Yasir Al-Shallal Seeks Election to ADC National Board
By Colby Cyrus/Contributing Writer
This piece is a paid announcement about a candidate running for an elected position with ADC’s National board. Any views or opinions seen here are not representative of Arab America.
A native Iraqi seeks election to the National Board of the Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC). Yasir Shallal says he is running in order to “bring new energy and passion to activate the board and the entire ADC membership.”
Originally from Iraq, Shallal has lived in the United States for decades and continues as a voice for the Arab American community. “I am very proud of my Arab heritage because it has given me a history, lineage, and strong foundation. It truly contributed immensely to my capabilities that will impact our community,” Shallal told Arab America.
In 1991, Shallal founded the Mesopotamian Cultural Society, marking the beginning of his relationship with ADC and allowing him the opportunity to expose this American society to the beauty of Iraqi heritage and culture. He is married to Amal (Shabib) and has three children, Ammar (Carey), Ameen, and Tara.
Shallal also belongs to al-Diwan al-Iraqi, which is an Iraqi-American social and cultural organization. His candidacy may not come as a surprise to those who know him; he’s recognized to be driven to make a difference in the community.
“We live in very difficult times and over the past 50 years, I have witnessed the Vietnam war, the 6 day war (1967), the 1973 Israeli – Egyptian war, and the first Gulf War in 1991, then the 2003 invasion of Iraq. So I had no choice but to be active and stay active,” Shallal added. His passion for activism was also influenced by Arab American consumer advocate Ralph Nader.
When asked about advice he would offer to young Arab Americans, Shallal suggested “as a young Arab American you should follow your passion to ensure your personal success, and that will be the best way to get involved, and give back to your community.”
Yasir Shallal is a visionary candidate to lead ADC. His platform for the organization includes a desire for change, new ideas, and passion. It will be this drive to succeed that Shallal hopes will contribute to the future growth of ADC.
Yasir can’t see his vision realized without you. Help him to help you!
ADC board elections will take place the week of August 11-17, 2017. Ballots will be mailed to ADC members in good standing on August 9.
You must join ADC as a member by August 7 in order to vote: Click here