DEARBORN – The Arab-American Civil Rights League (ACRL) announced earlier this week that State Rep. Rashida Tlaib would be joining the group’s board of directors as its newest member. 

Tlaib.

“We are honored to have Representative Tlaib join our board,” said ACRL Board Chairman Nabih Ayad.  “She has been a voice for the Arab American community, along with other communities that she represents in the state legislature, and a force to be reckoned with.”

ACRL Executive Director Rana Abbas said Tlaib’s commitment to social justice in the State of Michigan goes hand-in-hand with the ACRL’s objective to ensure fair treatment of all citizens across the country. 

“ACRL is committed to being an integral part of the legislative process.  As the first Arab Muslim woman in the State Legislature, Representative Tlaib’s impressive background and experience will serve to enhance the ACRL’s effectiveness in lobbying for fair laws and practices,” Abbas said. 

Tlaib was first elected to the Michigan House of Representatives for the 12th House District (Detroit) in 2008. She was born and raised in Southwest Detroit. 

She is the only legislator that operates a fully-staffed community-based service center that provides over 10 anti-poverty programs.