Rwandans plan testimonies, message of hope 30 years after genocide
SOUTH BEND — On April 13, the local Rwandan community will host its annual day of remembrance for the 1994 genocide that claimed about 1 million lives in their African country — only this time, the public event marks the 30th anniversary.
The day of speakers, survivors' testimonies, songs and a message of hope, which is free to the public, will run from 2 to 7 p.m. in the Bendix Theater at the downtown Century Center.
Titled “Kwibuka 30: RememberUnite-Renew," it recalls the 100-day stretch from April to September 1994 when Hutus brutally killed Tutsis. In the years afterwards, several Rwandan refugees settled in the South Bend area.
The agenda calls for opening prayers and remarks from Leonard Kwitonda, president of the Rwandan American Community of the Midwest. Then a short film will be shown.
A panel discussion with survivors is scheduled for about 3 p.m.
At 4 p.m., organizers plan for a keynote speech from David Simon, director of the Genocide Studies Program at Yale University. His work focuses on genocide prevention, recovery from atrocities and the political dimensions of genocide memory. A message of hope, candle lighting and words from youths is expected at roughly 5:40 p.m.
By about 6:25 p.m., closing remarks will be made by Col. Raoul Bazatoha, defense attaché with the Embassy of Rwanda in Washington, D.C.
“We host these events to remember what happened,” organizers said in a press release. “We also want to unite people so that we can bring understanding and share knowledge about the consequences of genocide. Finally, we want to renew our commitment to continue social transformation by instilling a ‘Never Again' attitude especially among the younger generation.”