Sooren Apkarian's Storefront

My Armenian HeritageMy Armenian Heritage (book)

Print: $13.95

American born Armenian, Sooren Apkarian, a lifelong member of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) in Michigan, spent a working life of 38 years in a cold-rolled steel mill (Detroit Steel Corporation). He was employed as a Steelworker in Detroit. He retired in 1985 and set about writing his memoirs. “My Armenian Heritage” is the autobiographical narrative of Sooren Apkarian’s roots, his development as an Armenian nationalist, and his two voyages to his ancestral homeland in 1971 and 1975. On his trips Sooren was overwhelmed with emotional feelings, family and food. From his shocking meeting with his paternal uncle Avo, a near facsimile of his father, to gatherings with daily waves of dozens of previously unknown relatives, each of whom was giddy with excitement and who shocked the author with their love and hospitality. This work covers the gamut of family relations, the yearning for familial love, the detrimental effects of communism, national pride and Armenian history.

UnionismUnionism (book)

Print: $12.47

Download: $5.00

Unionism is the autobiographical work of Sooren Apkarian, a Detroit steelworker and union member. Sooren’s first connection to unions was in the Merchant Marines, where he witnessed the ship’s Purser trying to cheat workers out of their hard earned wages. A more experienced member of the Seafarers International Union who was working alongside the novice sailors spoke to defend their rights. In 1947 Sooren joined the Detroit Steel Corporation. His experience in the Merchant Marines led him to join the United Steelworkers of America; eventually becoming the President of the Local Union. In response to the company’s efforts to shortchange its employees, Sooren turned the company on its head by filing hard hitting grievances, surprising the management who were used to grievances placed by inexperienced employees. This proved to Sooren that education was the key to Union progress. It took the Unions 25-35 years before they realized this and forced industry pay them more respect.