Local and national community leaders and elected officials comment on The Arab American News’ silver anniversary:

“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to The Arab American News as you celebrate your 25th anniversary. I am honored to recognize a publication that has shared the voice, vision, and views of Arab Americans in the 13th Congressional District and throughout the state of Michigan. I also commend publisher Osama Siblani and his staff for their leadership and commitment. I wish you continued success in your efforts to inform, involve, and inspire all Americans.”

Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick, U.S. House Representative, 13th District, Detroit

“As a young elected Arab American, it is clear how The Arab American News has impacted the lives of metro Detroit families. Not only has it educated our community, but helped spearhead civic engagement like no other ethnic news outlet has in the past. Congratulations and thank you for engaging our community.”

Rashida Tlaib, Michigan House Representative, 12th District, Southwest Detroit　

“Congratulations to The Arab American News on the 25 year milestone. 　These days, running any business is a huge challenge — running a newspaper is nearly an endangered species! 　We are proud of your success and wish you the best for another great 25 years serving our community.”

Michael Bouchard, Sheriff, Oakland County

“Congratulations for so vigilantly exercising your freedom of the press and speech. Thank you for keeping the community informed (the basis of a free society) for 25 years.”

Mary Lane, Dearborn Board of Education

“The Arab American News is by far one of the most informative and fine examples of outstanding journalism in the United States. Congratulations on your 25th Silver Anniversary!　

This

prestigious newspaper has won many professional awards, but the best award is from the people who continue to read and be informed by this　fine newspaper. The　American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) was proud to present to the publisher and founder　of The Arab　American News,　Osama Siblani, “The ADC Excellence in Arab American Press Award” at our National Convention in 2007 in Washington, D.C.

The Arab American News continues to show the diversity of　people of Arab roots, while, at the same time, being a newspaper that is respected by readers of all walks of life. I cannot imagine what it would be like without this important professional paper which publishes in English and Arabic. It is a must for every reader who wants to be truly informed.

Once again, congratulations, and may The Arab American News continue successfully, and be the outstanding example in journalism in the future as it has always been in the past.”

Former Congresswoman Mary Rose Oakar, National President, American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee

I am proud and honored to extend my sincere and heartfelt congratulations at the time of your 25th Anniversary Celebration. The Arab American News is to be commended for the

significant contributions your publication has made. Thank you for your time, dedication, courage, and service to the citizens of the Detroit Metropolitan community.

The accomplishments achieved by your paper since its inception are monumental and impressive. Your commitment to the community is exemplified by the information services you provide to people of all races and nationalities. Through your efforts there is a greater understanding of cross-cultural diversity.

I look forward to the future and am excited to see even greater accomplishments in the next 25 years.

Kym L. Worthy, Wayne County Prosecuting Attorney

“25 years ago, our Arab American Institute and The Arab American News were born. Throughout the past 2 ½ decades we’ve weathered many storms and crises, at home and abroad, and seen many highs and lows in the life of our Arab American community.

We were born in an era when a candidate for mayor in Dearborn, Mich. could campaign on what he would do about “the Arab Problem”, and we have lived to see our people grow and prosper to become a key component in Dearborn and the rest of America’s progress and future.

We may not always have agreed, but a vital debate about policy and politics is necessary if we are to move forward. And while we may, at times, have taken different paths, our end goal has always been the same: to empower our community’s voice in the policy debate, and to remind our country of its interests and values in promoting peace and justice for all.

Congratulations on this milestone, Osama, may the next 25 years bring us closer to our shared goal.”

Dr. Jim Zogby, Founder and President, Arab American Institute

“For a quarter of a century, The Arab American News has been a voice of justice, a forum of objective debates and the “conscience” of the community. No one can deny that the newspaper has emerged and established itself as a worthy voice of the Arab American community and the Muslim faith.

As we celebrate the newspaper’s 25th anniversary, I would like to thank our friend Osama Siblani for his incredible dedication and unswerving determination that proved essential in the face of rising challenges.

Our community needs your services for many years to come and I am confident that the future will unfold a series of success stories and accomplishments.”

Imam Hassan Al Qazwini, Islamic Center of America.