ARAB AMERICAN

Alia AwadallahWASHINGTON, D.C. – Alia Awadallah, an Arab American who has worked in international security, counterterrorism and U.S. policy in the Middle East, has been appointed by President Biden’s administration to work as an advisor to the deputy undersecretary of the army. The incoming political appointee made the announcement on Twitter Monday, writing: “Some news… I’m thrilled to share that I’m joining the Biden-Harris administration working for the deputy undersecretary of the Army. My time as a PMF was an incredible adventure, but I’m honored and excited to serve POTUS as a political appointee. Her online profile with the Middle East Institute, where she worked as a non-resident scholar with its cyber program, says she focuses on national security, international security, disinformation, security cooperation and U.S. policy in the Middle East. It also notes that she has served as a research associate on the National Security and International Policy team at the Center for American Progress and as a senior program coordinator at Vital Voices Global Partnership.

Hamtramck-native Abraham Aiyash will become the first Arab American to be a majority leader in a state legislature next term after he was selected by his

A federal agency has released a report, after a 2020 request from U.S. Sen. Gary Peters (D-Michigan), on how the Transportation Security Administration (TSA

Election officials reported good activity on Election Day in Dearborn and Hamtramck, in a general election that could see major party changes in state and

Arab American neighborhoods in Dearborn, Dearborn Heights and Hamtramck have some important choice to make about representations in the federal, state and

Portia Roberson is a candidate in the August 2 primary election in the newly-drawn U.S. House District 13, covering much of Detroit, including Hamtramck

This August, voters in Arab American-concentrated precincts in Dearborn, Dearborn Heights and Detroit will have a chance at some fresh representation in Mi

After a two year pandemic pause, Arab American Service Day returned to the Metro Detroit area, with hundreds of volunteers showing up to serve.

DEARBORN — An effort to increase language access in Dearborn by its City Council may have taken a positive step forward last week.

U.S. President Biden sent out a message commemorating National Arab American Heritage Month over the weekend, reproduced here in full.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has agreed to create a Detroit-based U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) community relations position

The Arab-American Civil Rights League (ACRL) has announced its 10th annual “Fight for Justice” gala will be held at the Ford Ford Community and Performing A

The National Arab Orchestra (NAO) will be returning to Ann Arbor this year, featuring the renowned singer Abeer Nehme's first appearance in Michigan, and

The National Arab Orchestra (NAO) will be returning to Ann Arbor this year, featuring the renowned singer Abeer Nehme's first appearance in Michigan, and

In a new collaboration, the Arab American National Museum (AANM) and the Center for Arab American Studies have launched a new podcast.

In a new collaboration, the Arab American National Museum (AANM) and the Center for Arab American Studies have launched a new podcast.

A 16-year-old junior at Annapolis High School has partnered with her teacher to launch an Arab Student Union (ASU) for her fellow classmates.

Watch live as the city of Dearborn swears in its first Arab-American mayor Abdullah Hammoud.

In 2021 there was a change of the guard in Washington, D.C., but this change was preceded by an unprecedented insurrection on Capitol Hill and a second

MICHIGAN — The Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission (MICRC) is expected to vote on the final political district maps starting Dec. 28.

Watch Flashpoint every Sunday at 10 a.m. on Local 4 News.

Dearborn mayor-elect sat down with Flashpoint host Devin Scillian to discuss his new role and challenges facing the city.

The Arab American and Chaldean Council (ACC) is getting into the spirit of giving by giving away Thanksgiving dinners to those in need.

Now that the general election dust has settled, The Arab American News examined Dearborn election results broken down by precincts.  Here are some observ

Dearborn is 47% Arab American, according to the latest census data.

Dearborn is 47% Arab American, according to the latest census data.

Michigan state Rep. Abdullah Hammoud won the Dearborn mayoral race Tuesday, making him that city's first Arab American mayor.

Despite having one of the largest Arab populations in America, Dearborn has never had an Arab American or Muslim mayor. State Rep. Abdullah Hammoud (D-Dearborn) won the city’s mayoral race in Tuesday’s elections, meaning he will soon be the first Arab American to serve in that position. “Just in the late ‘80s, people were talking about ‘the Arab problem’ [in Dearborn], and here we are today.” —Dearborn Mayor-elect Abdullah HammoudHe shared his vision for the job and what this historic moment means for him. Listen: Dearborn Mayor-elect Abdullah Hammoud reflects on historic mayoral victory. “Just in the late ‘80s, people were talking about ‘the Arab problem’ [in Dearborn], and here we are today,” says Hammoud.

One of the two candidates In Boston’s historic mayor’s race has found herself questioned about her decision to identify as a person of color.

Are Arab Americans people of color? The question has been bubbling beneath the surface of Boston's historic mayor's race, where one of the two candidates, Annissa Essaibi George, has found herself challenged on the campaign trail about her decision to identify as one. Whoever wins will be the first woman and first person of color elected to the city's top political office.

As much as we all hope and work for better outcomes, it seems as though Dearborn cannot have an election season without anonymous and false attacks and rumors. The statements being circulated are completely false and Dearborn residents are invited to read and watch the official statements and publications issued by Arab organizations involved in this election. Anyone who believes or claims that Arab organizations in Dearborn resort to the Arabic language to hide their intentions is an even bigger fool. The fact remains that in this year’s local elections, there are more qualified Arab American candidates running than in any previous election. Dearborn residents are very familiar with these tactics and see through these false and negative campaignings.

Michigan Solicitor General Fadwa A. Hammoud made history on Tuesday by becoming the first Arab American Muslim woman to argue before the U.S. Supreme Court.

Graduates from Crestwood High School in Dearborn Heights earned some $16 million in scholarships and awards in 2018, almost $14 million the previous year. A demand for college education and acceptance into the country’s top universities has become a common phenomena in these heavily Arab populated districts. But that pattern also speaks to often unspoken expectations that many Arab families have for college-aged children to remain in close-knit networks in the area. “I was a high achiever in high school, but sadly I didn’t have specific aspirations. Positive shifts“In the Arab community, there is a huge emphasis on college, equating to success,” a longtime counselor at Dearborn schools said.

The Arab American National Museum will host a virtual music festival Sept. 23-26, featuring an electric lineup of Arab artists from around the world/ Photo: The Arab American National MuseumDEARBORN— The Arab American National Museum (AANM) is drawing closer to the much anticipated lineup for JAM3A , a 4-day virtual music festival on September 23-26, 2021, celebrating Arab talent, community and identity. The eclectic lineup includes audience favorites as well as names new to the AANM (virtual) stage, including revolutionary Egyptian rock musician, Ramy Essam, and Palestinian Jordanian electronic music group, 47SOUL. With anticipated daily audiences in the thousands, this festival activates AANM’s cultivated national and worldwide virtual audience. This event showcases the depth and diversity of the Arab and Arab American community in an inclusive, dynamic format. For more updates and information on JAM3A, visit www.jam3a.org or www.arabamericanmuseum.orgThe Arab American National Museum (AANM) documents, preserves and presents Arab American history, culture and contributions.

Over the summer, many in Dearborn may have noticed a billboard for an Arab relationship app. Baklava entered the online dating market with the goals of pro

Dr. Haifa FakhouriTROY — Dr. Haifa Fakhouri, founder, CEO and president of the Arab American and Chaldean Council (ACC), wrote to President Biden on Thursday, urging “moral and financial support” for Jordan’s King Abdullah II, on the occasion of his visit to the White House on July 19. “It is time to reciprocate the humane, hospitable and bilateral nature of our relationship.”Abdullah will be the first Arab leader to visit Biden since the beginning of his term this year. Fakhouri is a Jordanian American and organized for Biden during his presidential run last year. “Your longstanding record for preemptively enriching the lives of all ethnic groups in the United States is appreciated to Jordanian Americans as well as Jordanian citizens,” Fakhouri wrote. Reuters has reported that the prince himself has been ostracized in a palace and is banned from any public role.

President Joe Biden visited a Ford electric vehicle facility in Dearborn, Michigan following a week of protests in the city against US support for Israel’s military strikes in Jerusalem and Gaza. Dearborn is 47 per cent Arab American with one of the largest Muslim populations in the US. On Tuesday, as the president toured the facility to promote his infrastructure agenda, Arab American groups held three protests across the city to demonstrate against Israel’s actions in Gaza and the forced removal of Palestinian families in East Jerusalem.

A new study from the University of Michigan’s Rogel Cancer Center finds that Metro Detroit’s Middle Eastern and North African communities face fear, discrimination and other significant barriers that impact their health.

Osamah Alsaidi was allegedly attacked and beaten on way to early morning Amazon shift

Judge Charlene Elder said there’s no magic formula for juggling a career and raising a family.

On Monday, U.S. Reps. Rashida Tlaib (D-Detroit) and Debbie Dingell (D-Dearborn), introduced a resolution honoring Arab American Heritage Month,

“It’s important for us to get our stories out there and to control our own narratives,” Krisht said. “And the more we have people doing that and sharing those stories, the better.”

A Wayne County judge hopes to inspire a younger generation of Arab American women and she’s leading by example.

There’s no doubt, comic book fans are well aware of Geoff Johns illustrious career. Whether writing for some of the DC Comics' most iconic series, being the

Ahmad Ramadan is the first Arab American appointed to the Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs. Photo: Ahmad Ramadan, TwitterDEARBORN – A former staff member of U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Dearborn) has become the first Arab American to serve in the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs. The Biden Administration’s appointment of Ahmad Ramadan to be a Legislative Officer in the Department of Labor makes Ramadan excited for the work ahead. Your love, kindness, and support mean the world to me.”Dingell applauded the Biden Administration for the decision. I’m honored to serve in the Biden Administration and hope to make you proud.

Ahmad Ramadan is the first Arab American appointed to the Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs. Photo: Ahmad Ramadan, TwitterDEARBORN – A former staff member of U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Dearborn) has become the first Arab American to serve in the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs. The Biden Administration’s appointment of Ahmad Ramadan to be a Legislative Officer in the Department of Labor makes Ramadan excited for the work ahead. Your love, kindness, and support mean the world to me.”Dingell applauded the Biden Administration for the decision. I’m honored to serve in the Biden Administration and hope to make you proud.

Ahmad Ramadan is the first Arab American appointed to the Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs. Photo: Ahmad Ramadan, TwitterDEARBORN — A former staff member of U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Dearborn) has become the first Arab American to serve in the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs. The Biden administration’s appointment of Ahmad Ramadan to be a legislative officer in the Department of Labor makes Ramadan excited for the work ahead. Your love, kindness and support mean the world to me.”Dingell applauded the Biden administration for the decision. I’m honored to serve in the Biden administration and hope to make you proud.

According to Dingell, Ramadan will become the first Arab American to serve in the Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs. Ahmad will also be the first Arab American to serve in the Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs and I have no doubt he will continue to build broad coalitions throughout our federal government. It is with tremendous gratitude to both Rep. Debbie Dingell and my colleagues that I look back on my two years as a member of team Dingell. I’m honored to serve in the Biden administration and hope to make you proud. I can’t wait to celebrate the success and appointments of many more individuals in the near future,” said Ramadan.

DEARBORN, Mich. – A Dearborn-based nonprofit held a drive-thru event this week to distribute 1,250 COVID-19 care packages to families. ACCESS, the largest Arab American community nonprofit in the U.S., partnered with The Coronavirus Task Force on Racial Disparities to distribute 1,250 care packages filled with $100 worth of protective and hygienic essentials that will help families stay safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as children’s educational games and activities. Volunteers from the UAW Local 600 helped pass out packages at ACCESS headquarters on Tuesday morning and afternoon. Earlier this year, ACCESS held its annual back-to-school health fair with a drive thru event, providing more than 2,000 students with safely packaged meals, backpacks, school supplies, sporting goods, oral hygiene kits, scheduled physicals and immunizations, surprise giveaways and more, all at no cost to attending families. ACCESS has also been hosting free COVID-19 testing sites during the pandemic.

Four Arab American organizations are partnering for the inaugural Arab Film Fest Collab (AFFC) later this year. The Arab American National Museum (AANM), Arab Film and Media Institute (AFMI), ArteEast and Mizna collectively present the Arab Film Fest Collab December 3–13, 2020. Other featured films include In Vitro (2019) by Palestinian artist and filmmaker Larissa Sansour. Languages represented in the films include Arabic, French, Somali and English, and every non-English offering is subtitled in English. To learn more about the Film Fest, sponsorship opportunities, and to sign up for updates, visit arabfilmfestcollab.org

DEARBORN — Today, September 24, 2020, the Arab American Political Action Committee (AAPAC) voted to endorse Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden for president of the United States of America. AAPAC members encourage the Arab American community to protect our democracy and the U.S. institutions and cast a vote for Biden/Harris. AAPAC was established in 1998 by Arab American professionals and has been very active in the local and national elections, encouraging Arab American participation in the election process. Additional endorsements for local and national races were voted on as well and will be announced shortly.

A new Arab American superhero named Amulet (AKA Fadi Fadlallah) is expected to debut in March - Photo via Marvel ComicsDEARBORN A new Arab American superhero named Amulet (AKA Fadi Fadlallah) is expected to debut in March, bringing diversity and intrigue to the countrys most famous line of comics. Khan is a fictional superhero who became the first Muslim character to headline her own comic book in March 2013. As an Arab American who basically learned to read from Marvel Comics, being able to team up with the phenomenally talented Sara Alfageeh to bring Amulet into the Marvel Universe is literally a dream come true. In 2012, writer Geoff Johns, a Dearborn native, co-created Simon Baz, a Lebanese American Muslim and the first Muslim member of DC Comics Green Lantern Corps. The Magnificent Ms. Marvel is currently being carried by Green Brain Comics on Michigan Avenue in Dearborn and several other local comic book stores.

Photo courtesy of Amer AlameGROSSE POINTE Amer M. Alame, an Arab American physician who went to high school in Lebanon before attending college at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, was named president of the medical staff at Beaumont Hospital in Grosse Pointe. The hospital offers medical, surgical, emergency, obstetric and critical care services, and first opened in 1945 before being acquired by the Beaumont Health System in October 2007. While being a doctor involves countless hours of difficult, stressful work, Alame said that perseverance is the key to success, something that many Arab American doctors have mastered in recent years. There are many leaders from the Arab American heritage who are now physicians, who are in leadership positions, Alame said, noting that many local hospitals have Arab American chief medical officers or chief operational officers. Most of us are raised in a culture where hard work is rewarded, he said when asked if he had any advice for aspiring young Arab American doctors.

Salem was a dedicated volunteer at a shelter for Muslim victims of domestic violence. Photo courtesy: Asiyah WCNEW YORK The New York Police Department identified an Arab American woman found dead in a Staten Island park last week as 25-year-old Ola Salem. A GoFundMe page was set up in Salems name by the support center for victims of domestic violence where Salem actively volunteered. The Asiyah Womens Center is a New York-based shelter that provides support to Muslim victims of domestic violence. She was a committed volunteer and passionate about alleviating the pain of domestic violence survivors, a statement by the shelter said.

ACCESS, the nation's largest Arab American community nonprofit, will host its 12th Annual Domestic Violence Program Dinner, themed "Turning Struggle into Strength," at the Bint Jebail Cultural Center inDearborn on Thursday, October 24 at 5 p.m. ACCESS' Community, Health & Research Center Director (CHRC) Mona Makki, says the organization has made it a priority to incorporate Sexual Abuse into its programming after receiving an uptick of reported cases in the last three years. Koussan has been a longtime ally of ACCESS' Domestic Violence Program, offering his support to survivors by providing them with employment and growth opportunities, as well as donating groceries and supplies to families in their time of need. For the past 12 years, ACCESS and its supporters have come together through the Domestic Violence Program Annual Dinner to raise awareness about domestic violence as well as funds to support the many services that ACCESS provides to survivors of abuse. In a single day, ACCESS, along with other Michigan domestic violence support programs provide services to approximately 3,000 survivors.

ACCESS, the nation's largest Arab American community nonprofit, will host its 12th Annual Domestic Violence Program Dinner, themed "Turning Struggle into Strength," at the Bint Jebail Cultural Center inDearborn on Thursday, October 24 at 5 p.m. Koussan has been a longtime ally of ACCESS' Domestic Violence Program, offering his support to survivors by providing them with employment and growth opportunities, as well as donating groceries and supplies to families in their time of need. For the past 12 years, ACCESS and its supporters have come together through the Domestic Violence Program Annual Dinner to raise awareness about domestic violence as well as funds to support the many services that ACCESS provides to survivors of abuse. ACCESS offers vital comprehensive medical, psychosocial, economic and legal support to survivors of domestic abuse and their families, and has served hundreds of clients in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties in the past year. In a single day, ACCESS, along with other Michigan domestic violence support programs provide services to approximately 3,000 survivors.

New Arab American shows on 910 AM Superstation add diversity, humor and dialogueSOUTHFIELD The Arab American story is an integral part of local history, but dialogue about the culture, politics, successes and challenges within the community has mostly been relegated to the pages of newspapers until recently. Past guests have included Nasser Beydoun, chairman of the Arab American Civil Rights League, and Dr. Hayg Oshagan, director of New American Media. The goal of my show is to bring out the Arab American community issues and to bring the community to 910 AM to be a part of the station, Siblani said. Her role is to bring an Arab American womans perspective to the show, she said. A lot with the Arab American community but also with minorities in general.For more information, visit 910s website at //www.910amsuperstation.com/.

The Metropark police officer who allegedly told an Arab American family "to go back where they came from"BROWNSTOWN TOWNSHIP An alleged discriminatory remark made to an Arab American family by a Huron Clinton Metropolitan Authority police officer is growing in concern as advocacy groups demand action be taken against the officer. Someone in the park began videotaping the incident after the alleged remark was heard and another person shouted what was allegedly said to the Arab American family, who were apparently unaware. In the video posted on social media, the officer is questioned about the remark by some parkgoers who appear to be agitated. I have no idea who sent the video, Reese said. The Arab American News has identified the Arab American individual who was the subject of the alleged discriminatory remarks as Hadi Dagher, who was at the park with members of his immediate family.