ADC Michigan News & Views: BRIDGES Meeting, CVS Health Fair, Irvine 11 Case Event and more

BRIDGES  Holds First Meeting of 2012:

On Wednesday, February 1, 2012 , Building Respect in Diverse Groups to Enhance Sensitivity (BRIDGES) held its first meeting of 2012 at the Lebanese American Heritage Club in Dearborn.  Over 80 members attended the meeting from various government agencies, from the state, local and federal level.  City of Dearborn Mayor John O’Reilly and Barbara McQuade, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan and Imad Hamad, ADC Regional Director & BRIDGES Co-Chair opened the meeting with brief welcome remarks.  BRIDGES members welcomed it's new Co-Chair Patricia Fantazian of the Federal Air Marshals.  Ms. Fantanzian expressed her solid commitment to BRIDGES and the constructive dialogue.

The meeting's agenda included a special presentation by Ms. Cassandra Woods, State Director of US Senator Carl Levin’s office, addressing the National Defense Authorization Act  (NDAA) that was signed by President Obama for 2012.  Ms.Barbara McQuade addressed the usage of GPS Tracking devices by Federal Agencies & Police Agencies in light of a recent US Supreme Court ruling that stressed the imporance of search warrants in advance.  Mr. Mick Dedvukaj of US Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS) outlined new policy changes regarding undocumented residents based on new immigration directives.  The BRIDGES meeting concluded with a presentation by Daedra McGhee of Community Relations Service in Detroit.  BRIDGES Co-Chairs and leaders presented a special farewell plaque to Mr. George Selim of the Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, saluting his years of service to the community, as he relocates to a new position at the White House.  BRIDGES members welcome the new Policy Advisor at OCRCL, Mr.  Ehsan Zaffar replacing Mr. Selim. 

 

ADC Michigan Honored by ASU at Michigan Arab Orchestra’s Sahra Helweh Concert:

On Friday, January 27, 2012, in the presence of over 800 guests, the Arab Student Union (ASU) at Wayne State University honored ADC Michigan with the Jaliya (Community) Award in recognition of ADC’s work in defending civil rights and service to the Metro Detroit area.  The awards ceremony was held before the Michigan Arab Orchestra’s (MAO) Sahra Helweh concert at the Wayne State University Community Arts Auditorium.  In addition to ADC, the ASU honored Hussein Sabbagh, Usef Nasrallah, Dean David Strauss, and Dr. Ahmad M.  Ezzeddine.  The Jaliya Award was presented to Imad Hamad, ADC Regional Director and Senior National Advisor, and Zouheir Alawieh, ADC Greater Detroit Chapter President, by ASU president Ali F. Beydoun.     

“ADC is humbled to receive this award from our community’s youth and tomorrow’s future leaders,” said Imad Hamad. 

“The ASU’s gesture demonstrates their awareness of the need for the community to work together for a common cause that benefits all,” stated Zouheir Alawieh.  “The students are true role models who lead by example and promote partnership and unity,” continued Alawieh. 

Following the award ceremony, the Michigan Arab Orchestra (MAO), directed by Michael Ibrahim, performed another outstanding concert sponsored by the ASU.  The concert included vocalists Usama Baalbaki and Nidal Ibourk, and featured several guest artists from across the country.  ADC Michigan is proud of the MAO’s accomplishments and inspired by their goal to promote cultural awareness and preserve the rich cultural heritage of Arab Americans. 

The ASU and MAO are invaluable treasures in our community and we encourage you to support their missions.  To support the Michigan Arab Orchestra, please visit:  MAO.  To support the Arab Student Union, please visit:  http://aasu.wayne.edu/AASU1/Home.html

 

CVS Offers Free Health Screenings for the Month of February

Assess your heart health during American Heart Month every weekday in February 3-7 pm at select CVS stores across Michigan.  CVS pharmacists will be available for a one-on-one review of your screening results.  No appointment is necessary. 

 

Health screenings will be performed by a certified medical technician and will address: Blood pressure, Cholesterol (please fast at least 4 hours before screening), Body mass index, and Bone density (Osteoporosis).  Visit www.cvs.com/toyourhealthor call 1-800-SHOP CVS for the event schedule and to find a location near you.

 

 

The Irvine 11 Case/ University of California-Irvine/ Discussion

On Monday, February 6 and Tuesday, February 7th, a student involved with the Irvine 11 protests will be speaking about the situation.  In February, 2010, Osama Shabaik was a student at the University of California-Irvine when he protested against a speech given by Israeli ambassador, Michael Oren.  Along with other students, Mr. Shabaik was prosecuted and convicted of a crime for that nonviolent action.  All of the protesters were Muslim students and they became known as the “Irvine 11.”  Mr. Shabaik will be speaking about his experiences. The event will include  Law Professor Brad Roth as a speaker. The first event, on February 6that 6pmwill be held at the Arab American National Museum.  The second event will be at the Wayne State University Bernath Auditorium on February 7th at 12:15pm.  For more information and details, please visit www.irvine11.com

 

The Lebanese American Heritage Club (LAHC) is celebrating their 24th Annual Arab American Scholarship Foundation Dinner

The LAHC dinner event is scheduled for Friday, May 11th, 2012 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel-Dearborn.  The VIP Reception starts at 6:00 p.m. and the main program begins at 7:00 p.m.

 

The mission of this program is to provide scholarships to deserving and underprivileged Arab American students who possess the skills and desire to seek higher education.  The scholarship of $1000 is open to High School Seniors, college/university undergraduate and graduate students.  Applicants must also be U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. and reside in Michigan and have at least a 3.0 GPA.  For more information and instruction to apply, visit http://www.lahc.org/scholarship/eligibility.  The deadline for applications is April 6th, 2012.  For more information about the dinner event visit: http://www.lahc.org/news_events/upcoming_events

 

Police Officer Position Open – University of Michigan Department of Public Safety

 Now through February 10, 2012, The University of Michigan Department of Public Safety will have a posting available for two Police Officer positions. The Department of Public Safety’s mission is to contribute to and promote a safe and secure community, while respecting the rights and dignity of all persons utilizing facilities and programs of the University of Michigan. Some of the job responsibilities include: Enforce University ordinances and regulations and State and Federal laws and obtain and serve warrants, subpoenas and other court documents. Benefits include but are not limited to: Major Medical, Life Insurance, Holiday Pay, Vacation Leave, retirement Plan, Uniform Allowance and Tuition Support.  For additional information about these positions, or to apply, visit: http://umjobs.org/job(Posting number: 65728).



ADC Petitions for Granting Temporary Protected Status to Syria

Under the law, the Department of Homeland Security may designate any foreign state or part of a foreign state with Temporary Protected Status if there is ongoing armed conflict within the state that would pose a security threat to those nationals in the U.S. if they returned.  In light of the worsening situation on the ground in Syria and the growing number of deaths (now exceeding 6,000), it is clear the situation is dangerous and there is a serious concern for those who are forced to return to Syria at this time.  We ask that you join us and voice your support of petition for TPS for Syria today.  Read the petition filed with DHS.  Endorse the petition for TPS

 

ADC Michigan to Hold Good Will Youth Program at McDonald School

On Thursday, April 5, 2012, ADC Michigan, under the auspices of its Youth Club and Good Will Youth Programs will host a special ceremony at McDonald Elementary School to present certificates and gifts to students who have demonstrated academic excellence and active participation in the school’s Safety and Service Squads. 

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