DEARBORN — The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) will hold its Annual National Convention, “Securing the Principles of Liberty,” on June 12-15, 2008, at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Washington , D.C.

This annual event attracts Arabs and non-Arabs from around the country, who gather to discuss issues, participate in panel sessions, and hear addresses by various political officials. 

The 2008 Convention will also commemorate the 40th Anniversary of the assassinations of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and Robert F. Kennedy, as well as the 60th Anniversary of Al-Nakba, the 1948 exile of almost 1 million Palestinians from their land in Palestine .

“What is unique about this year’s convention is that it will commemorate three major events that undeniably changed the course of history,” stated ADC Legal Advisor, Abed Ayoub, who serves on the Convention Committee.  “As ADC continues its mission of preserving the civil rights of Arab Americans, it is important to reflect on these events and their impact on the world we live in today.”

ADC will hold a special luncheon that will focus on Al-Nakba, entitled “Palestine: 60 Years of Dispossession,” and will dedicate their annual Civil Rights Luncheon to the legacy of Dr. King and Robert Kennedy.   

The program will also feature panels and discussions on issues like the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Darfur, immigration laws, civil liberties, and domestic and foreign policy.

ADC Michigan Regional Director and Senior National Advisor, Imad Hamad, said that this year’s Convention comes at a crucial time, with the 2008 presidential election quickly approaching.

 “The ADC National Convention serves as the ideal venue for Arab Americans from around the country to gather and engage in open dialogue on issues of mutual interest,” he said.  “This year’s event is especially important, as it will take place just months before the presidential election.  The convention serves as a platform for individuals to voice their concerns, and what better time for the Arab American voice to be heard than at this pivotal point in our country’s history.”

As they have done in previous years, ADC will hold events during the convention that are specially geared toward the younger generation of Arab Americans.  Among these events is a panel on youth and college campus activism, where panelists will discuss recent controversies that have affected Arab American youth in their communities.

Hamad added that the participation of the younger Arab Americans over the years has always remained consistent.

“This event has attracted all kinds of people throughout the years, and in particular, the youth of the Arab American community,” Hamad stated. “These young men and women are the heart of this annual gathering, and their participation and genuine interest to learn have always served as an inspiration to all who attend.”

In keeping with its tradition, ADC will host several panels and discussion sessions featuring Arab Americans who have succeeded in the fields of media, literature, art, and film.  One panel entitled “Arab American Authors and Literature,” will feature prominent Arab American novelists, poets, and commentators, who will discuss their current work, as well as the rising popularity of Arab American literature.

Among the many noted guests who are scheduled to appear at the convention is Chantal Chamandy, an Egyptian-born singer/songwriter of Lebanese and Greek heritage, who will perform live on stage at one of the Convention’s Gala Banquets.  Chamandy was recently awarded with ADC Michigan’s “Excellence in the Arts” Award at their Annual Fundraising Gala in December of 2007.

ADC urges those who are interested to take advantage of early registration fees, which will only be available until March 1, 2008.  For convention fees, hotel rates, as well as a complete schedule of events and speakers, please visit www.adc.org/convention.