Community Highlights: Meet Harut Sassounian of The California Courier

Today we’d like to introduce you to Harut Sassounian.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I am the grandson of 1.5 million victims of the Armenian Genocide committed by Turkey from 1915-1923. I have dedicated my life to the establishment of justice for the surviving victims and the survival of the recently independent Republic of Armenia. In the process, I have done many things. I have lectured about the Armenian Genocide in 35 countries. I was a delegate on human rights at the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, from 1978-1985, where I helped lobby for the adoption of a report recognizing the Armenian Genocide in 1985.

I have published a book titled, “The Armenian Genocide, The World Speaks Out, 1915-2005.

I founded the Armenia Artsakh Fund, a charity that has donated to the Republic of Armenia from 1989, following the earthquake there, over one billion dollars of humanitarian aid, mostly medicines, to the needy people in Armenia.

I have managed Mr. Kirk Kerkorian’s Lincy Foundation’s $242 million infrastructure projects in Armenia as the Vice President of the Lincy Foundation from 2,000 to 2011.

I have published the California Courier English-language Armenian weekly newspaper from 1983-2024. My weekly editorials are reprinted around the world by scores of newspapers and websites and translated into several languages.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It was not easy doing what I have done with my limited resources and great sacrifice for myself and my family, and with very little help from others.

We’ve been impressed with The California Courier, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I have published The California Courier weekly English-language Armenian community newspaper since 1983. I provide news, information, and analysis to my readers around the world, both through print and websites. The most important part of my newspaper is my editorials that I have written in the last 40 years on a weekly basis. These editorials are reprinted by scores of newspapers around the world, posted on many websites, and translated into half a dozen languages. I have an in-depth knowledge of all Armenian issues in Armenia and around the world.

I am probably the most widely known Armenian journalist in the world as my weekly columns reach all Armenian communities.

I am known for my factual and well-researched articles. I am considered an influencer in the Armenian world.

All those who are interested about Armenians can have a good idea about the latest developments by reading my weekly editorial.

What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
The biggest shift that I am making right now is to move from print to digital or electronic news. People don’t read newspapers as much as before and the future is social media and electronic journalism.

Pricing:

• Everyone has free access to the newspaper’s website: TheCaliforniaCourier.com
• We welcome your contributions of any amount to sustain our work.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.TheCaliforniaCourier.com
• Instagram: Harut Sassounian
• Facebook: Harut Sassounian
• Twitter: Harut Sassounian