As parents, one of the first decisions we make is what to name the child that we have been entrusted with. This decision is never made lightly.

Aimee Blackburn

For some, a name is chosen for the old-world meaning, for others as a tribute to someone famous, and for many, names are handed down through the generations as a living tribute to the elders in the family. Last Tuesday’s school board election results gave this challenge a whole different meaning.
For some Arab Americans, the process of choosing a name can be even more elaborate. As a resident of Dearborn serving in public office for several years, I have come in contact and became friends with many Arab American families. As I learned about the culture and the issues they face, I noticed that through the process of assimilation, many have moved away from traditionally ethnic names. Some have legally changed their names just to make it easy for non-Arabs to remember and pronounce, while others just take on Americanized nicknames because they want to “fit in.” Mohammad, Hassan and Ibrahim have evolved into Mike, Sam and Abe. Even within the Arab community, some people assert that in order to get anywhere in business or government, you have to change your name.

Over the years, particularly ethnic names have been associated with infamous individuals that change the perception of the society at large. Adolf was a common German name until the rise of Hitler and World War II. The same can be said for Arab names like Osama and Hussein since they have recently been associated with radicalism. In fact, last year there was a concerted effort to associate President Obama with terrorists by emphasizing his middle name, passed down from his father.

While many will argue that the name Hussein has significance today because of its historical meaning, I will argue that Hussein has historical significance because of what it means today. History was made in Dearborn this week and we need to rejoice in the importance of this event.

One of the two Board of Education members elected Tuesday was Hussein Berry . While he is not the first Arab American elected to public office in this town, Hussein is the first Arab American elected official to wear his ethnicity on his name badge. He didn’t give in to the naysayers that tried to discourage him from running because his name wasn’t “electable.” He didn’t give up after a few setbacks. He persevered by being proud of his heritage and his name. Perhaps this victory is a glimmer of hope for what the future holds. Maybe this is a sign that change is coming from the White House to our house.

Today, the name Hussein has changed politics in Dearborn forever. As someone who has known him for years, I welcome Hussein Berry to the Board of Education and I am confident that he will work hard for all of our kids while bringing a new perspective to our discussions. Dearborn voters are to be thanked for moving past their fear of the unknown and I am confident that Hussein will make them glad they voted for him.

Aimee Blackburn is Dearborn School Board vice president