New Jersey, USA - On Sunday, June 2, 2024, Azerbaijan Society of America (ASA) held a conference dedicated to the 106th Anniversary of the establishment of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic (ADR) and the 67th Anniversary of the founding of the Azerbaijan Society of America (ASA). The capacity event was held at the Residence Inn by Marriott, Secaucus, New Jersey.

The conference, entitled “Empowering the Next Generation of Azerbaijani-Americans,” was coordinated by the members of ASA Youth Program AzeriNext.. The program was chaired by Javid Mursalov, along with co-chair and members Leila Azimov, Osman Seid, Ibrahim Mammadov, Shannen Hosman, Shevrin Hosman, Leyla Sadikhova, Teymur Sadikhov, Farid Ahmadov, Asmar Ahmadova. Many other young Azerbaijani-Americans contributed to the success of the conference. The young speakers clearly showed real potential, brimming with ideas and ready to embrace every opportunity to succeed.

The conference presented the personal success stories of ASA members Dr. Nargiz Gasimova, Sevinj Novruzova, PhD, Shannen Hosman and Shevrin Hosman, who shared their inspirational stories and their visions for the future.

Mentors who have played an essential role in the empowerment of our youth also spoke, including Neslihan Tonbul, Tural Badirkhanli and Zaur Bekirov, who encouraged attendees to make a difference and demonstrate passion for ASA’s vision for the future

Keynote speaker was Lydia Borland who talked about the importance of reaching out and communicating with elected officials, thereby building a positive and constructive relationship with our governmental representatives.

The day ended with a celebratory dinner on the ship Cornucopia with cruise around the New York harbor, the Statue of Liberty, and the Brooklyn Bridge while enjoying Azerbaijani music, dancing and cuisine.

Background:

On May 28, 1918 Azerbaijan Democratic Republic (ADR) became the first secular democratic Republic in the Turkic and Muslim worlds, with the first European-like Parliament and the Cabinet of Ministers. Azerbaijanis demonstrated their political maturity to the entire world. They realized the dream of freedom and turned their ideals of liberty and independence of their beautiful and wealthy motherland into reality. This realization of the dream cost many lives, sacrifices and tremendous efforts. Among the key achievements of the ADR were the 1919 universal suffrage law, granting women equal political rights with men, the establishment of Baku State University, sending students abroad to study, established newspapers, the adoption of modern national symbols, creation of the National Anthem of Azerbaijan, and designing and accepting the Tri-color Flag. The International community, including the United States, recognized the sovereignty of Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijan Society of America (ASA) was the first Azerbaijani cultural organization established in the United States in 1957. Founded by the first wave of immigrants who came to United States, they established an organization for the future of their children and grandchildren. Their vision was always to adhere to strong ethical values and principals of tolerance, respect, empathy and sincere appreciation of their traditions. Today ASA’s membership composition includes people of many different ethnic backgrounds, faiths and nationalities, as our founding fathers wanted

The mission of the conference was to empower young Azerbaijani-Americans, the future leaders of our society, and motivating them to ensure we have capable, driven individuals to lead our communities and institutions with the knowledge of Azerbaijan history. Programs involving Azerbaijani-American youth will effectively engage the population and have a greater impact. Azerbaijani-American youth represent an immense richness for host societies as they bridge diverse countries, cultures and identities, thereby fostering intercultural dialogue.