ADC Michigan News & Views: September 13, 2011

ADC Michigan  to Honor Judge Timothy M. Kennyand Judge David Turfeat 10^th Annual Judges Night Reception:

On Wednesday, September 21, 2011, at 6:00 p.m., the ADC Michigan Advisory Board will host its 10^th Annual Judges Night Reception at the Byblos Banquet Center in Dearborn.  This event is by invitation only.

ADC Michigan Expresses its Condolences to the Dakroub Family:

ADC Michigan would like to express its deepest sympathy to Mr. Jamal Dakroub, Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Islamic Center of America, and his family for the passing his mother two days ago in Lebanon.  Services will be held at the Islamic Center of America located at 19500 Ford Road in Dearborn.  Messages can be emailed to Mr. Dakroub and the family at jhdakroub@aol.com.

ADC Michigan Expresses its Condolences to Mr. Jalil (George) Saad and Family:

ADC Michigan extends its condolences to Mr. George Saad and through him to the Saad family for tragic death of his nephew two days ago.  Our thoughts are with Mr. Saadand hisfamilyduring this trying time.

BRIDGES Reception to Air on MC Gold TV:

On Thursday, September 15, 2011, MC Gold TV will air a special segment from the BRIDGES 10^th Anniversary Reception that was held on Friday, September 9, 2011. You may also view this clip online at MC Gold.

To view the BRIDGES Reception Phot Gallery, please visit:

 American Elite Studios

HFCC to Host Panel Focusing on Arab Detroit 9/11: Life in the

Terror Decade:

On Wednesday, September 21, 2011 from noon-1pm, Henry Ford Community College (HFCC) will host a panel discussion on the recently published book Arab Detroit 9/11: Life in the Terror Decade.  The panel will feature professors from HFCC and the University of Michigan.  The event will be held in L-14 of the Liberal Studies Building on the HFCC campus in Dearborn.  For more information, please email Dr. Michael Daher at mdaher@hfcc.edu.

Lebanese International Business Council to Hold Professional Mixer:

On Thursday, September 22, 2011, from 6 to 9 pm, the Lebanese International Business Council (LIBC) will host a professional mixer entitled “Fall In For You- Meet, Mingle and Munch” at Crave Lounge located at 22075 Michigan Ave. in Dearborn. The event will include complimentary food, raffle prizes, networking opportunities and much more. For more information please email reima@libcusa.com.

Institute for Social Policy and Understanding to Hold Annual Banquet:

On Saturday, October 22, 2011, at 6pm, the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU) will hold its Annual Banquet, entitled “Navigating a Post 9/11 World” at the Ford Conference and Events Center located at 1151 Village Road in Dearborn.  The event, featuring keynote speaker Kamran Pasha, will examine the role of ISPU in shaping the policy debate on key issues over the last decade.  For sponsorships, ticket sales or more information, please call 800.920.4778 or email Muhi at amuhi@ispu.org.

Governing Magazine Features Article About Dearborn Police Department:

“In America’s largest Arab community, police are pioneering a new way to fight terrorism by strengthening neighborhood ties.”

To read this article, please visit:  Policing in the Post-9/11 Era

Dearborn Police Department to Hold Charity Ball

On Saturday, September 17, 2011, at 6pm, the Dearborn Police Officers Charity will celebrate their 10th anniversary with a charity ball held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Dearborn. The event is a formal dinner dance which will include gourmet food, live music entertainment and a silent auction. The organization, which is a tax-exempt non-profit charity, raises funds to provide immediate financial assistance to members of the Dearborn community, police officers and their families during times of personal crisis. Since its inception, the charity has raised over $400,000 to support Dearborn community members who are in need. For additional information including sponsorships, please call Cpl. Mike Maurier at 313.943.2273 or Sgt. Jeff Gee at 313.943.2291.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to Hold Naturalization Information Session:
On September 22, 2011, from 1-3:30pm in the Detroit District Auditorium, located at 11411 East Jefferson Avenue in Detroit, U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS) will hold a free Naturalization Information Session for legal, permanent residents and interested naturalization applicants. Topics covered include the naturalization process, the new naturalization test, and the rights and responsibilities of U.S. citizenship. Please RSVP by September 21, 2011 by calling Hiwatha Greene-Janvier at 313-926-4211 or via email at hiwatha.greenejanvier@dhs.gov. 

BRIDGES 10^th Anniversary Reception:

On Friday, September 9, 2011, BRIDGES, an acronym for Building Respect in Diverse Groups to Enhance Sensitivity, held a special reception at Byblos Banquet Hall in Dearborn in honor of its 10^th anniversary as a forum for dialogue between the federal government and members of the Arab American community.  The reception was held around the 10th anniversary of the September 11^th tragedy, the very event that prompted the establishment of BRIDGES.  Amidst touching reflections of the tragic events of 9/11, guests celebrated BRIDGES’ accomplishments in facilitating open discussion for community members and the government to directly address their concerns, resulting in strengthened relations and greater cooperation between the two groups.  

Congressman John Dingell and U.S. Senator Carl Levin were among over 250 invited guests including community leaders, offcials and representatives from various government agencies such as Customs and Border Protoection (CBP), Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) , Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), TSA, FBI, and representatives from the U.S. Attorney Office of both the Eastern and Western Districts of Michigan in addition to local and state law enforcement agencies.  Congressman Dingell, Dean of the U.S. House of Representatives, delivered special remarks recognizing the motivation of the Arab and Muslim American communities to work effectively with government agencies.  He presented Imad Hamad, ADC Sr. National Advisor and Regional Director and co-chair of BRIDGES, an American flag as a special tribute to his leadership in co-founding this first of its kind forum.  U.S. Senator Levin presented BRIDGES co-founders, U.S. Attorney Barbara McQuade, former U.S. Attorney Jeff Collins, Department of Homeland Security Officer Margo Schlanger and Imad Hamad, certificates saluting the efforts of BRIDGES and noting its emulation in cities across the nation.  It was with U.S. Senator Levin’s recommendation that former U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Collins met with ADC’s Imad Hamad ten years ago in the first of many meetings that built BRIDGES into the entity it is today. 

BRIDGES co-chairs, Imad Hamad and Department of Homeland Security Officer Margo Schlanger, highlighted the importance of such a critical forum, sharing reflections of their participation over the years.  U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan, Barbara McQuade, noted the relevance of BRIDGES to communities extending beyond the Arab and Muslim population.  Attorney McQuade also presented plaques to Attorney Jeff Collins, Imad Hamad, and former FBI agent in charge, John Bell, commending them on their devotion to and nurturing of BRIDGES to ensure its success. 

Siham Awada Jaafar, BRIDGES host committee member and principal partner of 3D Consulting and Communications, provided an overview and history of BRIDGES while Nadia Fadel-Bazzi, also of 3D Consulting and Communications, delivered welcoming remarks to the intimate group.  Diana Lewis, legendary News Anchor for WXYZ Channel 7, served as the evening’s Mistress of Ceremonies.  Ms. Lewis reminisced about her extensive career in Metro Detroit and expressed a sense of pride for participating in the special occasion.

The awards segment of the program included a tribute of appreciation to the BRIDGES co-founders from the Congress of Arab American Organizations (CAAO), presented by Osama Siblani, Publisher of the Arab American News, and Allie Berry, Chairman of CAAO.  Dr. Ramsay Dass also presented certificates of recognition to the co-founders on behalf of the American Middle East Christians Congress. 

ADC In The News:

Group Helps Ease Tension Between Arab Americans, Federal Officials

“Shortly after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, the head of the Detroit FBI called the Dearborn office of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee”

Daily World

Groups Fight Bias

“As a 747 ripped through the North Tower of the World Trade Center 10 years ago today, Imad Hamad was 30,000 feet in the air.”

Press and Guide

Muslims, Others, Suffer Bias, Harrassment

“Hamad said Muslims and people who are perceived to be were targeted in the communities by their neighbors, at airports, by police and government officials after the attacks.”

Springfield News Sun