DEARBORN — On Saturday, September 10, as part of  the Arab Community Center for Economic & Social Services’ (ACCESS) four part event to commemorate the 10th anniversary of 9/11, a panel discussion was held at the Arab American National Museum in Dearborn titled “U.S. Rising: Emerging Voices in a Post 9/11 Era.”

The event was led by keynote speaker James Zogby, president and founder of the Arab American Institute, who discussed his difficult experiences immediately following the attacks. 

“Zogby, you rag head, all Arabs will die,” Zogby stated, recalling the death threat. “I’ll murder you and slit the throats of your children.”

After receiving such threats, Zogby had then contacted the FBI, which he states was very concerned and helpful in regards to the numerous death threats he received. He then recalls that despite experiencing extreme bigotry during that difficult time period, there were moments that made him feel much better.

“The lady next door came over with brownies and knocked on our door,” Zogby recalled. “She said, ‘I made this for your staff. I hope it’s okay.’ I actually cried,” Zogby said of the warm gesture. 

Two panel discussions, featuring leaders from various civil rights groups, was also another highlight during the event. The first one, titled “Reclaiming Our Civil Rights,” focused on how 9/11 impacted local Muslim communities and was moderated by Nadia Tonova of the National Network for Arab American Communities (NNAAC). The second discussion, titled “Amplifying Our Voices: Rising above the Challenge of Post 9/11 Bigotry,” focused on the subject of Islamophobia and was moderated by Jack Lessenberry from Michigan Radio. 

Also in attendance were U.S. Representatives John Dingell (D-Dearborn) and Hansen Clarke (D-Detroit), who also gave remarks at the beginning of the event. The conference was the conclusion of ACCESS’ four part event that included community service, story telling and panel discussions taking place at locations such as Wayne State University on Thursday and the University of Michigan Dearborn on Friday before ending at the Arab American National Museum on Saturday.  

“Out of this decade of challenge, these voices emerge with messages of hope, empowerment and unity,” ACCESS Executive Director Hassan Jaber stated at the beginning of the event. “Through your voices, we will build a strong future on common ground.”

The event was also co-sponsored by the Arab American National Museum, the Center for Arab American Philanthropy, the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan, the University of Michigan Dearborn and the NNAAC.