Michiganians Among Arab Americans Gathering in Washington
Arab Americans converged on Washington today for a three-day conference energized by President Barack Obama’s recent speech in Cairo extolling “the legitimate Palestinian aspiration for dignity, opportunity and a state of their own.”
Imad Hamad, one of about 50 Michiganians attending the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee convention, described the Obama speech as a much-needed turning point in tone from the last administration.
“His presidency is a very hopeful time,” said Hamad, the ADC’s Michigan regional director. “He is talking about engagement and diplomacy and discussion, rather than the language of fear and intimidation that we heard in recent years.”
Hamad said the Cairo speech to Muslims and the Arab world is sparking “debate and discussion at the convention about our role as American Arabs to help President Obama.”
In yet another sign of the growing political clout of Arab Americans, former President Bill Clinton will be the convention’s keynote speaker.
Panel topics include how to achieve Arab-Israeli peace, what the United States’ evolving role should be in Iraq and Iran, and ongoing challenges to the civil liberties of Arab Americans in the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
Several Michiganians will be spotlighted over the three days.
House Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers, D-Detroit, will speak on civil rights
Rep. John Dingell, D-Dearborn, who has pushed for increased U.S. aid to help Iraqi refugees, will receive a lifetime achievement award.
White House press corps dean Helen Thomas, who grew up in Detroit and graduated from Wayne State University, will also receive a lifetime excellence award.
And Hasan and Shereen Newash of Grosse Pointe are being honored for the five-year-old group they founded, Michigan Citizens for Palestinian Rights.
Hasan Newash said he’s “cautiously optimistic” by Obama’s early steps.
“We’re seeing a positive change in tone. But we’ve seen changes in style come and go. I’ve gotten used to disappointment. But I am hopeful, and we all want Obama to succeed.”
Deb Price
The Detroit News