HAMTRAMCK — City resident and Yemeni American Dr. Abdul Algazali is currently serving his second term as Council President and Mayor Pro-Tem. He’s reportedly the first Arab American in the city’s history to hold the positions. 

Because of his background in local government, Dr. Algazali stands a good chance  at becoming the first Yemeni and Muslim American mayor of Hamtramck. 

Algazali.

The Hamtramck community is about 60-70 percent Muslim due to large numbers of Bengalis, Yemenis, and Bosnians who have migrated there over the years. The Hamtramck Yemeni community hasn’t taken on major governing roles despite its growing number since the 1950s.  Dr. Algazali is completing his second term as city councilman, and has served on commissions and several boards. 

A 2005 city charter revision redefined what was once a strong mayoral position replacing it with a wide-ranging city manager role while delegating minimal responsibilities to the mayor.  

The mayor’s duties are primarily limited to chairing and setting agendas for board meetings, signing official documents and appointing residents to boards and commissions. Dr. Algazali said he wants the job simply to help make sure all segments of the city’s population are represented

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“There’s a large segment of the community whose voice is not being heard, and I want to indicate to those people that this is America, and everyone’s voice should count,” he said.