The 13 Annual ADC Michigan MLK Scholarship Awards Reception a Great Success:

The 13 Annual ADC Michigan MLK Scholarship Awards Reception a Great Success:

 

On Friday, February 10, 2012, under the auspices of the American-Arab Center for Civil and Human Rights (ACCHR), ADC Michigan celebrated its 13th Annual Martin Luther King Scholarship Awards Reception at Byblos Banquet Hall in Dearborn. ADC was honored to have the Rosa and Raymond Parks Institute for Self Development as co-host of this year’s event in a collaborative effort to commemorate Dr. King’s birthday and ADC’s 13th Anniversary of this historic program.  The reception, which hosted over 570 guests, was a remarkable event which embraced our rich diversity as we enter 2012 with further determination to advance the cause of Civil Rights in America.

 

The evening began with a performance of our national anthem, sung by Sara Shouhayib, student at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.  ADC Michigan remarks were delivered by Mr. Ali Beydoun, ASU-WSU president & an ADC Advisory Board Member.

 

Mayor O’Reilly provided the welcoming remarks for the program.  Andrea Isom, News Anchor for WJBK Fox 2 News served as the evening’s Mistress of Ceremonies.

 

Numerous officials, dignitaries and representatives were present at the event including: U.S. Congressman John Dingell, Mayor of Hamtramck Karen Majewski, Mayor of Southfield Brenda Lawrence, H.E. Hussam Diab Consulate General of Lebanon, Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano, Attorney Jeff Collins, Deputy W. Executive,  and Wayne County Commissioners Gary Woronchak and Diane Webb.  Representatives from the offices of Senator Carl Levin and Congressman John Conyers and the US Attorney’s office were also present.

 

The event highlighted 25 high school students who received scholarship awards for their winning essay submissions to the ADC Michigan 13th Annual MLK, Jr. Scholarship contest, which is open to all Arab and Chaldean American high school seniors in Michigan.  This year’s submissions and winners represented a diverse group from communities throughout all of the Metro Detroit.  Ms. Claudia Bazzi, Senior high school student of Fordson High School in Dearborn was this year’s first place winner.

 

In her winning essay, Claudia wrote, “As evidenced by the dramatic changes seen this year coupled with Dr. King’s civil rights movement, I learned that I possess the power to not only change myself, but those around me, and even the world”

 

ADC Michigan expresses sincere appreciation for all the program’s sponsors which enabled ADC to grant such a great number of scholarships this year, and since the establishment of this program over a decade ago.

 

ADC Michigan was proud to present two special recognitions this year. The Excellence of Global Diversity Award was presented to General Motors. Accepting on behalf of General Motors was Eric Peterson, Vice President of Corporate Diversity.  The award was “in recognition of General Motors’ commitment and involvement in helping to improve communities through innovative initiatives focused on respect, tolerance, and inclusion.”

 

The 2012 Ambassador of Goodwill Award was presented to Ms. Sara Najjar-Wilson, former ADC National President, “in recognition of her outstanding support and devotion to the people of the Detroit area,her unwavering commitment to enhancing the lives of the community through her exemplary contributions and her advocacy for peace and greater understanding.”

 

State Representatives Fred Durhal, Bob Constan, and George Darany on behalf of the Michigan House of Representatives and the Michigan Legislative Black Caucus presented a certificate to the ADC.  “In Special Tribute, the document was signed and dedicated to commend ADC Michigan and to congratulate the recipients of this year’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship.”

 

A special farewell recognition was given to Saira Mussani, the former Program and Finance Administrator of ADC Michigan“in recognition of her two and a half years of Commitment and Service to the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee and the American-Arab Community in Michigan and the United States.”

 

Mr. Youssef (Joe) Bazzi, owner of Byblos Banquet Hall and Mr. Zouheir Alawieh, president of the ADC Greater Detroit Chapter, were honored by receiving an American flag each that was flown at our nation’s capital on their honor per US Senator Debbie Stabenow’s request. A congressional proclomaition by Congressman J. Conyers was presented to Mr. Bazzi as well.

 

ADC Michigan Martin Luther King Scholarship Dinner Photo Gallery

ADC Michigan extends its sincere appreciation to Mr. Nafeh Abunab of American Elite Studios, for his ongoing efforts photographing the ADC events. Nafeh’s contributions added to the success of this particular event over the past few years. To view the photo gallery of the 13thAnnual Martin Luther King Scholarship Dinner which was held on Friday, February 10, 2012, click here. 

 

ADC Michigan extends its sincere gratitude to all those who supported the MLK Scholarship Program and helped make the reception a tremendous success.  This includes our generous sponsors, MLK Essay Review Committee members, interns and program volunteers. Special appreciation to Ms. Siham Awada- Jafaar, ChairWoman of the M L King Judges Committee and it's members for theire efforts evaluating the students essays.

 

The 2012 MLK Scholarship Awards were sponsored by:

Partners

General Motors Company

Ford Motor Company

Defenders of Justice

CIA

Armada and BP

Guardians of Freedom

Comcast

CVS

DTE Energy

Ambassadors of Peace

Life for Relief and Development

Dr. Jiab Suleiman

Ziyad Brothers

Mid America Shoes

Hamadeh Educational Services

PharMor Pharmacy

Civil Rights Advocates

Islamic Relief USA

Henry Ford Community College

McDonald’s

U of M Dearborn

 Liberty Bell Ringers

AAA Michigan

Akeel & Valentine, PLC

Avancemos Tutorial Services

AXA Advisors

Basha Diagnostics

Bridge Marketing & Consultants

Damon J. Keith Center for Civil Rights

Dearborn Public Schools

Dr. A. M. Mussani

Dr. Daad Katato

Dr. Saleh Muslah

Fairlane Town Center

Hyatt Regency Hotel

Islamic Center of Detroit (ICD)

Lebanese International Business Council

Muslim Legal Fund of America

Oakwood Healthcare 

 

Royal Furniture and Gifts