Meet Ish Ahmed: The Only Arab American on the Michigan Ticket
Ismael “Ish” Ahmed with Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha (left). Image Credit: Ismael For BoardBY: Haya Bacharouch/Ambassador Blogger and Nisreen Eadeh/Staff Writer
Ismael “Ish” Ahmed was nominated by the Michigan Democratic Party in August to run for an open seat on Michigan’s State Board of Education. He is the only Arab American running on the statewide ballot on November 8.
For over 45 years, Mr. Ahmed has been a tireless advocate for the Arab American community and public education reform in Michigan. Currently serving as senior advisor to the Chancellor and Associate Provost of Metropolitan Impact at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, Mr. Ahmed’s career has been spent in the education and government sectors.
“I come from a working class background,” Mr. Ahmad told Arab America. “And one thing that’s pretty clear is that public education is the way forward for working class families.”
Mr. Ahmed’s wife Margaret works as a teacher in Dearborn public schools, which is where all five of their children went to school. The candidate’s passion stems from his family’s own experiences in the education field, as well as those of the working class families and immigrants he’s supported over the years.
“I’ve spent my whole life working on questions of service, public support, and community organizing,” said the Michigan native.
Mr. Ahmed is one of the co-founder’s of the Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services (ACCESS), which was started in 1971 to assist the Arab immigrant population in Dearborn, Michigan to adapt to life in the United States. Today, ACCESS is a nationally recognized social services organization, supporting Michigan families of all backgrounds.
Adult learning classes available through ACCESS. Image Credit: ACCESS CommunityAccording to Mr. Ahmed, the public education system doesn’t properly “take into account learning disabilities, new English speakers, income disparities,” and other issues facing students and families. Citing a lack of investment in the school system as a main issue, Mr. Ahmed believes Michigan needs to review how it uses education funds.
“We don’t have equal education or economic considerations,” Mr. Ahmed declared. One solution he is advocating for is universal early education so all children can have an equal start at life that does not place a cost burden on parents. The candidate is also advocating for investment in early education opportunities, building programs to keep racism and hatred out of schools, and offer parents the right to oversee their school systems.
Children in Michigan’s Head Start program, which offers free pre-school for lower income families. Image Credit: Michigan Public Radio
“This is a universal approach for everyone, but Arab Americans in particular have a big stake, especially if they’re immigrants,” Mr. Ahmed said, referring to the growing Syrian, Iraqi, and Yemeni refugee groups in Michigan.
Michigan schools play an important role in meeting the educational needs of an increasingly diverse student population. “Arab Americans can help push forward diversity and inclusion in public education, as well as bi-lingual services for families,” Mr. Ahmed emphasized. As an ethnic community that values education considerably, Mr. Ahmed thinks “it’s really important that Arab Americans assume leadership roles and roles of respect in education.”
When asked about the current state of education in Michigan, Mr. Ahmed recognizes that the public school system has been crippling and underfunded. He is concerned about the future of children in all areas of Michigan, and wants to ensure that every child’s potential does not go to waste.
“Public education is the way we move forward. It’s the way we gain the tools to make real change for ourselves and our society,” said Mr. Ahmed. “And Arab Americans have to be part of that process. We need to really work to include ourselves in the results of improved education, but also in the process.”
Mr. Ahmed wants future generations to secure economic prosperity by improving a complicated public education system. As the only Arab American on the ticket this year, his leadership and compassion may be just what Michigan needs to overcome its public education issues and more.