Stubborn Seeds and Strong Foundations: What Armenian Resilience Teaches Us About Building Forward

April 22nd, 2025 by Benjamin Dziobek

Author Benjamin Dziobek, New Jersey Future community outreach specialist

April marks Armenian History Month, a time to honor the deep roots, resilience, and culture of the Armenian people. For many of us in the diaspora, especially here in New Jersey, this month reminds us to reflect on our ancestors’ strength and survival. It’s an opportunity to celebrate our contributions to this country and recommit to building a better future — one shaped by remembrance and justice.

From tight-knit communities in places like Ridgefield, Long Branch, and Tenafly to the quiet presence of Armenian names across public life, we’ve made our mark in this state. Being Armenian means carrying memory — not just of loss, but of perseverance. It means being rooted in culture, language, and tradition, even when so much was designed to strip it away. One line that’s stuck with me lately is the idea of a “stubborn seed” growing through cracks, against all odds, generation after generation. That’s what our families did when they arrived here. And that’s what so many immigrant communities continue to do in New Jersey.

That same resilience, the refusal to give up in the face of challenge, is what we need to face climate change today. Whether it’s flood-prone neighborhoods, aging water systems, or rising temperatures, our infrastructure and our communities are under pressure. But just like that stubborn seed, we have the power to grow through the cracks. The recently proposed Resilient Environment and Landscape rules proposed by the NJ Department of Environmental Protection are a good example of proactively pushing forward solutions that will make our communities and infrastructure more resilient to the increasing incidents of flooding. Climate and infrastructure resilience aren’t just buzzwords, they’re about ensuring every family, no matter their zip code, has access to clean water, safe streets, and a livable future. If we want to honor the legacy of those who came before us, we need to show up for the future of the places we call home. Resilience isn’t just about bouncing back — it’s about demanding better, and building systems that can withstand what’s next.