Hosted by Jewish World Watch (JWW), Sunday’s Walk to End Genocide is the nation’s largest annual anti-genocide rally, with participants gathering at La Brea Tar Pits and taking to the streets to raise money for victims of genocide.
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti will speak at the 10th annual event that aims to bring together a multi-faith, multi-ethnic coalition of supporters.
“On April 17, I will proudly stand with more than 3,000 Angelenos in support of people around the world who face unspeakable atrocities every day,” said Mayor Garcetti. “Together, we will fight genocide wherever it raises its ugly head, remember past persecution, and reject hatred in all forms. Defending our values sometimes comes with great personal cost, but we must trust that goodness and justice will overcome oppression and violence.”
The two-mile walk will begin at the Tar Pits, and stretch through the surrounding neighborhoods. Before and after the Walk, activists will gather in JWW’s Global Village, which will include special displays commemorating past genocides and educational booths about current conflicts in the world where innocents are threatened.
“Our annual Walk provides a unique opportunity to strengthen, engage, and activate our diverse and dynamic community of conscience in Southern California,’” said Vaughan Meyer, Chair of the Walk to End Genocide. “Thousands of people are coming together to send a powerful message to leaders around the world that we will not stand idly by when innocents are threatened.”
The Walk will raise funds for on-the-ground projects to aid survivors of these genocides and mass atrocities, and raise awareness among elected officials and the public to advance the organization’s range of educational and advocacy efforts in the U.S.
This year, when they finish walking, participants will be able to contribute to Chalk Thoughts – a spontaneous art installation that allows people to record why the Walk matters – and, in “Tell Your Story,” to provide testimony about why they advocate. Young activists between the ages of 4-7 will have their own art projects and mini-Walk inside the Tar Pits. There will also be a marketplace selling cloth bags sown by women in JWW’s African projects, and Jewels 4 Justice, a hand-made jewelry line whose profits benefit JWW.
For more information head to la.walktoendgenocide.org.
