Lansing — State senators and representatives in Lansing got a taste of Arab culture Thursday, when about a dozen community organizations visited the Capitol building for Arab American Day, a first time event organized by 13th district Rep. Barbara Farrah.

Legislators coming in and out of their offices got a chance to eat Middle Eastern food from Dearborn, meet representatives from various Arab American organizations and hear performances by a youth Middle Eastern hand drum corps from Maples Elementary School.

Farrah said she’s seen several other cultural events at the Capitol put on by other ethnic groups and felt there was a need for one to celebrate Arab Americans.

House Speaker Andy Dillon said the event was an example of what immigrant groups have always done to gain rights in the U.S.

“I’m the grandson of an immigrant from Ireland and when my grandfather came to America, the signs were ‘Irish need not apply,'” Dillon said.

“And what you’re doing here today is paving the way for your grandchildren so that they feel as welcome as everyone should in this country to be here,” he added. “I know the challenges that your community faces and it’s a privilege and an honor to serve the Dearborn Heights district where I have a lot of Arab American friends.”

Members of the Yemeni American Political Action Committee (YPAC), on the same day that they celebrate Yemeni Reunification Day, were honored for their political participation by Rep. Gino Polidori, Sen. Irma Clark-Coleman and Sen. Martha Scott.

Clark-Coleman and Scott stressed the need for continued participation, specifically in turning out the vote in large numbers.

“Only then will we have a say in what happens in our community,” Clark-Coleman said.

Scott said that she is an example of how important each vote is. When she was first elected in 2001, she won her seat by only 33 votes.

“I’m so proud that most of you come from my community, Dearborn,” said Polidori. “We’re very proud of you. You’ve done so much in our community… in the whole area, as a matter of fact. We’re very proud of you.”

Michigan State University student Stevie Jones, who works at the Capitol building as an intern for Rep. Hoon-Yung Hopgood, said he’s seen similar cultural events for African and Indian Americans and that an Asian/Pacific celebration is planned for May 27.

“Everybody has made an impact in some way or another on what drives this country,” he said.

He said he thinks legislators take the visits from the various communities to heart, seriously acknowledging their needs when they come to Lansing.

“You have to recognize every different culture that’s out there,” he said.

Farrah, who is the only Arab American in the legislature — though she considers Polidori an “honorary Arab” —  said she hopes the event will return to the Capitol building annually.

Because of term limits, Farrah will be leaving her seat in December, having served the maximum three two-year terms. She said she intends to run for state senate next.