October 15, 2022
Armenian-American Action Network condemns racist remarks against the Armenian, Black, LGBTQ+, Asian, Jewish and other communities by LA officials and Calls for Immediate Resignation of All Involved
Los Angeles officials including Nury Martinez made racist remarks against Armenians alongside other racist, anti-Black, and homophobic slurs. As an Armenian-American civil rights organization based out of Los Angeles, we condemn all such speech & call for all involved to resign & be accountable immediately.
Armenian-American Action Network condemns the anti-Armenian racism displayed by Martinez, Herrera, de León & Cedillo. In leaked audio reported by Knock LA, racist remarks are said about Krekorian’s district & mention “The guy with one eyebrow.” Martinez then asks what his last name is, which receives a reply of: “I bet it ends in I-A-N.” This comes in a climate of larger and historical structural marginalization of Armenians in Los Angeles and after we as an organization and community expressed deep concern over racist redistricting. Our community has been and continues to be subjected to acts of hate and violence both locally and globally. Our elected officials must do everything in their power to combat hate and racism targeting immigrants, refugees and racialized communities in the United States.
Our beloved city Los Angeles is home to vibrant communities from all walks of life. Our communities are what make this city great. We condemn these statements and all statements made against the Black community, LGBTQ+ community and other communities within Los Angeles.
Our communities must unite in fighting racism and hate. No elected official must espouse these ideas and plot for the disenfranchisement of a community. We call for accountability and justice for our communities. We demand that elected officials representing the communities of Los Angeles display respect, care and organize for the diverse communities of Los Angeles that they represent. We need a government by the people, for the people. All four of these officials must resign and a new era of dignity, love, unity, power and justice must begin, rooted in those impacted by the city’s policies.
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