Jesse Jackson Urges Metro Arab Americans to Stand Up for Their Rights
Speaking to hundreds of people in Livonia on Wednesday night, the Rev. Jesse Jackson slammed discrimination against Arab Americans, urging the community to stand up and fight for their rights.
“We are the new America,” Jackson said at the second annual banquet of the Arab American Civil Rights League, a Canton-based group formed in 2011 by attorney Nabih Ayad. “Love yourself. Stand up and fight back.”
Saying that there should be “human rights for all human beings,” Jackson talked about what he called the “madness of racism” that has resulted in Arab Americans being placed on no-fly lists and having bank accounts closed.
The league filed a lawsuit earlier this year on behalf of Arab Americans who say their bank accounts were arbitrarily closed.
“We must protest that,” Jackson said. “You must not retreat. … You are God’s people.”
Jackson has a long history of working with Arab Americans in metro Detroit and across the U.S. He campaigned for their votes in Michigan and other states during his run for president in 1984 and 1988.
One of Jackson’s senior campaign advisers was James Zogby, who today is president of the Arab-American Institute. Zogby received an award at the banquet Wednesday night for his efforts over the years to help Arab Americans in the political arena.
“When you’re not empowered, you can’t defend yourself,” Zogby said at the dinner. From foreign policy to civil rights issues, Arab Americans have “a voice America needs to hear,” he said.
Zogby praised state Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Detroit, who is of Arab descent. Tlaib has been outspoken this year on the issue of sexual harassment and assault in the Arab-American community. She announced last week the formation of a coalition to help women who have been victimized.
“This is a star in our community,” Zogby said of Tlaib. “She needs our support. Rashida, I’m with you. And I know the community is with you.”
Also receiving an award at the banquet was Osama Siblani, publisher of the Arab-American News, the biggest Arab-American newspaper in Michigan.
Siblani said that over the years, some have accused him of being a bulldog, while others want him to be a lapdog and avoid sensitive issues.
“But you know what I am? I’m a watchdog,” Siblani told the crowd. “I will not hesitate” to go after anyone who harms the community.
“This paper will always be on your side,” Siblani said. “We’re here to tell the truth.”
Niraj Warikoo
Detroit Free Press