ANCA Burbank

06/05/2026

Burbank City Council Approves Armenian Genocide Memorial at Johnny Carson Park
BURBANK, Calif. — April 21, 2026 — The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) Burbank proudly celebrates the Burbank City Council's approval of the Armenian Genocide Memorial at Johnny Carson Park, marking a historic achievement for the Armenian community and the City of Burbank.
The approval represents the successful culmination of nearly three years of dedicated advocacy, collaboration, and community engagement. What began as a proposal brought before the City Council in 2022 has now become a reality through the combined efforts of community leaders, volunteers, City staff, elected officials, and residents who recognized the importance of creating a permanent space for remembrance and education.
The memorial will serve as a lasting tribute to the 1.5 million Armenians who perished during the Armenian Genocide and honor the survivors whose resilience ensured that future generations would never forget their story. It will also stand as a powerful symbol of Burbank's commitment to human rights, historical truth, and cultural understanding.
After extensive evaluation of multiple potential locations throughout the city, Johnny Carson Park was selected as the site for the memorial. Its accessibility, visibility, and welcoming community setting make it an ideal location for reflection, education, and annual commemorative gatherings.
"This is a landmark day for our community," said Sarkis Simonian, Chair of ANCA Burbank. "For nearly three years, we have worked tirelessly toward this goal. Today's approval represents far more than a memorial. It is a promise that the victims of the Armenian Genocide will be remembered, that their stories will continue to be told, and that future generations will have a place to learn, reflect, and honor their memory."
Burbank is home to a vibrant Armenian community whose contributions have helped shape the cultural fabric of the city. The future memorial will provide a meaningful and permanent gathering place for Armenian Genocide commemorations and educational programs for years to come.
ANCA Burbank extends its sincere gratitude to the Burbank City Council, City staff, members of the Parks and Recreation Board, community organizations, and the countless residents who supported this effort throughout the process.
"This approval is a victory for everyone who believed in the importance of remembrance," Simonian added. "We are incredibly proud of this achievement and look forward to moving into the next phase of the project. We cannot wait to begin the work of bringing this memorial to life."
With the location now officially approved, ANCA Burbank will begin working on the memorial's design, fundraising efforts, and project development, with the goal of creating a dignified and enduring monument that will serve the community for generations.

About ANCA Burbank
The Armenian National Committee of America Burbank Chapter is dedicated to advancing issues of concern to Armenian-Americans through civic engagement, community advocacy, public education, and grassroots activism. The organization works to strengthen Armenian-American participation in public life while preserving Armenian history, culture, and heritage.

05/20/2026

The ANCA Burbank, consistent with ANCA Western Region, announces its 2026 Primary Endorsements.

For advancing Armenian Genocide and cultural issues locally, statewide and nationally, these leaders have demonstrated a clear commitment to justice, accountability, and human rights.

05/08/2026

ANCA Burbank Commemorates the 111th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide with Weeklong Initiatives
Burbank, CA – April 30, 2026 — The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) Burbank chapter honored the 111th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide through a series of commemorative events and initiatives across the city, beginning with a solemn ceremony on April 18 and continuing through the week of April 24.
On Saturday, April 18, a community-wide Armenian Genocide Commemoration Ceremony was held on the steps of Burbank City Hall. The event opened with a ceremonial march by the Homenetmen Sipan Chapter scouts and Council Members Nikki Perez and Konstantine Anthony, BUSD Board member Armond Aghakhanian and representatives from Senator Caroline Menjivar and Assemblymember Nick Schultz, members of sister organizations and Burbank Armenian Association. ANCA Burbank Chairman Sarkis Simonian delivered powerful remarks along with City Council Member Konstantine Anthony and Nikki Perez. Burbank Unified School District Board Member Armond Aghakhanian also gave remarks. A flower-laying ceremony followed, where attendees paid tribute at a memorial built by Homenetmen, echoing the spirit of the Tsitsernakaberd Memorial in Yerevan.
On April 20, ANCA Burbank board member Anne Bedian was invited as the guest speaker for the Armenian Genocide Commemoration Assembly at John Burroughs High School. Addressing the library full of students, Bedian shared the powerful true story of Elizabeth Sultanian, a genocide survivor whose photo, legacy, and letters formed the foundation of a deeply personal and historical presentation
On April 21, the City of Burbank issued an official proclamation designating April 24, 2026, as Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day. Mayor Nikki Perez presented the proclamation during a City Council meeting to ANCA Chairman Sarkis Simonian. ANCA Burbank Board Member Antranik Jarchafjian. made his remarks, on behalf of ANCA Burbank, thanking the city for its continued support for justice and truth. The proclamation reaffirmed the city’s recognition of the genocide and its commitment to remembrance and justice.
Throughout the week of April 2026, two public awareness initiatives helped amplify the message of remembrance:
• A street banner was displayed at the corner of Hollywood Way & Magnolia Blvd., drawing attention to Armenian Genocide Commemoration Week.
• Both Burbank City Hall and Burbank Water and Power buildings were illuminated in the colors of the Armenian flag as a visual tribute to the lives lost and the resilience of the Armenian people.
ANCA Burbank also continued its annual Genocide Commemoration Scholarship Program, inviting local students to submit original works—either visual art or written pieces such as essays and poetry—that reflect on the genocide and its legacy.
The ANCA Burbank chapter is proud to continue its mission of advocacy, education, and remembrance through these annual commemorations and remains committed to uplifting the voices and stories of the Armenian community.
About ANCA Burbank
The Armenian National Committee of America – Burbank Chapter is dedicated to advocating for the Armenian American community in Burbank and neighboring regions through robust advocacy efforts, educational initiatives, and community engagement. ANCA Burbank empowers individuals to actively contribute to the pursuit of a more just and equitable society.

04/24/2026

Thank you Assemblyman Nick Schultz.
Nick Schultz

https://www.facebook.com/100057556907581/posts/1651812010080680/?mibextid=Nif5oz

"The Armenian Genocide began on April 24, 1915, and led to the deaths of more than 1.5 million Armenians"

04/22/2026

04/08/2026

FREE and Open to Public

03/22/2026

I had the pleasure of visiting the Armenian Club at John Burroughs High School on behalf of ANCA Burbank.

It was my first time meeting these students, and I had the chance to introduce this year’s ANCA Genocide Scholarship—where students can participate by submitting a written piece or visual art.

The goal is simple: get involved, express your ideas, and take part in something meaningful.

Looking forward to seeing their submissions and encouraging strong participation from this group.