On Sunday, April 17, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti will speak at the 10th annual Walk to End Genocide. Hosted by Jewish World Watch (JWW), the event is the nation’s largest annual anti-genocide rally, bringing together a multi-faith, multi-ethnic coalition with churches, synagogues, schools, students, families and activists of all ages participating. JWW will raise funds for projects to aid survivors of genocides and mass atrocities and raise awareness about the organization’s educational and advocacy efforts.

“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,” Garcetti said. “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.”

Thousands gathered for the Walk to End Genocide in 2015.
(photo courtesy of Jewish World Watch)

The two-mile walk will begin at the La Brea Tar Pits. Before and after the walk, activists will gather in JWW’s Global Village, which will include special displays commemorating past genocides and educational booths with information about current conflicts in the world where innocent people are threatened.

The Global Village’s booth, Advocacy Asks, will encourage activists to reach out to elected officials, and take action on issues such as supporting the first genocide prevention bill in the United States, the Genocide and Atrocities Prevention Act (GAPA), and the H.A.N.D.S. (Help and Nourishment for Darfuri Survivors) Project, an effort to bring back the World Food Program’s recommended 2,100 calories per person/per day to Darfuris living in the refugee camps of Eastern Chad.

When participants finish the route, they will be able to contribute to CHALK THOUGHTS – a spontaneous art installation that allows them to record why the event matters – and to “Tell Your Story,” providing 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.

The event will be from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. For information, visit la.walktoendgenocide.org.