{Hayward, CA – On April 25, 2015 the Rwandan Community of California (TRCC) hosted the 21st Commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi (also known as Kwibuka21) at California State University East Bay, bringing together over 40 members of the Rwandan community, as well as their friends and supporters. }
Attendees traveled from as far as Maryland, and even Rwanda to attend the commemoration.
Speakers emphasized the theme of Kwibuka21, Genocide Denial and Revisionism.
There were several people who testified about their experiences during and after the 1994 genocide.
Philippe Ngabonziza, who was in Rwanda at the time of the genocide and spoke at the event said, “People who claim the genocide did not happen are wrong, I was there, I saw what happened. Nobody can tell me otherwise”.
Likewise, in Faustin Rusanganwa’s testimony he commented on how when he visited Rwanda soon after the genocide had ended he found almost all of his family had perished, with the exception of his sister.
The commemoration also included a candle lighting vigil in remembrance of those loved ones lost during the genocide, and some remarks about how far the country has progressed in terms of development since 1994.
Commenting on the importance of this event, Yehoyada Mbangukira, President and Chairman of the Rwandan Community of California, said “it is important for our community to come together every year to remember the events that occurred in Rwanda in 1994, honor the one million lives lost, and unite in the common understanding that this should NEVER AGAIN happen .”
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