DETROIT — Osama Siblani, publisher of The Arab American News, was presented with a resolution from the Wayne County Commission before its meeting, Tuesday at the Guardian Building here, honoring him on his upcoming induction into the Michigan Journalism Hall of Fame. 

The resolution was presented to Siblani by the commission’s chairman, Gary Woronchak. “When I heard Osama Siblani was going to be welcomed into the Michigan Journalism Hall of Fame this year, I wanted to do something special for him,” Woronchak said. 

Wayne County Commission Chairman Gary Woronchak presents a plaque to Siblani in honor of his upcoming induction.

He says at the time The Arab American News was established in 1984, he was serving as editor for the Dearborn Press and Guide. 

 “Osama Siblani in particular represents the best in crusading journalism, caring about issues, speaking out about issues and informing the public on important issues,” Woronchak said. 

He noted that Siblani’s work extends far beyond the paper, and called him a strong voice for the Arab American community. He commended him for helping launch the Arab American Political Action Committee (AAPAC). Since its inception in 1998 AAPAC has made Arab Americans more visible in the political scene. Woronchak said AAPAC helped fill a void in the community, and gave it a voice. 

Siblani will be inducted into the Michigan Journalism Hall of Fame Sunday, April 21 at the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center in Lansing along with longtime Detroit Metro Times editor W. Kim Heron, who recently stepped down, investigative journalist Nancy McCauley, journalism educator Betsy Pollard Rau and former Detroit Free Press photojournalist Hugh Grannum, who passed away this year.

The Hall of Fame honors reporters, editors, publishers, owners, photographers, broadcasters, educators, and others who have made outstanding contributions to the profession. 

“Thank you for honoring the citizens of Wayne County. This is for the diversity of Wayne County, it is not for me individually,” Siblani said. 

After receiving the resolution, Siblani was also presented with an award from Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano’s office in recognition of being inducted into the Hall of Fame.