DEARBORN — For the fifth year in a row, speakers and community members are gathering this week in Dearborn to address the “Images and Perceptions of Arab-Americans.” This cultural workshop will tackle some of the community’s most pressing needs, while providing much-needed education on topics such as discrimination, culture, and media portrayals of Arab-Americans.

The workshop organizers have lined the schedule with prominent professors, artists, and activists. As Warren David, one of the event’s organizers, described it, these are “world class speakers… on the cutting edge.”

The presenters include Columbia University professor, Dr. George Saliba, and an expert on movie stereotypes, Dr. Jack Shaheen. Both professors are highly esteemed within their fields. Dr. Shaheen’s book, “Reel Bad Arabs,” is a landmark study of how movies depict Arabs. Kathy Najimy, the successful actress, comedienne and activist, is a star on the CBS show “Numb3rs.” She will talk about what it means to be an Arab American.

The Thursday, October 25th workshop will conclude with a bonus session by Dr. Amal David, the Bilingual Program Supervisor for Detroit Public Schools.

The website Arab Detroit (www.arabdetroit.com), which both David and Jaafar work on, is hosting this year’s event. The theme this year is “From Immigration to Discrimination: Understanding A Diverse Community.”

Last year’s theme addressed “Arab-Bashing in America: Fact or Fiction?” It featured University of Michigan professors Nadine Naber and Evelyn AlSultany, scholars who focus on Arab-America.

The presenters this year will hone in on the immigration experience and how incidents of discrimination are tied to events in the Middle East.

They will also discuss foreign affairs. Mainly of interest will be Israel’s invasion of Lebanon last year, the Palestinian predicament, and the Iraq war – all of which have contributed to misperceptions of the rich heritage and culture of Arab Americans.

Another interesting subject will be about Arab and Muslim contributions to science and Western civilization.

Siham Jaafar, another organizer, said the workshops will provide a “nice, solid, valuable presentation.” She noted that this year’s workshops will also include music, film, and other arts to liven the experience.

This series of workshops attracts Arab Americans and non-Arabs alike, working professionals, educators, and others seeking to learn more about the issues facing Arab Americans.

Jaafar noted they expect over 150 participants this year. In the first year, 40 people attended the event. Over the course of these events, she sees many repeat visitors. She noted that feedback about the speakers is often very positive.

The first workshop was set up because David and Jaafar were concerned with the general “misunderstanding of the Arab community” after the tragic events of September, 11th. David felt that non-Arabs needed to “learn the history, culture, and issues that confront Arab-Americans.”

At the same time, the organizers say this will benefit Arab Americans, as well. “It will equip them with more factual information so they can talk to others about it,” said Jaafar. “This is an education tool for them, too.”

The Arab Detroit event has strong backing from many different sectors. The list of sponsors and supporters number one dozen companies and organizations, including Northwest Airlines, the U.S. Army, Comerica Bank, Wayne County Community College District and many more. The Arab-American News is a media sponsor

The main workshop is from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, October 25, 2007. It takes place at The University of Michigan – Dearborn, Fairlane Center at 19000 Hubbard Drive.

For more information, go to www.arabdetroit.com.