DEARBORN — The local regional office of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) continues to struggle with severe financial trouble and faces the possibility of cutting staff or even closing its doors, despite a sell-out crowd at its annual gala, held Dec. 12.

Attorney David Cole (L) receives a “Guardian of Civil Rights Award,” presented to him by Nadia Fadel of ADC Michigan and Heaster Wheeler of the Detroit Branch NAACP, during ADC Michigan’s annual fundraising gala at the Hyatt Regency in Dearborn on Dec. 12. PHOTOS: Nafeh AbuNab/American Elite Studios

“The public support was overwhelming,” said ADC Michigan Regional Director Imad Hamad. “However, the amount of donations and sponsorships was slashed drastically amidst these exceptionally challenging times. The funds that we raised are not good enough to a point where we’re solid and we don’t have to deal with tough decisions soon.”
Hamad said what distresses him most is that members of his staff, who worked hard to organize the gala and continue daily operations, have been “crushed in the middle.”

“For the past two months, all of us have been working with no pay,” he said. “I’m not shy to say it anymore… the most heartbreaking to me is their fate.”

The Dearborn ADC office consists of three full-time workers, including Hamad, and one part-time worker.

ADC Regional Director and Senior National Advisor Imad Hamad

Hamad said that even if the gross proceeds from the fundraising gala end up being $200,000, which he doubts, the net funds would be enough to pay off debts and fulfill basic needs to keep office doors open, but would not be enough to cover salaries for next year.
The American Arab Center for Civil and Human Rights (ACCHR), an education and resource center the group began building last year, also remains stalled indefinitely for lack of funds.

“The national (ADC) office is in no position to offer any help… What we are facing is a high possibility of downsizing the already small staff here in Michigan. This is one of the most stressful challenges… I wish I could give a more optimistic statement, but it’s still tough.”

The group has launched a last ditch effort to stay open and keep its staff, through a campaign asking for $25 holiday gifts.

Hamad said he calls on all people who have received help from ADC over the past 12 years to offer $25.

“If all those people made a gift of $25 for the holiday season, they may save us,” he said.

ADC Regional Director Imad Hamad (L), Dearborn Mayor Jack O’Reilly, ADC National Board Chairman Safa Rifka and ADC Michigan Director of Policy and Community Affairs Nadia Fadel pose after Rifka was presented an “Arab American of the Year” award at the annual gala Dec. 12.

At the annual banquet, WXYZ (Channel 7) TV news anchor Diana Lewis said unity in fighting all forms of discrimination is more important now than ever.
“The ADC has risen to this challenge and we must all follow suit,” she said. “The ADC makes a difference every day.”

Dearborn Mayor Jack O’Reilly appealed to the crowd of over 1,000 to offer financial help.

“I hope everyone can find some way to support them,” he said. “The ADC is a vital part of Dearborn. People right here, from our community, have toiled hard and we’re recognizing them tonight.”

ADC Michigan’s Director of Policy & Community Affairs, Nadia Fadel, listed a number of discrimination cases the group addressed over the past year and said the the group also facilitates dialogue between the community and law enforcement officials, provides diversity training for companies and agencies, honors judges for defending civil rights and puts on diversity programs for children at local schools.

Actor Hassan “Haaz” Sleiman speaks at ADC Michigan’s annual fundraising gala on Dec. 12. Sleiman, who co-starred in “The Visitor,” said he looks to take on roles that contradict or satirize sterotypes. He was given an “Excellence in Entertainment Award,” by ADC Michigan at the event.

ADC national President Mary Rose Oakar spoke and retired CEO of DTE Energy, Robert Buckler, was honored for 10 years of providing support and sponsorship before the keynote speaker took the podium.
“ADC helped me see the world through totally different eyes,” Buckler said.

David Cole keynoted the event. A Georgetown University professor and attorney, Cole defended the LA8, a group of Palestinians who endured a 20-year effort by the government to deport them for allegedly raising money for the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine. The case was dropped by prosecutors in 2007 after an immigration judge ruled the government violated the defendants’ constitutional rights. The judge called the case “an embarrassment to the rule of law.”

Cole said ADC is unique in that its annual banquet includes both the CIA and the ACLU as sponsors.

He bashed the Bush administration for facilitating discrimination “against Arabs and Muslims and those who look like Arabs or Muslims.”

He said he is hopeful, but not entirely confident, that the incoming Barack Obama administration will view the “rule of law as an asset, not an obstacle.”

“You can’t assume that an individual who’s spoken out for civil liberties will, once in power, do the right thing,” he said, citing the fact that the LA8 case continued through the Clinton administration.

“Our work is going to continue… ADC stands as one of the critical stalwarts against the kind of shortcuts that any administration is willing to take.”

ADC Michigan presented Cole with a “Guardian of Civil Rights Award.”

The group also awarded Michael George, Chairman of the Chaldean Federation of America,with a “Lifetime Achievement Award,” citing his commitment to helping Iraqi refugees.

Attorney Tim Attalla and Brenda Rosenberg, co-executive producer of the play “Reuniting the Children of Abraham,” each received a “Building Bridges Award.”

ADC National Board Chairman Safa Rifka received the “Arab American of the Year Award” and Abdulhakem Alsadah, President of the National Association of Yemeni Americans, received the “Community Service Award.”

Rising actor Hassan ‘Haaz’ Sleiman, who’s appeared in films including “The Visitor,” and several television series, was presented with an “Excellence in Entertainment Award.”

Sleiman said he’s been taking on roles that contradict or satirize stereotypes. He plays a Middle Eastern, Muslim nurse in the upcoming Showtime series Nurse Jackie.

“I believe in everything ADC stands for and it inspires me,” he said.

Hamtramck City Councilman Abdul Algazali presented an award to Hamad and ADC Michigan on behalf of Hamtramck.

“For years, ADC has worked hard to eliminate racism, discrimination and racial profiling,” he said.

ADC Michigan also honored its Advisory Board Chairman Nabih Ayad, who was recently named to Michigan’s Civil Rights Commission.

He said the new post would provide him a better platform to address community concerns.

He asked the crowd to continue to voice opinions and let the world know “how concerned you are.”

For information about ADC or to donate, visit www.adcmichigan.org.