Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day Recognition Resolution of 2026

26th Council Period (2025-2026) Introduced by Charles Allen

Declares April 24, 2026 Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day in DC and emphasizes educating residents about the genocide to prevent future atrocities.

Resolution ACR26-0140, Effective from Mar 31, 2026 Published in DC Register Vol 73 and Page 008451

Summary of CER 26-0143 | Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day Recognition Resolution of 2026

Purpose and intent

Establishes April 24, 2026 as Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day in the District of Columbia.

Reflects on the 111th anniversary of the 1915 Armenian Genocide.

Emphasizes the importance of educating District residents about the Armenian Genocide.

Key provisions and changes

Official recognition: The Council recognizes Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day and the historical events of 1915-1923.

Education focus: Highlights the importance of educating residents about the Armenian Genocide to prevent future atrocities.

Historical context and references: The resolution incorporates historical background, including:

Atrocities committed against Armenians and other Christian minorities beginning April 24, 1915.
Dispatch by U.S. Ambassador Morgenthau describing the campaign as genocide.
Near East Relief efforts and their impact, including the District of Columbia’s involvement.
Evolution of Near East Relief into the Near East Foundation.
National acknowledgments of the genocide by U.S. government bodies and international actors.

Communications and dissemination: Upon adoption, the resolution would be transmitted to the Mayor, the State Superintendent of Education, the Chancellor of DC Public Schools, and the President and each member of the State Board of Education.

Effective date: The resolution takes immediate effect.

Who or what is affected

Governmental and educational institutions:

DC Mayor
State Superintendent of Education
Chancellor of the DC Public Schools
President and each member of the DC State Board of Education

General public in the District of Columbia, through heightened awareness and educational emphasis related to Armenian Genocide remembrance.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Status: Introduced by Councilmember Charles Allen; co-sponsored by Charles Allen.

Action history:

Introduced and placed in the Council by March 30–31, 2026.
Retained and final reading occurred on March 31, 2026.
Adopted as a ceremonial resolution (Resolution Number ACR26-0140) on March 31, 2026, and carries the new designation CER26-0143 for this session.

Effective date: Immediate upon adoption.

Notes

This is a ceremonial resolution, not a binding statute or appropriation measure.

It serves to commemorate, acknowledge, and educate about the Armenian Genocide and aligns with longstanding recognitions by the U.S. and other countries.

The resolution references and honors historical organizations and figures connected to humanitarian relief and advocacy.