DEARBORN – On Thursday, in a heartfelt gesture reflecting deep appreciation for the first Arab American and Muslim elected to the Dearborn City Council, the city officially renamed one of its public buildings after former City Councilwoman Suzanne Sareini, during a ceremony attended by local officials and community leaders in the city known as the “Capital of Arab America.”

The Dearborn City Council had unanimously approved the renaming of “Hubbard Manor East”, a senior housing facility in East Dearborn, to “Suzanne Sareini”, in honor of the Lebanese American former official who was elected six consecutive times to the City Council starting in 1989 and who “served her community for 24 years with dedication, integrity and selflessness,” according to city official release.

During the ceremony, Mayor Abdullah Hammoud praised Sareini’s legacy and her inspiring role in encouraging new generations of Arab Americans to enter public service.

“It’s a beautiful day and a wonderful occasion to gather and rename this building after someone who has given so much — not just to the community, but to many here today who were inspired by her journey into public service,” Hammoud said, referring to the many Arab American officials in attendance.

“Of course, if it weren’t for Suzanne Sareini, we wouldn’t have Mike Sareini as City Council president today — and I wouldn’t be standing at this podium either,” he added.

Suzanne Sareini stands with her children, grandchildren and other relatives behind the sign of the senior facility that bears her name.

Hammoud recalled Sareini’s historic achievement when she was elected to the City Council in 1989, noting her pioneering status as the first Arab American and Muslim woman ever elected to public office in the United States.

“She wasn’t just an elected official,” he said. “She was a trailblazer and innovator who paved the way for future generations of Arab Americans to enter politics and public service.”

Hammoud also commended Sareini’s continued involvement in community life.

“It’s a blessing that you are still active and engaged with us today.”

He added that while such honors often come long after someone’s passing, “We chose to honor you today — because there’s nothing more beautiful than doing it while you’re here, with your family present, to surprise you with this recognition.”

City Council President Mike Sareini, Suzanne’s son, expressed deep gratitude to his fellow Council members for unanimously approving the name change.

“Not bad for a girl who grew up in the South End and ended up president pro temp of the Dearborn City Council,” he said, smiling.

He recounted his mother’s political journey, including her unsuccessful bid for council in 1985 and her comeback in 1989 when she won a seat and was named Council vice president — at a time when only about 4,000 Arab American voters were registered in the city.

Sareini highlighted his mother’s role in supporting business development in the South End and citywide, as well as her contributions to launching the Arab American Festival in 1995, which thrived for several years before ending in 2013.

“It is a great honor for me and my entire family to have this building named after my mother,” he said, thanking all officials involved and Mayor Hammoud for making it happen. “Mom, we love you so much. This is the least we could do for you.”

In an emotional speech, Suzanne Sareini thanked the city for the “beautiful and unexpected” honor.

“I honestly wasn’t ready for this — I had no idea this was going to happen,” she said. “So thank you all.

“You have a wonderful mayor in Dearborn — be grateful for that,” she added.

Sareini expressed gratitude at having the senior housing building bear her name.

“This means a lot to me and my family.”

She recalled her candidacy in the 1980s:

“At first, I never imagined I’d run for office — let alone win. But once the idea came, I started working, and eventually, I was elected.

“Back then, it was quite unusual for a woman to seek public office — let alone an Arab and Muslim woman. I had all the qualities that didn’t fit the mold for a typical government candidate,” she added.

“But thank God, I made the decision and stuck with it. The Arab American community — its institutions, the Lebanese American Heritage Club and the entire South End community, who I consider my big family — all helped me. Thank you to everyone who helped me win the seat I held for 24 years, and thank you to everyone involved in renaming this building in my honor.”

She concluded by urging the community to continue supporting Mayor Abdullah Hammoud and Council President Mike Sareini at the ballot box.

At the end of the ceremony, Mayor Hammoud cut the ribbon in front of the newly unveiled sign bearing the name “Suzanne Sareini Manor” at the senior housing complex located at 5500 Calhoun Street in East Dearborn, in a joyous and emotional atmosphere filled with appreciation, photos and celebration of a trailblazer in Arab American civic life.