KENTWOOD, MICHIGAN — In a significant and historic act of remembrance in the United States, the City of Kentwood, Michigan has officially proclaimed April 7, 2026, as the International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda, honoring the memory of more than one million innocent lives lost during one of the darkest chapters in modern history.
The proclamation, issued by Mayor Stephen C.N. Kepley, stands as a powerful public recognition of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, a tragedy that unfolded in Rwanda between April 7 and July 19, 1994, when extremist forces carried out a systematic campaign of extermination targeting the Tutsi population and those who opposed the genocide.
This formal recognition by the City of Kentwood is being viewed by many as an important step toward truth, remembrance, education, and solidarity with survivors and descendants of victims who now call the United States home.
A Powerful Statement of Memory and Moral Responsibility
In the official proclamation, the City of Kentwood acknowledged that the United States has welcomed many immigrants and survivors fleeing horrific violence and crimes against humanity. The document specifically recognizes the genocide in Rwanda as an atrocity formally acknowledged by the United Nations as the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
The proclamation also highlights the scale and brutality of the genocide, noting that as many as one million or more Tutsi men, women, and children were murdered in approximately 100 days. It further recognizes the widespread sexual violence committed against Tutsi women during the genocide, where hundreds of thousands were subjected to horrific abuse.
By issuing this proclamation, Kentwood is not only honoring the victims and survivors but also affirming a commitment to ensuring that such atrocities are never forgotten or repeated.
April 7 Recognized as a Day of Reflection
Mayor Kepley officially declared that Tuesday, April 7, 2026, will be recognized in Kentwood as the International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
The proclamation calls on the people of Kentwood and the wider West Michigan community to reflect on the lessons of history and to stand against hatred, ethnic violence, genocide ideology, and all forms of dehumanization.
The mayor also urged residents to learn from the past so that such crimes may never take place again anywhere in the world.
A Meaningful Moment for Survivors and the Rwandan Community
For many Rwandans and friends of Rwanda living in the United States, this recognition carries deep emotional and historical significance. It affirms that the suffering endured during the genocide is neither forgotten nor denied and that local communities in America are willing to stand with survivors in truth and remembrance.
The proclamation also acknowledges that cities like Kentwood have become home to genocide survivors who have rebuilt their lives and contributed meaningfully to American society. For those families, public recognition such as this is more than symbolic—it is an act of dignity, justice, and respect.
Why This Matters
The recognition of April 7 by an American city is important because remembrance is a critical part of genocide prevention. Public acknowledgment helps educate future generations, confront denial, and preserve the truth about what happened in Rwanda in 1994.
At a time when misinformation, genocide denial, and historical distortion continue to threaten public understanding, official acts like this one serve as a reminder that memory must be protected and truth must be upheld.
The City of Kentwood’s proclamation sends a strong message that the memory of the victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi matters not only in Rwanda, but around the world.
A Historic Example of Local Leadership
This proclamation reflects how local governments can play an important role in promoting historical awareness, human dignity, and global solidarity. While national and international institutions have long recognized April 7 as a solemn day of remembrance, Kentwood’s action shows that cities and communities also have the power to preserve truth and honor those who suffered.
As the world marks another year of remembrance, Kentwood’s decision stands as a meaningful example of leadership rooted in compassion, historical responsibility, and a commitment to “Never Again.”
The official proclamation by the City of Kentwood declaring April 7 as the International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda is a powerful and historic moment in the United States. It honors the memory of the victims, recognizes the resilience of survivors, and calls on the public to reject hatred and violence in all forms.
As communities across the globe continue to remember the victims of the genocide, Kentwood’s voice joins a growing international chorus demanding remembrance, truth, and humanity.
For survivors, families, and all those committed to justice and remembrance, this proclamation is not only a tribute to the past—it is a promise to the future.
Thank you, Mayor Stephen!
It is only by resolutions like the one your City just made that we show our humanity but also emphasize the preciousness of life. Survivors of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, and Rwanda are very grateful! May your City continues to shine and plants seeds of Peace and Unity; thus strengthening its abilities to flourish and take its citizens to prosperous times. With heartfelt gratitude!
As a proud Rwandan living in the United States, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the City of Kentwood, Michigan, and Mayor Stephen C.N. Kepley for this meaningful and historic recognition of April 7 as the International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
This proclamation is not only a powerful act of remembrance, but also a strong message of compassion, unity, and moral responsibility. It honors the memory of more than one million innocent lives lost and stands in solidarity with survivors and Rwandan communities around the world.
On behalf of many Rwandans who now call the United States home, thank you for acknowledging our history, supporting truth and education, and standing with us in remembrance. Your commitment helps ensure that such a tragedy is never forgotten and never repeated.
Murakoze cyane.