Republic of Artsakh, and drive 150,000 indigenous Armenians from their homeland.’

Gerami continued, ‘As we commemorate the Armenian Genocide, it’s important for TAAL to recognize exceptional community leaders, validate their extraordinary work, inspire others to contribute, and strengthen community bonds. This will ultimately lead to a more aware and engaged community. This year’s honorees' exemplary contributions have benefited Armenian and non-Armenian communities, highlighting the importance of collective action and mutual support.’

The event is sponsored by the ONNI GROUP, a real estate developer with a history of delivering award-winning, high-quality developments and is known for its expansion from Vancouver to other North American cities including Glendale, with a focus on multifamily housing. The program includes genocide commemoration, high-profile guest speaker, and an awards ceremony.

‘I’m deeply honored to be recognized by the Truth and Accountability League. Their unwavering pursuit of justice and truth in Armenian advocacy is a powerful inspiration. I share this recognition with all who stand up for our people’s rights—because the struggle for Armenian justice is part of the broader fight for a more just and humane world,’ said Dr. Kev Abazajian, Professor of Physics and Astronomy and Director of the Center for Cosmology at UC Irvine.

‘I’m excited to join the Truth And Accountability League’s board of directors. They do tremendous work for the community. I’ve known Vic for some time and seen his commitment in the last five years to combat disinformation, slander, propaganda, and the defamation of the Armenian people. We’ve had political advocacy, philanthropy, and other types of organizations, but never one that directly deals with the information and cyber war we face now,’ said Mark Geragos, renowned criminal defense attorney, publisher, and philanthropist.

He added, ‘I call on everyone to throw their support behind TAAL in the battle to call out misinformation whether it is public policy, academics or in the media. I look forward to TAAL’s upcoming projects and campaigns.’

‘TAAL is the sole organization that surgically focuses on the global anti-Armenian issues,’ said Sam Kbushyan, Founder of SKGLA, Community Organizer, and CA State Commissioner.

‘I am deeply humbled and honored to receive this award from the Truth And Accountability League (TAAL). This recognition is a testament to TAAL’s incredible impact on our community, and I am truly grateful to be a part of it. TAAL has always championed the Armenian cause to monitor and address defamation, bias, disinformation, and propaganda against Armenia and the Armenian people, and I am proud to be associated with such a dedicated and impactful organization,’ said Oshin Harootoonian, Chair of the Armenian National Committee of American Western Region. 

He added, ‘Thank you for recognizing my efforts and your unwavering commitment to the Armenian causes. I hope that our joint efforts will see the freeing of the Armenian hostages illegally held in Azerbaijan soon.’

‘As someone passionate about historical facts and uncovering truths, it is my absolute honor to be recognized by TAAL, an organization dedicated to speaking truth to power and advocating for the rights of the Armenian community,’ said Dr. Katia Tavitian Karageuzian, best-selling author of Forbidden Homeland : Story of a Diasporan.

‘TAAL was founded in 2020 in response to a surge in anti-Armenian racism, defamation, and hate crimes,’ said Jeff Prang, Los Angeles County Assessor and the President of the California Assessors’ Association (CAA). ‘As a nonprofit advocacy organization, they work to combat bias, disinformation, and threats against the Armenian community across media, academia, and public policy. Their mission is to protect human rights, promote equality, and achieve global recognition of the Armenian Genocide while striving to end the crime of genocide for all people.’

‘Given the wonderful work of Vic Gerami and TAAL to raise awareness of the Armenian Genocide, I’m honored to receive this recognition on behalf of our County Human Relations Commission. Now more than ever we hope everyone will stand with LAvsHate to fight against hate and discrimination against Armenians, but also with all the other communities that have long been targeted as ‘less than’: the LGBTQ+ and especially transgender people, Blacks, Latinos and Asians, Jews and Muslims, and others. United we stand, divided we fall,’ said Robin Toma, Executive Director of the LA County Commission on Human Relations.

It’s imperative to not only commemorate the Armenian but all genocides, remember the victims and their descendants, and hold the perpetrators accountable for crimes against humanity. 

TAAL, a 501(c)3 non-profit advocacy organization, was founded in 2020 when there was a significant increase in anti-Armenian sentiment, Armenophobia, and directed attacks on everything Armenian. We monitor and address campaigns of hate, violence, disinformation, bias, propaganda, and defamation at every level, not only against the Armenian community but all marginalized minorities regardless of their ethnicity, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity. 

TAAL has had extraordinary achievements in projects, campaigns, and initiatives, some in partnership with the LA County Commission on Human Relations’ LA vs. Hate, including our Stand Taal to Hate town hall,Stand TAAL to Hate PSAs with several high-profile public figures, including celebrities and elected officials who promote reporting hate incidents and crimes, public statements, keynote speaking, posters, press releases, articles, interviews, videos, and general public service announcements (PSAs) with victims of hate acts, incidents, and hate crimes. 

Please visit TAAL’s Media Room to read our statements and press releases.     

Elected officials who would like to attend and have special requests and members of the media interested in interviews should contact Vic Gerami at 310.880.8563 (or) vic@thebluntpost.com. For additional information, visit TAAL’s website, TruthAndAccountabilityLeague.org.

Please click here for the honorees, the event poster, and other related photos.

About Dr. Kev Abazajian

Prof. Kevork N. Abazajian is a Professor of Physics & Astronomy and the Director of the Center for Cosmology at the University of California, Irvine. His research focuses on the nature of dark matter at the interface between particle physics and astrophysics, the origin and cosmological impacts of neutrino mass, galaxy formation, high-energy astrophysics, and precision cosmology. He received his Ph.D. in Physics at the University of California, San Diego in 2001. He was a Research Fellow at the Theoretical Astrophysics group at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory from 2001-03, where he was also a member of the University of Chicago Center for Cosmological Physics (now the Kavli Institute for Cosmological Physics). He was awarded a Laboratory Director's Postdoctoral Fellowship at Los Alamos National Laboratory, with the Theoretical Particle Physics and Theoretical Astrophysics groups from 2003-06. After that, Prof. Abazajian joined the faculty in the Department of Physics at the University of Maryland, College Park. There, he was awarded the National Science Foundation CAREER Award for research on cosmological structure formation and neutrino cosmology (2011-15). The CAREER Award is the National Science Foundation's most prestigious award, provided to support early-career faculty "who have the potential to serve as academic role models in research and education and to lead advances in the mission of their department or organization." In the fall of 2011, Prof. Abazajian joined the faculty at the Department of Physics & Astronomy at UC Irvine.

Prof. Abazajian has been awarded the distinction of being the Faculty with Greatest Impact on an Outstanding Graduating Senior in 2012 and 2021, as well as the Distinguished Assistant Professor Award for Research from the University of California Academic Senate, Irvine Division, in 2013. Prof. Abazajian became an Associate Professor with tenure in 2013, and full Professor in 2017. He was elected as a founding member of the Armenian Society of Fellows (ASOF) in 2021 and became a Fellow of the American Physical Society in 2022.

In 2024, Prof. Abazajian was elected Chair of the Publications and Speakers Committee of the CMB-S4 Collaboration, where he serves also on the Executive Team of the Collaboration.

His particle physics, astrophysics, and cosmology papers are available through INSPIRE.

About Mark Geragos

As the Principal with the internationally renowned trial lawyer firm of Geragos & Geragos, Mark Geragos cemented his national reputation as a trial lawyer with back-to-back State and Federal Court jury trial acquittals for renowned Whitewater figure Susan McDougal, later securing a presidential pardon for her. Over his career, Geragos has represented a series of high-profile clients, including the Menendez Brothers in their efforts for a retrial, former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson, civil rights activist and former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick, MMA star Cain Velasquez, and President Joe Biden’s son, Hunter Biden.

In the last decade, Geragos has won two consecutive dismissals of murder charges against clients by proving flawed eyewitness identification, with one of those clients later winning a $1.7 million settlement from the City of Glendale for false arrest. In another twelve-week murder trial involving the death of a defendant’s young daughter, Geragos led the defense, and the jury did not convict his client. He also recently represented Chris Brown, achieving a favorable resolution in his case.

Geragos has a track record of high-stakes victories, such as the dismissal of prostitution charges against James Bond movie director Lee Tamahori, and dismissal of all felony charges, including kidnapping and torture, against Hung Bao Zhong, the recognized exiled leader of China’s shadow government. Geragos also secured the dismissal of a decades-old murder charge against Japanese national Kazuyoshi Miura in what the media labeled the 'Japanese O.J. Case.'

He was one of the lead attorneys in groundbreaking Federal Class Action Lawsuits against New York Life Insurance and AXA Corporation, achieving a $37.5 million settlement for insurance policies issued during the Armenian Genocide by the Ottoman Empire. Geragos is also currently suing the Government of Turkey for reparations related to this genocide.

Geragos’s accomplishments have earned him numerous accolades. He is the only attorney besides Johnnie Cochran to be named “Lawyer of the Year” in both Criminal and Civil arenas. California Law Business Magazine ranked him among the “100 Most Influential Attorneys in California” for three consecutive years, and he consistently appears as one of Los Angeles’ SuperLawyers. His $59 million jury verdict against Pfizer Corporation was ranked among the “Top Ten Verdicts in 2008 in California” and “Top Fifty Verdicts in the United States” by the National Law Journal.

Geragos’s clientele over the years has included a wide array of public figures, from former Congressman Gary Condit and Roger Clinton to Academy Award-nominated actress Winona Ryder, pop icon Michael Jackson, socialite Nicole Richie, and Grammy-winning artist Chris Brown. He has also represented prominent figures in the sports world, such as hip hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs and Barry Bonds’ personal trainer, Greg Anderson, in cases related to high-profile federal investigations.

In recent years, Geragos has continued to take on significant cases involving high-profile clients, including civil rights activist and former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick, UFC fighter Cain Velasquez in his criminal defense case, and Hunter Biden, underscoring his role as a trusted legal advisor in complex and widely publicized cases. His extensive experience with prominent personalities across diverse fields cements his reputation as one of the nation’s leading attorneys for high-stakes legal representation.

Geragos frequently appears as a legal commentator on major networks, contributing to programs like the Today Show, The Megyn Kelly Show, Banfield, Good Morning America, Dateline NBC, and iconic shows such as Larry King Live, 60 Minutes, and 48 Hours. He has also lectured widely on the intersection of media and law and has authored articles in multiple law review journals.

In addition to his legal work, Geragos co-hosts the popular Reasonable Doubt podcast, where he offers insights into high-profile legal cases, current events, and provides expert analysis on the intersection of law, media, and society—making complex legal issues accessible and engaging for a broad audience.

Geragos attended Haverford College and earned his Juris Doctor from Loyola Law School. A Los Angeles native, he continues to lead Geragos & Geragos, building upon a legacy of legal advocacy and public service on behalf of his diverse and often high-profile clientele.

About Oshin Harootoonian

Oshin Harootoonian is an esteemed engineer and entrepreneur from the San Fernando Valley, who has showcased exemplary qualities through his vast management experience, political insights, and dedication to the Armenian cause. Under his leadership as the Co-Founder (CEO and President), Primex Laboratories expanded from a humble startup to a powerhouse with over 200 employees leading in medical diagnostics and research in California and Nevada. Prior to establishing Primex Clinical Laboratories in 1996, he served as the North Valley Area Planning Commissioner. With a B.S. and M.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of Southern California, Oshin’s engineering contributions were on display in pivotal roles at the City of Beverly Hills as a Senior Plan Review Engineer and at the City of Los Angeles as a Plan Check Engineer, playing a critical role in the aftermath of the 1994 Northridge Earthquake by facilitating essential reconstruction efforts. Oshin’s commitment to the Armenian community is deep-rooted, beginning in 1968 with Homenetmen and ascending to Regional Vice Scout Master, actively promoting higher education and nurturing Armenian cultural identity among the youth. Since 1992, Oshin has served on the board of ANCA Western Region and the Armenian General Athletic Union, demonstrating enduring leadership that extends across professional and community spheres. Going forward, as Chairman of ANCA WR, Oshin is uniquely positioned to advance Hay Tahd priorities through a deep understanding of organizational management, political intricacies, and steadfast dedication to his nation’s history.

About Dr. Katia Tavitian Karageuzian

Award-winning author, Katia Tavitian Karageuzian, Pharm. D. is an active member of the Southern California Armenian community, serving as a decade-long board member as well as chairwoman of the Homenetmen Massis Chapter, a contributor to the Asbarez newspaper, a member of the ANCA Western Region Education Committee, and a member of her local San Fernando West ANCA chapter. Karageuzian has received her doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of Southern California. She has had a long career at Savon-Drugs and CVS chain drug stores, where she served in the capacity of pharmacy manager at two locations. She later transitioned to hospital pharmacy, working at Motion Picture and TV Fund Hospital. Since 2015, she has practiced as a Pediatric Specialty pharmacist at Children’s Hospital, Los Angeles.

In 2022, she published her inaugural book, “Forbidden Homeland, Story of a Diasporan”. The memoir became a bestseller in Ottoman/Armenian history in its first week of publication. It was very well received by the local Armenian community, garnering a turnout of over 200 at its release at the Glendale Central Library. Karageuzian’s objective with her book has been to start a conversation about reconstructing the fractured Armenian story, placing the beginning of the Armenian Genocide at 1894 and demonstrating how the Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) conflict was where the genocide had gone dormant in 1921 and from where it now continues. Weaving her experiences of growing up in war-torn Lebanon with her journey to unveil the truth about the Armenian cause, Karageuzian exposes stunning historical truths and the role that geopolitics play in burying them. She has given many interviews and talks, including at Fresno State University, USC pharmacy school, and several local high schools and organizations. The book is acclaimed for its vivid writing style, its relatable American story of immigration and resilience, and its extensive research. “Forbidden Homeland, Story of a Diasporan” has won a 2023 Literary Titan Gold Book Award, a 2023 BookFest Award, and a 2024 International Impact Book Award.

About Sam Kbushyan

Sam Kbushyan serves as a Commissioner for the California State Board and has long been a committed public servant, community pillar, and advocate for civil rights. In 2017, he was first appointed to the California State Respiratory Care Board, and his dedication led to his reappointment in 2022 for another term.

As the Principal of the public affairs firm SKG, Sam is deeply committed to fostering community growth, promoting business advocacy, ensuring civic participation, and nurturing symbiotic partnerships. Appointed by Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, Sam is integral to the Mayor’s Advisory Transition Team. His unwavering commitment to public affairs, civic participation, and social entrepreneurship made him a prime choice for Mayor Bass.

Active in numerous preeminent community organizations, Sam also serves on the board of the LA Community Alliance. In this role, he creates strategic alliances and fosters cooperation among various community stakeholders. Previously the Executive Director and currently a board member of the Immigrants Charitable Foundation, Sam’s impact is wide-reaching.

Sam’s expertise was also evident in his tenure as a SEIU Local 434b labor union organizer. Here, he formulated strategies that empowered long-term healthcare workers to advocate for improved wages, work conditions, and healthcare accessibility. He successfully mobilized over 30,000 healthcare providers through advocacy initiatives, collective bargaining, and educational programs for union members.

As a member of the East Hollywood Chamber of Commerce board, Sam has fervently advocated for small businesses, addressing their unique challenges regarding the local economy and sustainability.

Sam’s dedication traces back to his academic years. He served as the Student Body President at Los Angeles Valley College and later assumed the role of Commissioner of Political Affairs at California State University Los Angeles.

Stepping into the political arena as a candidate, Sam has set clear priorities: combating homelessness, addressing housing shortages and related challenges, ensuring public safety, fighting government corruption, promoting economic development across all income levels, creating a sustainable immigration framework, and devising efficient public transportation solutions.

Sam pursued political science at California State University Los Angeles and earned his B.A. He furthered his education with a graduate degree from Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts. He shares his life in Valley Glen, CA, with his wife, Suzanna, and their three children: Maria, David, and Bella.

About Jeff Prang

Los Angeles County Assessor Jeff Prang was elected in 2014 as the 27th Assessor for the County of Los Angeles and re-elected in 2018 and 2022.

Raised in Warren, Michigan, Assessor Prang is a graduate of James Madison College at Michigan State University. After graduation, Mr. Prang relocated to California where he served nearly 18 years as a councilmember for the City of West Hollywood, including four terms as Mayor among many other positions in the public sector.

Upon taking office in 2014 as the Los Angeles County Assessor, Mr. Prang implemented sweeping reforms to ensure that the strictest ethical guidelines rooted in fairness, accuracy and integrity would be adhered to in his office.

The Los Angeles County Assessor’s Office is the largest office of its kind in the nation with 1,400 employees and provides the foundation for a property tax system that generates $24 billion annually.

Assessor Prang the President of the California Assessors’ Association (CAA), a State Board of Equalization licensed appraiser, and an active member of the International Association of Assessing Officers (IAAO) and the Society of Auditor-Appraisers (SAA).

Assessor Jeff Prang lives in Baldwin Hills with his husband Ray Vizcarra, who is the instrumental music director at Warren High School in Downey.

About Robin Toma

Robin Toma is Executive Director of the Los Angeles County Commission on Human Relations, an agency of LA County government that works to transform prejudice into acceptance, inequity into justice, and hostility into peace, by advocating for human rights for everyone in LA County. He has led the Commission in forging its programs to establish a human rights culture, to eliminate hate (LAvsHate.org and the annual report on hate crime in LA County), to bring about transformative justice, and to provide human relations/human rights training and education. He has served as President of the International Association of Official Human Rights Agencies, the only national network of state and local governmental human and civil rights agencies in the U.S., and as President of the California Association of Human Relations Organizations.

Robin is a former ACLU staff attorney, a graduate of UCLA Law School and holds a M.A. degree in Urban Planning from UCLA. He is also a Senior Fellow at UCLA’s Luskin School of Public Affairs, has served on the U.S. Civil Rights Commission’s California Advisory Committee, and is an alumnus of Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government’s Executive Session on Human Rights Commissions and Criminal Justice, as well as the Kellogg National Leadership Program. He was also honored to serve as an adviser/member of the 2010 Obama Administration’s delegation to the U.N. Human Rights Council in Geneva, and was invited to serve on the official U.S. government’s Delegation to the U.N. World Conference Against Racism held in South Africa in 2001.

About TAAL

TAAL is a 501©3 non-profit advocacy organization founded in 2020 due to a significant increase in anti-Armenian racism, defamation, hate crimes, and Armenophobia. We monitor and confront bias, disinformation, propaganda, and slander of the Armenian people and culture at the media level, including social media, academics, intelligentsia, and public policy.

Our Mission

To protect human rights, promote equality, combat racism where it appears and exists, stop the defamation and threats of violence against people of Armenian ethnicity, educate the community about racism, bias, and discrimination, achieve worldwide recognition of the Armenian Genocide, and end the crime of Genocide for all people across the world.

About ONNI GROUP

For over half a century, Onni has been building communities for people to live, work, and play. Our success reflects our commitment to our employees and partners, and our dedication to quality construction, innovation, sustainability, and customer satisfaction. Our expertise expands across North American cities such as Los Angeles, Seattle, Chicago, Phoenix, Toronto, and Vancouver.

We’ve constructed over 15,000 new homes, own and manage more than 11,200 rental apartments, built more than 18.4 million square feet of office, retail, and industrial space, and have an additional 28 million square feet of space in different phases of development. Employing thousands of people across North America, Onni is one of the continent’s largest and most established developers of real estate.

It’s our more than 50-year track record of delivering award-winning, high-quality developments that makes Onni a trusted brand. At Onni, we understand that our business is dependent upon our customers and the communities we serve. It is why we believe so strongly in planning for the future and giving back to those communities through long-lasting relationships that span over generations.

We believe the culmination of our passion for building world-class urban communities, quality design, innovation and sustainability, yields exceptional communities and experiences where our customers live, work, and play. It’s our commitment to living well. It’s a celebration of community, today and for the future.

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