Maples Arabic Music Ensemble, comprised of students from Maples Elementary School in Dearborn, performed on derbeke, Arabic drums, and recorders during the Arab American Day Thursday at the Capitol hosted by Rep. Barbara Farrah, D-Southgate.
In order to highlight the impact of Arab Americans’ involvement in politics from across the state, Rep. Barbara Farrah, D-Southgate, said she organized Thursday’s Arab American Day at the state Capitol.
“You always want people from across the state to be exposed to your community,” Farrah said. “We want to show people everything we have to offer in the Arab American community.”
Arab Americans at the event came primarily from Metro Detroit and other communities in the Southeast and Western regions of the state.
The event took place in the halls of the Capitol. There were several displays of Arab American artwork, culture, food and music.
Fayrouz Saad, a legislative assistant for a member of the Michigan House of Representatives, said this is hopefully the first Arab American Day for many years to come.
“We want to educate the Lansing community and legislators about the Arab American community and culture,” Saad said. “We want them to learn about the relevance of the Arab American community. People don’t really know who we are and what we do politically and socially.”
Farah Farah, community service coordinator for MSU’s Arab Cultural Society, did not attend the event, but said he believes the high population of Arab Americans in Michigan should have a greater representation in politics.
However, the lack of Arab American youth at the event should definitely change in following years, Farah said.
“We’re kind of a forgotten minority and it is helping to get our voice recognized by the American public,” Farah said.
“But the students are going to be the voice for the future, so it is important to reach out to us as well as the professional community.”
Maples Arabic Music Ensemble, a group of students from Maples Elementary in Dearborn, performed on drums and flutes at the event.
“This is the first year for the event,” Farrah said. “I am the only Arab American at the Capitol, and I thought it was about time we had a day that was dedicated to the impact of the Arab American community.”
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