We know our people are dispersed all over the face of the earth—making up the Armenian Diaspora—but today we will focus on a group that deserves special attention for their drive to keep Armenian culture alive in the upper Midwest. I became aware of the Armenian Cultural Organization of Minnesota (ACOM), headquartered in St. Paul, Minn., through a half-Armenian lady, Cynthia Reimers Erickson, whom I met at a Vanetzi convention in Detroit several years ago. She is a volunteer team-leader building houses for the poor in Armenia through Fuller Center for Housing, making annual trips there as reported recently in the Weekly. Would we have known about this quiet heroine otherwise?
That the organization has given serious thought to their cultural mission is evident when you visit the ACOM homepage (www.mnarmenians.org/), which features an open book, with the first two letters of the Armenian alphabet, and our mountains of Big and Little Ararat. There exists an abundance of Armenian cultural life beyond Boston, Philadelphia, Detroit, and Los Angeles. It is alive and thriving in Minnesota, thanks to dedicated Armenians who remember their roots.
The Armenian Cultural Organization of Minnesota has been serving Armenians and friends since 1980, providing opportunities in culture, language, dance, history, and social events, and preserving Armenian identity and heritage. It is the oldest and largest Armenian organization in the state.
ACOM welcomes everyone regardless of ethnic, religious, or political affiliation who have an interest in Armenia and Armenians. Their membership includes first-generation through fourth-generation Armenians, their families, and non-Armenian friends of the community. Very broad-minded.
There is a lot of life in what many refer to as the “frozen north.” The organization’s many cultural and social events include the annual holiday party, Armenian dance parties, guest speakers, Armenian-language classes, folk dance classes and performances, chamber music concerts, art shows, summer picnics, and craft shows. Their executive members have a 2013 calendar fully planned and prepared to launch so that members are aware of coming events.
They kicked off 2013 with their popular Gaghant Party. In the fall, they celebrate Voski Ashoun (Golden Fall), another innovative celebration others can learn from.
The most significant undertaking for ACOM has been the International Festival of Nations, the second largest attraction in Minnesota. ACOM sponsors all Armenian activities at this major regional folk festival held annually in St. Paul. The festival has become the Armenian organization’s most visible public venue; it has helped keep Minnesota-Armenians in the public eye. Very importantly, through the efforts of some of the members, ACOM has managed to spread awareness of its value to society across the U.S. They are ambassadors of Armenian goodwill.
Guest speakers have included authors Tom Mooradian, Peter Balakian, and transplant physician Dr. John Najarian, M.D. Proceeds from the sale of Najarian’s book, The Miracle of Transplants, go to the Living Donor Transplant Assistance Fund, and the Armenian community there donated approximately $1,000 to the fund.
ACOM sponsors a popular series called, “What Was It Like Growing up Armenian in…” featuring speakers formerly from Baku, Bulgaria, Aleppo, Lebanon, and Egypt. All speakers have had similar yet unique experiences as Armenians growing up in these locales. This series is something other cities may want to emulate.
These speakers have personal stories to tell, which can be an awakening to those of us who have grown complacent in what we hope will continue to be an open and free society.
Their dance ensemble alone has 13 scheduled performances throughout the area for the year. They even publish a newsletter, and when you read all the items you may just want to pull up stakes and move to Minnesota. It may not be Florida, but it seems Armenians there are warm knit and think highly of one another. They surely take pride in being Armenian.
April 24, Armenian Remembrance Day, is held at St. Sahag Armenian Apostolic Church in St. Paul. It is interesting to note that all of ACOM’s events are well attended. The posted photos in their newsletter alone are proof of this community’s desire to promote and perpetuate the Armenian heritage.
The organization makes the effort to send flowers, get-well notes, and even gifts of donations to members’ favorite charities. They just seem to know the value of friendship and make note of all this in their newsletter.
Needless to say, we salute the Armenians and their friends of Minnesota for the good work they do. To read the newsletter, visit www.mnarmenians.org.
Betty Apigian-Kessel
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