MLK Day: What Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s Message Means to Arab Americans
Date/Time
Date(s) - 01/15/2024
8:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Categories
Cost:
Free USD
Contact Person:
Dr. Amal David
Email:
info@arabamerica.com
Website:
https://arabamerica.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcvceCtrjssGt1ISj8g5-_Og-fgvTigQfWM
Phone:
877-272-2944
Organization:
Arab America Foundation
MLK Day: What Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Message Means to Arab Americans
As we commemorate Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Arab Americans reflect on the enduring influence of this iconic civil rights leader. Dr. King’s principles of justice and equality resonate deeply within our community, inspiring solidarity and pursuing a more just society.
Dr. King’s enduring legacy serves as a beacon of hope for Arab Americans, instilling resilience and determination in their ongoing quest for justice, equality, and the protection of their civil liberties.
Join the Arab America Foundation on this MLK Day, as we honor the memory of Martin Luther King Jr. by continuing to work toward a society where every individual is valued, and justice prevails for all.
The program begins at 8:00 pm ET on Zoom and ends at 9 pm ET. Following the program, there will be a 30-minute optional networking session.
Hosted by Warren and Dr. Amal David, Co-Founders of the Arab America Foundation
Speakers Confirmed to Date:
Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib
Rashida Tlaib, the Democratic Representative for Michigan’s 12th District, stands as a resilient advocate for the working class. Born on July 24, 1976, in southwest Detroit to Palestinian immigrants, she faced adversity and poverty growing up as the eldest of 14 children. Tlaib became the first in her family to graduate high school, earning a B.A. from Wayne State University in 1998 and a J.D. from Western Michigan University in 2004. After working at ACCESS, a center for Arab community causes, she entered Michigan’s State Legislature in 2008, becoming the first Muslim woman in the state legislature. Tlaib’s tireless efforts for her district include environmental justice campaigns and legislative accomplishments. Elected to the U.S. Congress in 2018, she proudly represents her community, advocating for progressive values and standing as a vocal member of “The Squad.” Tlaib’s dedication to justice in Palestine, civil rights, environmental rights, and social justice remains unwavering.
Pastor Michelle Thomas, President at NAACP Loudoun County Branch, Virginia
Pastor Michelle Thomas hails from Atlanta and grew up amidst the post-civil rights era, the daughter of Jamaican immigrants. Inspired by her father, the first Black electrician at General Motors, she witnessed racial adversity and the struggle for justice. After graduating from Duke University, she later founded Holy & Whole Life Changing Ministries in Loudoun County, becoming the first African American woman to establish a church in the area. Passionate about IT and engineering opportunities for Black professionals, Thomas, who retired at 27 to become a pastor aims to create a pipeline for equity. As the founder of the Loudoun Freedom Center and President of the NAACP Loudoun Branch, she leads efforts to preserve African American history, including plans for the Loudoun Freedom Center at Belmont, the first African American history and heritage museum in Loudoun.
Andy Shallal, Founder/CEO, Bus Boys and Poets
Andy (Anas) Shallal, an Arab American of Iraqi heritage, is a renowned artist and social entrepreneur, is the Founder/CEO of Busboys and Poets, an influential restaurant group in the Washington Metropolitan area. With a mission to bring together art, culture, and politics, Busboys and Poets provides a platform for progressive thinkers, artists, and intellectuals. With a commitment to sustainability, Shallal focuses on mindful sourcing and eco-friendly practices in seven existing locations, in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. Recognized for innovative and conscious cuisine, Busboys and Poets, under Shallal’s leadership, has received accolades such as the Mayor’s Arts Award and Employer of the Year from the Employment Justice Center. Apart from his successful business ventures, Shallal is a recipient of the 2018 Frederick Douglass 200 award, a TEDx speaker, and actively involved in peace and justice organizations. As a dedicated advocate for a more livable Washington, D.C., he has served on various boards and committees, aiming to advance progressive business practices and community well-being.
Sheila Bates, Policy Coordinator, Black Lives Matter
Sheila Bates holds a bachelor’s degree in Child Development and Family Life Education, along with an associate’s degree in Sociology with a focus on race, class, and gender, from California State University Long Beach. Currently serving as the Policy Coordinator at Black Lives Matter Grassroots, she spearheads policy initiatives at the federal level and provides support to chapters at the local and state levels. As a dedicated volunteer with Black Lives Matter- Los Angeles, Sheila actively contributes to the action team and leads the policy team for both BLMLA and Black Lives Matter CA. Additionally, she plays a crucial role in initiatives in Torrance, especially following the tragic incident involving Christopher De’Andre Mitchell, and leads the Healing Justice Committee. Beyond her professional roles, Sheila is a certified sexual assault crisis counselor and a trained full-spectrum birth worker.
Lona Alias, Radio Host, Spiritual Coach, and Vocalist
Lona Alias will sing a song about Palestine. After years in broadcasting and public relations, Lona Alias returns to her roots as a Spiritual Teacher. For two decades, her morning Broadcast Ministry, Spirit of Jazz, resonated on Pacifica Radio’s WPFW 89.3 FM in Washington, D.C. Lona weaves musical tapestries infused with her profound knowledge of metaphysics, philosophy, cosmology, and biblical texts. Drawing from life experiences, she creates a welcoming space for both agnostics and believers. As a Spiritual Life Coach, Lona has imparted meditation practices for health, mind balance, and transformation for over 30 years. Currently, she is immersed in writing two books: “Being Human: A User’s Manual” and “Religion As a Verb.” Explore more at www.wpfw.org and look for Spirit of Jazz.
REGISTER HERE for this Zoom Event