Tlaib addresses the crowd at Byblos Banquets.

DEARBORN — State Representative Rashida Tlaib was honored for her advocacy against air pollution by the Michigan League of Conservation Voters (MLCV) on Thursday, November 20 at Byblos Banquets.

Titled “Bridging the Connection Banquet”, the event aimed to build bridges with the local Arab American community and recognize their contributions. The MLCV is the leading non-partisan political voice for protecting Michigan’s land, air and water. 

The event was attended by community leaders who included Dearborn City Council President Susan Dabaja, Councilman Mike Sareini and 19th District Court Judge Mark Somers.

This year the organization appointed its first Muslim-Arab American Board member, Hassan F. Abdallah, a lead compliance specialist at Community Choice Credit Union in Farmington Hills. Abdallah, a graduate of Wayne State University, is currently pursuing his Juris Doctor degree at the Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Aurburn Hills. 

“Being a part of the MLCV has given me the opportunity to work on conservation efforts with politicians throughout the State through a bipartisan measure,” Abdallah told The Arab American News.  

“Establishing relationships with orgs like the MLCV allows the Dearborn and Arab-American community to have a different face in the eyes of the greater non-Arab community,” he said.  I hope to utilize my position on the Board to open the channels of communication between the MLCV Administration and Board in hope to create long-lasting and effective partnerships.

The MLCV was also able to partner more than six local students in both high school and college with MLCV executive staff and board members with potential  internships and professional shadowing opportunities. 

Abdallah said the organization is looking to create more opportunities for upcoming young professionals throughout the city high schools.

While Tlaib’s term in the state house comes to an end this January after having lost a bid for the state senate, she has been long recognized for her stance against air pollution in Detroit’s southwest neighborhoods. 

As a state rep, she kick-started the “Right to Breathe” campaign which raised awareness with residents and state officials on the hazards of the toxic airs continued to be omitted by local business in the Detroit area. Tlaib said she will continue to advocate for the cause even long after her term comes to an end.