SE Michigan (V9-I17)

Mawlid at IAGD

Troy–April 14–On Saturday at the IAGD the 13th annual Mawlid in honor of Prophet Muhammad (s) was arranged by Shafi Lokhandwala, Dr. Asif Baig, and Mr. Kamal Baghdadi.

The event began at 3:00 pm and gradually built up steam as more and more people arrived for the blessed occasion. Perhaps 500 people were present in total for the event, which was held in Urdu and at which several different very talented reciters read poems and naat praising

Prophet (s) and expressing great love for him. The poetry seemed to have an unearthly power, which pulled tears from the eyes of many of those present.

The most noticeable thing about this event was that there were very few young people–perhaps because of cultural differences or because of a language barrier (the entire event was conducted in Urdu)–the number of young people corresponded very roughly to the percentage of youth who remain voluntarily active as Muslims into adolescence and adulthood in this country, suggesting perhaps that it is in part Mawlid-an-Nabi (s) and other such spiritual events which maintain a vibrant and living religion in people–while other parents may ask their children to pray and to observe the other necessary externals of religion, it may be that what is missing from the religious diet of the American youths is in Mawlid and other spiritual practices.

Fluid Visions Plans Ramadan Project

Troy–April 14–Jameel Syed of Fluid Visions announced to TMO his plans to make a Ramadan Project this coming Sha`ban to explain to local non-Muslims the process of Ramadan and create greater awareness among them. Mr. Syed has made extensive plans to do this project, which will be based on the idea of his training 10 people in public speaking and on the guidelines of a curriculum he will develop, who in turn he will instruct to visit 10 different churches and other such facilities (thus reaching 100 facilities). By his calculations each presentation will reach at least 10 people, thus reaching in total 1,000 people.

Henry Ford CEO Addresses Board

On April 5, 2007 Nancy Schlichting, President/CEO for Henry Ford Health System addressed ACC’s Board of Directors and Advisory Board at its Youth Recreation & Leadership Center in Detroit. Ms. Schlichting’s presented information about the new Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital. Ms. Schlichting concluded her remarks by thanking the Arab American and Chaldean Council (ACC) for its continued support and looks forward to serving the community with the help of ACC.

Henry Ford’s new hospital in West Bloomfield, which will be attached to the existing medical center, will have 300 beds. It will provide world-class care with more than 500 primary care and specialty physicians on staff. The new hospital will have all private rooms and the most advanced technology available in health care today. The hospital is a much- needed community resource, providing convenient care close to home for thousands of Oakland County families.

Celebrating Women’s History Month

Dr. Faizeh Faouri, ACC Behavioral Health Division, participated on the panel of Professional Women Speakers at The Charles Wright Museum of African American History on March 13, 2007 during the celebration of International Women’s History Month. The panel consisted of professional women representing several countries and ethnic backgrounds. The discussion highlighted AIDS, Drugs, Conflicts, Crime, Pollution, Poverty and Violence, some of society’s major concerns. Dr. Faouri’s discussion focused on the issue of violence towards women.

Following the panel discussion participants divided into groups based on their chosen subject of concern. Each group drafted a resolution proposing solutions to these worldwide problems. The documents were sent to United Nations Ambassador, to the Congress of the United States and to the Michigan Legislature.

5th Annual Golf Outing & Scholarship Awards Dinner

On June 6, 2007, the ACC will host its 5th Annual Golf Outing & Scholarship Awards Dinner at the Shenandoah Country Club in West Bloomfield. Proceeds from this event will provide scholarships to graduating high school seniors. With support from patrons like you, deserving youth will have the opportunity to pursue a higher education.

Please join ACC as we support the leaders of tomorrow. We look forward to seeing you for a fun afternoon of golf and networking, and as our partner in “Making a Difference.”

For further information call Bob Ghannam at (248) 559-1990. Please confirm your attendance by Wednesday, May 23, 2007.

Scholarship Sponsorships

2007 ACC Scholarship Application Now Available

ACC’s Scholarship Award Program financially assists graduating high school students as they pursue their education. Scholarships are based on academic excellence and financial need. Applicants must be a high school senior of Arab/Chaldean descent, who has been accepted to college, with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and has demonstrated extracurricular/volunteer activities.

The financial need of students is substantial and the need for scholarships is great. Scholarships help attract and retain intelligent and capable, but financially disadvantaged students. Without support, many students are challenged to balance the time commitment to their studies with the responsibilities of personal and in many cases, family needs.

Photography, Islam, and Art: the 19th Century & Now

Friday, May 4, 2007, 6:30- 7:30 PM. DIA Lecture Hall, reception to follow in Kresge Court

This talk will consider two moments in the development of this most worldly of arts: the rise of photography in the Middle East—particularly in the work of native photographers—and recent photographic representations of the area by contemporary photographic artists.

Lectures are FREE with museum admission or membership.Suggested at $6 per adult, $3 per child. Valet Parking Available, $6. RSVP: lwood@dia.org or (313) 833-1721

Community Notice: The Arab American Leadership Committee Invites You

You are cordially invited to join the Arab American Leadership Committee as they welcome: Michigan Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop (R – 12th District) and Speaker of the House Andy Dillon (D – 17th District) Monday, April 23, 2007, from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at St. Mary’s Cultural Center, 18100 Merriman Road, Livonia.

For tickets and further information please email admin@kheder.com.

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