DEARBORN – The Arab American News is more than just a journalistic institution that delivers the news. After 35 years of being a pillar in the community, the paper has seen politicians, socialites and activists from the community grow and serve others in becoming citizens who bring contributions to Michigan and the nation at large.

Besides the “Person of the year Award”, The Arab American News editorial team headed by Publisher Osama Siblani also chose a few of the exceptional names who serve the community in public offices and other avenues in order to honor their commitment and achievements.

The late Mohamed Ali Seblini family receiving the tribute

Ali Seblini the oldest son of the late Mohamed Ali Seblini accepting the tribute on behalf of the family

Siblani honored the late Mohamed Ali Seblini for introducing pita bread to Michigan and the nation. He established the New  Yasmeen and Al Shams Bakeries, known for their pita bread in Michigan, around the country and around the world.

The award was to honor his legacy as an innovator and for introducing Arabic pita bread in the West. Seblini passed away more than a month ago. His sons and daughters received the award on behalf of the family.

Judge Mariam Saad Bazzi

Wayne County Third Circuit Court Judge Mariam Saad Bazzi was recognized and awarded at the banquet for her efforts in the community. She was the first woman president of the Arab American Political Action Committee (AAPAC) and served as an assistant prosecutor with Wayne County prosecutor Kym Worthy. Bazzi served as a president of AAPAC for four years.

“You are a brother and father to this community,” Bazzi said to Siblani. “I am where I am today in part because of your support and in part because of the support from this community.

“We are all here because we have people in our lives like the community members present here,” she added. “Thank you so much for 35 years.”

Commissioner Sam Baydoun

Wayne County Commissioner Sam Baydoun, who is also a former vice president of AAPAC,  was recognized at the event for his recent election to the commission.

“Thank you for standing tall and defending the community,” Baydoun said. “And I wish you another 35 years of success, Osama.”

Michigan Solicitor General Fadwa Hammoud was recognized for her achievements in contributing to the community. Hammoud, who was appointed by Attorney General Dana Nessel,  is currently serving as vice president of AAPAC and served as a Trustee on the Dearborn Board of Education until recently. She stepped down last week to focus on her duties as solicitor general.

Michigan Solicitor General Fadwa Hammoud

“Thirty-five years of carrying our voices no matter what, this newspaper was attacked and Osama was still standing and that hasn’t changed,” Hammoud said in her acceptance remarks. “Osama has taught me that it is better to die standing on your feet than to live crawling on your knees, and that is what The Arab American News is all about and that is what he taught me.”

Businessman and author Jacob Bacall receiving his award from Michigan State University Journalism Professor Joe Grimm

The awardees also included Chaldean American author and businessman  Jacob Bacall, who helped in the research for the booklet “100 questions and answers about Chaldeans”, published by the Michigan State University School of Journalism.  He was recognized by Joe Grimm, a journalism professor at MSU.