Everything Arab Mag - Holiday Issue

4 | everything arab magazine

06 Diversity

… a way of life at the Flint Institute of Music

In This SPECIAL Year End HOLIDAY EDITION 2010

10 National Health Reform … what does that mean to you?

14 Meet the Joubrans

… one family’s journey from the old country

22 The AAHC in the News

… music, ETL 2010, and the hate crime symposium

26 Speed Sisters

… women with a need for speed

30 Arab Fashion

... is going Internationale

32 Upscale Food … everyone can afford

33 Hurley Medical Center

… celebrating the legacy of Dr. Farouck N. Obied

34 Training and Education … leading to career success

THIS PAGE: A colorful array of lights, hanging ornaments and colors for the holiday at an outdoor eatery in the Middle East.

Arab American Heritage Council Executive Board Lubna Bathish Jones, President Dr. Ayman Haidar, Vice President Alexandra Nassar, Secretary Anthony Michael, Treasurer Alexander H. Isaac, Director of Immigration Mona Sahouri, Executive Director FIFTHKING MEDIA GROUP John D. Lee, Executive Producer & Editor Maria D. Lee, Administrative Assistant Michael Bancroft, Senior Managing Editor Lydia J. Simon, Senior Account Manager Grace Suave, Contributing Photographer James Thigpen, Jr. Contributing Designer Brittney Mitchell, Contributing Designer

38 Preserving the Legacy

… a profile of Syrian vocalist Ustaz Youssef Kassab

ON THE COVER: A whimsical holiday display of wrappings, ornaments and colors to put you in the holiday spirit.

Everything Arab Year End Holiday Issue 2010 Volume 1, Issue 4.

Everything Arab the magazine, is published quarterly for The Arab American Heritage Council by FIFTHKING Media Group. © 2010 FIFTHKING Media Group, All Rights Reserved Worldwide. AAHC name and logo used with permission.

Visit us on the World Wide Web at www.aahcflint.org and FIFTHKING at www.fifthking.com.

Subscribers: Subscriptions are $20.00 per year. Call 810.235.2722 Postmaster: 416 North Saginaw Street, c/o Suite 220, Flint, MI 48502 Advertisers: Call 810.308.3911 or fifthking@live.com for more info.

Article Submissions: For guidelines call: 810.308.3911 Printed: In the United States of America everything arab magazine | 5

6 | everything arab magazine

WHEN YOU THINK OF THE FLINT INSTITUTE OF MUSIC

fervent belief that this diverse pool of people, each

(FIM), WHAT MAY COME TO MIND IS A FLINT

with their unique backgrounds, will bring to FIM their

SYMPHONY

own thoughts and ideas, helping make it a richer,

ORCHESTRA

CONCERT,

WITH

THE

ENERGETIC MAESTRO DIEMECKE AT THE HELM, OR

stronger and more authentic organization.

PERHAPS TAKING MUSIC OR DANCE LESSONS AT THE FLINT SCHOOL OF PERFORMING ARTS (FSPA), OR FOR

This commitment to diversity is reflected in the faces

THOSE WHO ENJOY THEATER, ATTENDING ONE OF FLINT

of those in the hallways (minority enrollment at the

YOUTH THEATRE’S (FYT) ORIGINAL PLAYS. WHATEVER

FSPA is 38 percent) and concert venues of FIM

YOU MIGHT HAVE PARTICIPATED IN—YOU KNEW IT

programs, and in the programs themselves. In 2001,

WAS SOMETHING SPECIAL.

just after the 9/11 tragedy, the Flint Symphony took the bold step of including Arabic music in its Holiday

What makes these events so exceptional has to do

Pops performance. Tuta, an original piece by

with an intense commitment to quality and artistic

Lebanese composer Farid Al Atrach and arranged for

excellence, shared by the performers and staff alike.

orchestra by Jamal A-Hosn, was enjoyed by nearly

But it is also more than that. It is a commitment to

4,000 audience members at The Whiting and by

diversity, a striving to be welcoming and accessible

hundreds of thousands more on state-wide television

to all people, that underlies everything at the FIM.

broadcasts.

Concerted efforts at achieving diversity go back

In September 2002, the FIM participated in the

nearly a decade when the FIM made it a cornerstone

Cultural Center-wide celebration of The Arabic

of its strategic planning. In the document that came

Influence with a recital by acclaimed Lebanese

from in-depth sessions involving board and staff, the

pianist Waleed Howrani.

FIM defined diversity as “an inclusive concept, encompassing

all

of

the

qualities

that

make

A month later, the FIM presented the six-member

individuals different from or similar to one another,

Sarkha

Dance

such as age, gender, race, ability, disabilities, religion,

performing Lebanese folkloric dance. They were

educational, professional backgrounds or economic

joined by the Shawaza Tribe, an eight-member group

status.”

that produced original music and provided an engaging

The staff and board (which has for many years

Troupe

from

demonstration

of

Washington,

Oriental

D.C.,

dance,

costuming and choreography.

included members of the African American, Arab American and other minority communities) have a

everything arab magazine | 7

Flint Youth Theatre also has a tradition of presenting

The Committee also identified barriers to participation

diverse works. In the fall of 2001, FYT presented a

and proposed strategies to overcome them. The

powerful

into

result is a dynamic and powerful Diversity Strategic

Butter. Although the play dealt with black/white race

Plan, which was adopted earlier this year. It sets forth

relations, the event was used as a catalyst for a

the following goals:

staged

reading

entitled

Spinning

community dialogue about the Arabic community and the very prevalent bias against Muslims in the

-

backgrounds, different experiences and different

wake of the terrorist attacks. There were also Arabic

social networks feel welcome.

characters in another staged reading, Omnium Gatherum, which dealt with the aftermath of

Create an environment where people from different

-

September 11th.

Create an environment where urban residents feel welcome.

Since that time, FIM’s commitment to diversity has

-

suburban residents feel welcome.

become an integral part of the organization. In 2003, FIM board and staff developed a Diversity Plan which

Create a safe campus environment so rural and

-

Promote the FSPA and FYT as places where all students

set out goals for providing a welcoming environment

are welcomed and nurtured regardless of income,

for all participants.

ethnicity or ability.

Two years later, FIM took another significant step by

-

about what is available at FIM.

forming a Diversity Committee made of up of community

members,

staff

and

students,

and

Mount an aggressive campaign to create awareness

-

headed by Dr. Michael Boucree, Hurley Medical

Continue to recruit, hire and retain a diverse FSO, FSPA, and FYT staff.

Center’s vice president for outcomes management -

and chief quality officer.

consulting firm The Leadership Group, FIM set about determining perceptions within minority communities through a series of surveys and focus groups. Armed with that information, staff and board went through of

diversity

training

workshops,

generated frank and honest discussions.

8 | everything arab magazine

a

volunteer

division

of

FIM

of

diverse

individuals and families who feel welcome, informed and appreciated.

Led by the Committee and with help from the

series

Create

which

The issues that affect diversity are wide ranging and complex. It is FIM’s hope that through continued effort

and

awareness,

it

may

be

the

open,

welcoming home for exceptional music, dance and theatre for all members of our community.

IN

MARCH,

PRESIDENT

OBAMA

SIGNED THE PATIENT PROTECTION AND

AFFORDABLE

CARE

ACT,

PROMISING SWEEPING CHANGE IN THE

HEALTH

CARE

INDUSTRY.

Over the past few months, a lot has been written about health care reform,

but

you

may

still

be

wondering what the changes will mean to you. Michigan’s largest insurer, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, has some resources you may find helpful as you work to understand how reform will affect you. The Blues’ new reform site, bcbsm.com/healthreform, great

place

to

start

is

a

and

the

information there is relevant to Blues members, as well as non-members.

Some reforms are now in place.

Some national health care reforms took affect with plan years starting on or after September 23 of this year. They include several provisions that protect people from being penalized with higher premiums for ill health — or even excluded from coverage because of pre-existing medical conditions.

New reforms include the following: 10 | everything arab magazine

* Annual dollar limits on essential benefits will be restricted. * Lifetime dollar limits will be removed. * Pre-existing condition exclusions for children under age 19 are prohibited. * Coverage extends to dependents up to age 26. * Dependents can be married and don’t require student or tax dependent status.

There are additional reforms scheduled to occur in January 2014.

These include: * No pre-existing condition exclusions will apply to anyone. * Rating will be based only on age, family size, geography and tobacco use. * Charging for age is restricted so that the oldest policy holder is charged no more than three times the youngest policy holder. * There will be no annual limits on essential benefits. * A minimum level of benefits will be required.

Blue Cross Blue Shield plays a unique role as the state’s insurer of last resort and is Michigan’s only nonprofit health care corporation regulated by state law. That law requires Blue Cross to operate in a way that ensures access to quality health care services for all Michigan residents. The newly passed reform legislation requires all insurers to operate more like Blue Cross in that all carriers will be required to accept everyone, regardless of health status, starting in 2014. “Passage of legislation does not mark the end of the process to reform health care. It is just the beginning,” said Blues President and CEO Daniel J. Loepp just after the reform legislation passed in March. As Americans are required to obtain coverage, there will be tremendous growth in the individual insurance market. There will be approximately 30 million to 35 million people entering the insurance market, added Loepp.

“Expansion of coverage also comes with challenges that will require innovative

approaches

and

an

unending

pursuit

of

continuous

improvement to stave off increased costs. The Michigan Blues have been pursuing these efforts for many years, and our continued efforts in a postreform world will no doubt prove valuable.”

The Michigan Blues anticipate that reform will bring about a more-level playing field where other insurers will no longer be able to cherry pick the young and healthy.

36 | everything arab magazine

Meanwhile, Blue Cross is developing new products

Free clinics in the Flint/Tri-Cities area funded in

that

2010 by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan

put

more

focus

and

value

on

personal

accountability by offering incentives for members to better manage and improve their health. For more information about Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and its various health insurance products, visit

include: Essexville - Helen M. Nickless Volunteer Clinic 1460 W. Center Road / (989-895-4830)

bcbsm.com. For more information about national health care reform, visit www.bcbsm.com/healthreform.

2437 Welch Boulevard / (810-235-4211)

Free clinics provide a safety net for the uninsured.

Michigan's free clinics are a lifeline of care to people across the state who are currently uninsured or underinsured. An uninsured population of more than 1

million,

coupled

with

Michigan's

Flint - Genesee County Free Medical Clinic

high

unemployment rate, has broadened the number of

Lapeer - Loving Hands Clinic 148 Maple Grove Road / (810-667-8933) Saginaw - Cathedral Mental Health Care

those affected by the health care crisis.

705 Hoyt Avenue / (989-759-3356)

In its unique role as safety-net provider, Blue Cross

Saginaw – Saginaw Area Foundation for Eye Care

Blue Shield of Michigan has provided $6 million in grants since 2005 to help sustain these clinics and enhance the services they provide. Most of the clinics provide primary care, behavioral health care, case management,

dental

services,

specialty

diagnostic care, and prescription drugs.

12 | everything arab magazine

and

5400 Mackinaw, Suite 5000, P.O. Box 5961

/ (989-907-5602)

Saginaw - Healthy Futures / St. Mary's of Michigan 735 Emerson Street / (989-907-8108)

with his family and still calls it home today. Joubran is a hands-on kind of an owner and he is no stranger to hard work. He’s been in the U.S. for about 8 years and One of the opportunities that excites us the most at

now through hard work and strong family support he

Everything Arab, is the chance to meet some of the

is a business owner after having arrived in this country

people who have helped to shape the history of the

with nothing in his pockets. He breaks a moment from

Arab American culture in the Flint and Genesee

his morning preparations and his memory goes back

County region. So when the opportunity comes along

to the day he came into port.

to have a conversation with the Joubran Family, it adds with it a bit of expectancy. So with that said,

Tom Joubran arrived in America in 1950 after a 15

Everything Arab sat down to have a conversation

day voyage on the S.S. La Guardia from Palestine.

with Tom, Mike, and Julia Joubran earlier this Fall.

He, like many immigrants to America, remembers coming into the New York Harbor and seeing the

Meet the Father

Statue of Liberty. “I’m so grateful I’m here,” he thinks

It’s early in the morning in 1958 before the doors open

to himself, “I’m going to love this country.” Joubran

inside a neighborhood supermarket. Tom Joubran is

has waited a long time for this day to arrive. He first

busy getting his store ready before shoppers begin

applied for US citizenship when he was 13 years old. It

their day by looking for the weekly sales and daily

would be nearly another 12 years before he would

necessities. Joubran is the new store owner of a

see this day. But now here he is, a young man of 25,

grocery that he has bought in Genesee Township,

full of dreams, and ready to take advantage of the

Michigan, now named “Tom’s”, where he resided

blessings of citizenship that his new country affords

14 | ev erything arab magazine

him. He couldn’t know that in a few short years that

here he could provide for his whole family and lead a

he would be the owner of a successful business in

comfortable life. But he would have to endure 12

Michigan. But, he believed that America was a place

more years of struggle before he could make it to

that rewards hard work. And this morning, as he was

America, including being held hostage by soldiers.

on his way to open up the doors for his business, he had proved to himself that his belief was well

When Joubran was 23 he and five other Palestinian

founded.

men were captured by Israeli soldiers and accused of being hostile enemies. Joubran was not a violent man

Joubran’s journey to success was not an easy one.

and he has never even owned a gun. He and the

And although he was now a business owner he did

others were thrown into a cellar no larger than 8 by

not believe in the late 1950s that he had “arrived.” He

10 feet. They thought that they were going to be

had many more years as an accomplished business

killed so they decided to pray together. They were a

owner in front of him. This is because Joubran has a

mixed group of Arabs, some were Muslim and a few

work ethic that would make him successful anywhere

like Joubran were Marinate Christian. They prayed

in the world and desirable as an employee in any

anyway for God’s protection. When the soldiers

company. But, Joubran would never be just an

came to get them instead of being shot they were

employee for long because he followed the maxim that no one can make great money if he is working for someone else.

Even in his youth in Palestine his work ethic led him to be self-employed to bring in extra money for his family.

Morning in the Nazareth region found 13

“I’m so grateful I’m here,” he thinks to himself, “I’m going to love this country.”

year old Toufic Joubran with several of his camels scouring producers of food

(In

the future,

in

exchange

for

captured

Israeli soldiers. Soon thereafter Joubran would find himself in America to start a life free from this kind of hardship.

When Joubran arrived in New York he was hungry for work. He would take any job to start making money. Working in a slaughter house for one dollar a day was

the country side for local stuffs.

released

not the most appetizing work he could have hoped

many

for but he was able to save up and make his way to

Americans will have trouble with his first name so

Genesee County, Michigan. His Uncle Tom Mansour,

they’ll call him Tom instead.) Small family farms would

who sponsored Joubran to come into America,

produce varieties of goat cheese and quality olives

owned a small grocery store on Corunna road

and olive oil for sale. A young Toufic would purchase

named “Mansour’s” and put him to work. Here was a

food like this and more in the morning from the

job that he could sink his teeth into. He began as a

farmers and pack his goods in to the bustling city of

carryout boy and worked stocking produce. In time

Nazareth and sell them to merchants in open markets

he would become the store manager and learn how

where busy city dwellers would come to purchase

to run a grocery store. He liked his new work. But, he

country fresh food.

also fell in love and married his wife Julia.

Life was hard and the pay was small. He entered the

Back at his store, he liked buying and selling food and

lottery to obtain US citizenship and he knew that if he

serving customers which was not so far removed from

could get to America and work hard there like he did

his days in Nazareth. He even liked his new first name ev erything arab magazine | 15

of Tom that Americans found easier to pronounce.

Most of all he loved being an American. Hard work, scrimping and saving (which his wife was good at), and support from his family had finally gotten him to 1958 and being the owner of a grocery store. But Joubran knew that he wanted to do more and being an American citizen was going to allow him to fulfill his potential.

Joubran likes to tell people that “there is opportunity in this county that is not available in any other country in the world.” You just have to look for it. Joubran was not college educated and although he recognizes the value of the power and tools that come with a degree, he feels that in many ways he is better educated than some college graduates because he went to the school of hard knocks. While Joubran was the store manager of “Mansour’s” on Corunna road he found himself looking for opportunity in Genesee Township.

There is a grocery store there, but it is

poorly run. The meat is black; there are worms in the

The success of his new store combined with he and

vegetables. But, the traffic count is high going past

his wife’s frugality will allow him to save enough to

the store and Joubran sees the potential.

buy and build even greater projects. Now it is 1967 and Joubran has been successful at the grocery

In 1958, Joubran decides to buy out the store with

market.

$10,000 that his wife Julia has carefully saved aside for them. He will clean it up and with generous credit

People will always need food, even in the hardest of

from Sam Farah, the owner of Central Wholesale, he

times grocery stores still make money. But the next

can get stock on the shelves and begin his own

prospect that Joubran sees would set him on a new

grocery store. Because of the changes that he has

path. Besides food, he thinks to himself, people need

made, business booms and he is tripling by the end of

housing. Why not build an apartment complex?

the year what he initially was making.

Comfortable living and abundant food at affordable prices is a long way from the life he knew in the old country. This is what he wanted for himself and his family when he came to America and now he is able to offer the same to other families as well when he finished building the Green Acres Apartments. Once again Sam Farah is able to help Joubran out, this time by providing financing for the 40 unit complex. (story continued on page 18)

16 | everything arab magazine

Two years later in 1969 Joubran is able to build the

It was hard to make money in the old country. Here in

Grand Junction Plaza next to his new apartment

America Joubran discovered that this is truly the land

complex. He will move his grocery store here, which is

of opportunity. “This is my great country. And the

down the street from the old “Tom’s”. Later he will

reason I’m successful is because of this country.” His

expand the plaza to include Cook’s Drug store and,

success enabled him to sponsor all six of his siblings to

much later in 1982, the Huckleberry Junction Pizza

come to America, he had been able to make sizable

Playhouse

Genesee

donations to the local high school, provide jobs and

Township not only needed a good place to buy food

housing to his community, and provide the kind of

and to live but that businesses needed a place to

future for his family that couldn’t have before without

offer their services to the growing community. His

coming to America. Joubran is proud to be an Arab-

plaza could provide just that. Joubran liked the idea

American but he is also an all-American success story!

of providing good quality housing at affordable

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Theatre.

He

believed

that

prices for the people of Genesee Township. And now with a successful apartment complex, shopping

Meet the Son

plaza, and grocery, he had the resources to dive

Upon arriving at the office, we were warmly greeted

even deeper into the housing market.

and welcomed into what was a very perky and upbeat atmosphere by office staff and Mike Joubran.

Although it would take many years to realize his

After exchanging a few warm greetings and sharing

dream of building a housing park, he purchased 300

several minutes of casual chatting, we got right into

acres of property on Genesee Road in 1971. This is

the conversation.

where

he

would

build

his

crown

jewel,

a

manufactured housing community that wouldn’t feel

We kicked off our chat with the question “So Mike,

or look like a mobile home park but a regular

what are some of the things you remember, as a

neighborhood. In 1986 he broke ground on his

child growing up, being that you had a father who

development, Pine View Estates. Today, Pine View

was a businessman and icon in the community?” He

Estates is a beautiful community that has stayed

replied “It wasn’t much; we were just an average

vibrant over the years.

family.” He went on to tell how his dad worked very long hours every week and his mother was the one he and the rest of the children were with most of the time because dad was working.

He went on to note that they had a dog and lived in a very modest house. “Life was simple then, nothing complicated. I think my dad had just opened Tom’s Grocery Store,” Mike said as he was obviously reminiscing on the years gone by. He went on to say that actually they lived semi-poor. They didn’t have a lot of money and they didn’t have the big cars, but they were happy! With a boyish smile he said “I remember getting a pair of Hush Puppies and that

18 | everything arab magazine

was like getting a pair of Tommy Hilfiger (according

some of the best pizza in Genesee County, and like a

to today’s standards). You get a pair of those and

conductor on cue his eyes lit up as he told us the

you thought you were all that!”

story of how he created the recipe that still is used even until this very day

He remembers his family moving to Genesee when he was just six years old and then enrolling in Hass

From the dough, to the sauce, to the seasonings, to

Elementary School. There was not much housing or

the meat, to the vegetables, Mike knows his pizza. It

business in Genesee during those years; it was mostly

was like I was talking with the same little guy who

farm land. He noted that Mott Lake wasn’t even

grew up in this small community. He spoke with

there when he moved there. He told the story of how

eagerness and excitement about how much he

a good friend of his father’s did the bulldozing of the

enjoyed running the funhouse theatre and working

land where Mott Lake now exists.

with the people that he employed there.

After sharing a few more stories of his childhood

Mike is also proud of the fact that over the years, he

years, some of which he cared not to share on the

and his family have seen three generations of other

record, we laughed and had a good time enjoying

families come through the doors of the Huckleberry

his humor. It was obvious to us that Mike may have

Junction! It definitely is a badge of honor that Mike

missed his true calling! He should be doing a stand-up

wears with a certain heir of humility and gratefulness.

comedy routine in Vegas, we said as we laughed!”

In a self-describing manner, he told us that he was a fun loving guy. He had a way with taking serious things and joking about them and not letting it escalate into any type of violent confrontational situations. He shared that he believed that he was not spoiled as a child. As a matter of fact, he stated that he started working in the meat department of his father’s store at the age of 10 years old. He remembers that his dad was a tuff guy.

His dad was also a perfectionist and it was very hard to please him and to get it right. Eventually he would move on to working in the family owned dance club called the Mikatam, which was named after MIke KAthy and TAMmy, Tom and Julia’s three children, and he managed that establishment for many years.

From there he would later go on to establish the Huckleberry Junction Pizza Playhouse Theatre, a favorite place for children and youth. We did take time to share with him that Huckleberry does have everything arab magazine | 19

Today,

however,

Mike

manages

the

sprawling

his perspectives on life and business. He shared this,

complex known as Pineview Estates. The site is the

“I’m going to live like I’m young no matter how old I

one his father created near Mott Lake. To date, there

get, just like my grandpa!”, as we all laughed. In his

are over 1000 Completed Lots which offer sewer,

own words Mike says “I learned the organizational

water, electricity and cable television. This is the

skills

crowning achievement of his father’s legacy, and the

organized. I learned the drive and the inspiration from

mantle has been placed on his shoulders to take it to

him, (meaning his father Tom). Don’t give up and if

the next level.

you have to find where the oil is, get that shovel out

from

people

who

were

educated

and

and start digging and keep going until the very end.”

In carrying on the vision of real estate development, Mike has recently completed the negotiations and

Mike went on to say that he was extremely close to

acquisition of Pheasant Run Mobile Home Park on

his mother.

Corunna Road in Flint Township, Michigan. They have

Carolina,

significantly upgraded the one hundred eighty home site and with a location that sits one minute from the I-75 / I-69 interchange it makes for easy access to shopping, work, and play.

In an interesting circle of events, the Pheasant

Run

Mobile

Home

Park

happens to be located across the street from the building that used to house “Mansour’s” where his father first came to work in Genesee County. “I think that it’s neat that I would own a business so close to where my dad first started out

She was a sweetheart from North who

was

always

encouragement

“I learned the organizational skills from people who were educated... I learned the drive and the inspiration from him...”

and

a a

source

of

comforting

voice to him as well. He states that in times when he really needed some guidance and wisdom on how to make certain decisions, she would always say the words “This too shall pass… ” As he went on to share more about his mother he

obviously

was

overjoyed

and

extremely excited to talk about the woman who, in part, had helped him to become the man that he is today.

It was obvious to us that this man had great admiration for both of his parents

here in Michigan. It reminds me of what hard work

and with that we decided to have a chat with the

can accomplish.”

woman whom he had raved about!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mike Joubran truly has a gift of communicating with people. If you sit in his presence for any length of

Meet the Mother

time, as we did, you can easily tell that his affinity for

Later that week, we visited the home of Mrs. Julia

making people laugh really shows. Today he and his

Joubran. We were greeted at the door by long-time

wife, whom he met in Nazareth, live in Genesee

friend, Jackie Parker. She showed us to the front room

Township and they have three children. He attributes

where we sat and waited for Julia to join us. She soon

much of his success to his father, mother, and his

came out and greeted us with a warm friendly smile

loving family. And speaking of his family, we were

and to our surprise; she spoke with a charming

quite amused by his 28 year old son Tom, who

southern accent! It was clear from the start that she

happened to be in on the meeting when he shared

was all that Mike had said she was and then some. (story continued on page 42)

20 | ev erything arab magazine

22 | everything arab magazine

Afterwards, concert goers were able to enjoy an afterglow and meet with the group at Mott’s Applewood Café. See page 38 in this issue for more in-depth background info on the Ensemble. More information about the Ensemble and samples of their music

may

be

found

at

their

website

www.ArabesqueEnsemble.com.

14TH ANNUAL ENSURE THE LEGACY DINNER ARABESQUE

MUSIC

ENSEMBLE

PERFORMS

TRADITIONAL ARAB MUSIC BEAUTIFULLY AT MOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE

AND AWARD BANQUET, A SUCCESSFUL EVENT Each year the Ensure the Legacy Dinner seems to out-do the last and this year’s was no exception. This year’s event was held at the Holiday Inn Center to

The AAHC co-sponsored along with Mott College a

honor local citizens and is the major, annual

Middle Eastern Classical Music Concert featuring the

fundraiser for the AAHC.

Arabesque Music Ensemble on October 1 at the Mott Memorial Building Recital Hall.

The strains of traditional Arab music filled the Hall with a masterful presentation of instruments and voice blended to perfection. The music, which seems exotic to western ears, is a welcome sound to the Arab community here in the Flint area.

Eastern scales are different from Western scales but everyone in attendance appreciated the obviously

This year the AAHC honored Mr. Troy Farah as

gifted

musical

Community Contributor of the Year, Dr. Nasser M.

instruments like the qanun, a zither-like instrument with

Sabbagh as Physician of the Year, and Maha Friej for

a bright metallic sound.

Community Leader of the Year. In addition the AAHC

rendition

on

traditional

Arabic

presented Student Scholarship Awards for two very deserving students as well.

The key note speaker for the evening was Mr. Philip Shaltz, President of Uptown Developments. He spoke of the need for citizens to support the downtown Flint revitalization project. “We must create a vibrant downtown economy so that our young people will be more likely to stay in the area instead of leaving to go to places like New York City,” as his children did.

everything arab magazine | 23

HATE CRIMES SYMPOSIUM HELD AT U OF M – FLINT SPURS CONVERSATION OF REAL ISSUES The University of Michigan-Flint hosted a panel discussion on “Hate Crime, Community Tension and the Flint Stabber Case,” on October 26. The event was open to the general public with a large part of the audience consisting of students from U of M-Flint.

This year’s Ensure the Legacy was a huge success in large part because of the tireless efforts of the members of the AAHC Board. In particular, Mona Sahouri, Executive Director of the AAHC, did an excellent job of spear-heading the effort to pull the event together and in securing sponsors and partners to make financial commitments to the AAHC. Also, the success of the Legacy Banquet depends, of course, on the attendees and their contributions.

Panel members included several professors from the University, a representative from the US Department of Justice, and AAHC’s Executive Director, Mona

Through the generosity and support of corporate sponsors and community contributors the AAHC is able to carry on its mission and programs. A big thanks goes to all of the friends and supporters of the

Sahouri.

Mona

gave

a

compelling

PowerPoint

presentation of the complexities of racial profiling.

She commanded the audience’s attention with her colorful scenarios and her direct and pointed words.

AAHC! It’s not too late to contribute to their valuable work. Please call 810.235.2722 and ask about making a year end tax deductible contribution. More information

may

be

found

on

the

web

at

www.AAHCFlint.com.

The audience sat with great attention as Mona drew them in with her inclusive manner of presenting. A good question and answer session ensued and everyone left the event with a real sense of the impact that racial profiling has in our community.

More photos can be found at www.AAHCFlint.com.

24 | everything arab magazine

AT A SMALL DUSTY FIELD JUST OUTSIDE THE

Ennab says she has been racing for more than seven

West Bank city of Ramallah, mostly male

years. This year, she's part of a team, the Speed

spectators cheer and wave flags as a car speeds though a turn on the racetrack.

The car comes to a halt and the racer, 24-year-old

Sisters, a group of female race car drivers that is breaking stereotypes — and records, the women hope — in the Arab world's increasingly popular car racing scene.

Mona Ennab, jumps out. When she slides off her helmet and smiles at the crowd, it's not hard to see why she was a contestant for Miss Palestine, the West Bank's beauty pageant. She's part of a team of Palestinian women competing in the West Bank's burgeoning professional car racing scene. After placing in the top 10 in several recent races, the female team has sped from curious anomaly to serious competition.

Khaled Khadoura, head of the Palestinian Motorsport Federation, says that it took no time for women to move from novelty racers at the track to serious competitors. "I'm very proud to see our young women today taking an interest in race car driving, and training in order to improve themselves," Khadoura says. The group has welcomed a new driver and potential teammate, Sahar Jawabrah, 44. She stands

And the former beauty pageant contestant she says

out as she wears an Islamic headscarf underneath

is proud of her skills behind the wheel.

her helmet on the track. During the daytime she

"I was the first girl to make the race here in Palestine,"

works in a library and tends to her four children, but

Ennab says.

she says she always fantasized about car racing.

26 | everything arab magazine

"Here you are alone, just alone, just one. It's more

racing career almost by accident. "I love cars, I love

dangerous, it's better than going fast in the street,"

speed, so I drive fast. And after they see me in

Jawabrah says. As she takes her tiny Daewoo out for

Ramallah when I drive fast they told me to come to

a trial run around the track, the engine stalls and she

the federation and join," she says.

nervously jolts the car back to life. She doesn't place in the top bracket, but she finishes the race to the cheers of the other Speed Sisters.

And by fast she means more than half a dozen speeding tickets off the track in a single month.

Nearly all the team members have similar stories. They take pride in the fact that every member of the Speed Sisters has been issued speeding tickets. Some, like Ennab, were told by police to speak to Khadoura about racing on the track. Some of that training has come thanks to the British Consulate, which flew in two professional drivers for a two-day workshop with the Speed Sisters earlier this month. Karen McLuskie, the British political consul, discovered the women last year and has since become a patron of the team.

"I think for me, driving isn't like any other sports; men and women can compete in the same race. And

But not everyone is happy to see her on the track.

you know what — they're beginning to get there,"

Despite the growing popularity of racing across the

McLuskie says. "At the beginning of the season we

Arab world, a number of Muslim clerics have spoken

had one of our girls who won her category. And you

out against the sport. Jawabrah says she's heard men

should have seen the faces of those guys."

call it haram, or forbidden, but she thinks they are illinformed. There is nothing wrong with racing, she

This story first appeared in NPR on July 2, 2010, Š NPR, All Rights Reserved

says. While most of the men at the races applaud just as loudly for the female racers as for the men, some say they are uncomfortable with women at the racetrack.

Tareq Sarsou, a 33-year-old Ramallah store owner, says that while he was impressed by the sport, he isn't sure it's appropriate for Palestinian society. "I would not allow my wife, my sister or my daughter to race here," Sarsou says.

In this season's races, nearly all the women fared well against the men. And one of the Speed Sisters earned a spot in the top 10 rankings. Like many of the women on the team, Ennab says she began her everything arab magazine | 27

A stellar line-up of international and local designers took to the runway at Fashion Expo Arabia at The Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) this October 2010.

Sheikha Shamma Bint Zayed Al Nahyan was the

ADACH also supported the exhibition’s “Emerging

official patron of Fashion Expo Arabia, which is the

Emirati Talent” showcase of up-and-coming Emirati

Middle East’s first comprehensive fashion industry

fashion designers. Two runway shows took place

event.

during the exhibition to highlight the pool of local talent that exists in the United Arab Emirates, and to

Runway shows from top international designers such

give these emerging fashion stars a platform to

as Sakina M’Sa (Paris), Carta E Costura (Milan) and

display their work.

Kyri (London) added a touch of glamour to the trade exhibition, which displayed more than 500 mid to

With hundreds of international and regional buyers

high-end brands from Europe and the Middle East.

attending the three-day exhibition at ADNEC, it was the perfect opportunity for these aspiring designers to

Top

UAE-based

designers

such

as

HSY

Hassan

reach out to a global market.

Sheheryar Yasin, Sohad Acouri and Rabia Z also sent their latest collections down the catwalk during the

In a further move designed to assist buyers, WGSN,

three-day exhibition.

the world’s leading fashion and style forecaster, presented forthcoming trends and tangible advice in

Renowned

Pakistani

designer

Rizwan

Beyg

and

a series of free to attend seminars exclusively at

Manish Malhotra, designer to many Bollywood stars,

Fashion Expo Arabia. The event was open to the

also presented their collections at the event.

general public with guests registering at the door.

Zoie’s, a new family dining restaurant, has recently opened in Swartz Creek at 6104 Miller Road by the SPO building; but, owner Theresa Alexander is no stranger to the business. She and husband, Bill Alexander, owned Gabby’s Café on Pierson road in Flushing for eleven years. And now they are taking their flare for food upscale but without the upscale prices. There’s something on the menu for everyone including five different steak choices from $8.95 to $18.95 and a fresh salad buffet offered from 11am to 9pm. They even have $2.99 breakfast specials. Or perhaps you might like to try the Chicken Sausage Pasta or traditional Fish and Chips.

“We also have a special room for your business meeting or private party,” Theresa notes. You might like to attend an upcoming Murder Mystery Play or listen to live guitar music on Friday nights 6pm to 8pm, and Sunday’s boast a tremendous Dinner Buffet from 11am to 3pm. For special events, you can even rent their famous chocolate fountain for that special occasion. And don’t forget to try one of their famous homemade pies for desert! Great tasting food, generous portions, fair prices, comfy fare in a cozy and casual atmosphere, with occasional music and murder mystery, that’s Zoie’s. Call today to reserve a seat for the play or the meeting room at 810-6359415. Open Weekdays 8am to 9pm, Friday and Saturday 7am to 9pm, and Sunday’s 7am to 8pm.

32 | ev erything arab magazine

Beloved by his patients for his compassion and respected by his fellow surgeons for his skill and commitment to excellence, the late Dr. Obeid’s legacy lives on at Hurley and in the community.

As Hurley’s Director of Trauma Services beginning in 1999, Dr. Obeid led the Trauma Team’s successful drive to upgrade the Trauma Center to Level I status by the American College of Surgeons. In 2005, Dr. Obeid established the Hurley Bariatric and Minimally Invasive Surgical Center that is recognized today as one of the top three Bariatric Centers in Michigan.

A dedicated educator, Dr. Obeid was a professor of surgery at the University of Michigan Medical School, Case Western Reserve University and Michigan State University. Dr. Obeid believed that there was no better human service than taking care of the patient and alleviating their suffering. To him, that was what medicine was all about.

Doors will open to the public in early 2012. It is indeed fitting that the trauma bays are named in honor of Dr. Farouck N. Obeid since the new trauma center will represent his trademark values of patient and family centered care and clinical excellence.

The late Dr. Farouck N. Obeid’s legacy continues to be carried on by his wife Gloria, and four children, Nabeel, Nadia, Leila, and Nicholas.

Dr. Farouck N. Obeid

Trauma Bay Fund Hurley Medical Center As a tribute to the late Dr. Farouck N. Obeid for the legacy he left at Hurley Medical Center, the Hurley Foundation has established the Dr. Farouk N. Obeid Trauma Bay Fund to honor this gifted trauma surgeon, critical care specialist, community leader and family man.

Donations to the Dr. Farouck N. Obeid Trauma Bay Fund will provide state-of-the-art trauma bays in the Paul F. Reinhart Emergency Trauma Center that are currently under construction at Hurley Medical Center. For more information regarding a contribution to the Dr. Farouck N. Obeid Trauma Bay Fund, please contact: Colleen Conroy Mansour, Hurley Foundation Tel – 810.262.7005, CMansou1@HurleyMC.com.

“Those of us who knew Farouck were enriched by his knowledge, his teaching, his humor and his larger than life personality. His students will always remember his legendary wit and expansive knowledge and gentle spirit.”

– Dr. Nabil Khoury, President Nat ional Arab American M edical As s ociat ion

ev erything arab magazine | 33

three residence halls and additional off-campus apartments that are home to more than 450 students.

What differentiates Baker College of Flint from other colleges and universities?

According to Julianne T. Princinsky, Ed.D., Baker College of Flint president, the difference stems from Baker’s ongoing mission to provide quality higher education and training that enable graduates to be successful throughout challenging and rewarding careers.

“In other words,” said Princinsky, “as a career college, the employment of our graduates is our primary focus. Every Baker College of Flint action – from curriculum design to student services to management decisions – is planned with the needs of only two groups in mind: the students and the employers who hire them. The success of this strategy is evident in that approximately 98 percent of our available graduates are employed.”

To meet the needs of the two customer groups, Baker College of Flint constantly develops new quality educational programs and innovative delivery methods. In addition, professional faculty and staff with real-world experience, and excellent resources, facilities and state-of-the-art technology all combine to reflect a learning environment that is further supported by exemplary customer service.

BAKER COLLEGE, A NON-PROFIT HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTION, WAS FOUNDED AS BAKER BUSINESS UNIVERSITY NEARLY 100 YEARS AGO IN 1911.

Today it is the largest private college in Michigan, serving more than 43,000 students on 12 campuses and in four satellite locations. Baker grants certificates and associate, bachelor's and master's degrees in business, health sciences, education and human service, and various technical fields, as well as a doctorate of business administration. The College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Closer to home, the Baker College of Flint campus has grown from 100 students to more than 7,000.

Baker College of Flint offers housing options including

Baker College of Flint officials are proud of the recent initiatives, new programs, community involvement projects and student accomplishments that serve to enhance a career college education and differentiate Baker’s Flint campus from other area colleges and universities.

“We recently added an interpreter training program to meet our local employment needs,” said Princinsky. “In addition, we expanded our Center for Transportation Technology to include new welding and auto body programs.”

Other campus highlights include: * Graduates of the surgical technology, veterinary technology, orthotics/prosthetics technology, health information technology and the nursing programs achieved, on the first attempt, a 100 pass rate on state ev erything arab magazine | 35

and/or national certification exams * The Family Business Center offered advice, counsel and support to more than 100 small businesses in 2009 * Through the Small Business Center, business students and instructors partnered with local businesses to help in areas such as marketing, accounting, market research, financial analysis, management issues, human resources and sales strategies * Business students offered free services to Witherbee’s Market, a start-up downtown grocery store, creating a logo, employee handouts, advertising campaign materials and online surveys for prospective customers * More than 100 area high school students took advantage of Baker’s dual enrollment program in order to earn college credits at Baker College of Flint while still in high school * In a mutually beneficial agreement with area scout ranches, veterinary technology students are being taught horse-handling skills and equine clinical procedures * Baker’s Flint campus partnered with Automation Alley to help train workers for jobs with the Department of Defense and defense contractors * For two years in a row, IT students won the National Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition * The Flint campus partnered with Junior Achievement of Genesee County to provide a business education experience to grade school students * The orthotic/prosthetic technology program is one of five accredited programs offered in the United States, and the only one offered east of the Mississippi “This partial list underscores our commitment to our students to provide the best training and education available,” said Princinsky. “In addition, our continuously growing enrollment numbers prove that more and more students are turning to Baker College for their education."

36 | ev erything arab magazine

38 | ev erything arab magazine

The Arabesque Music Ensemble credits its

SE: Why did you?

vocalist, Youssef Kassab, with keeping the ensemble true to its mission of preserving the cultural turath, both in its recordings and live

YK: I wanted to listen. We didn’t have a record player at home; at that time, few people owned one.

performances. “Ustaz” Kassab, a legendary singer who has collaborated with many of

SE: Did you ever get to see Umm Kalthoum live?

the “greats” in the Arabic music pantheon, serves as a valuable “link to the past” for

YK: She came to Syria for a concert, and I told my dad, ‘I want to see Umm Kalthoum!’ He said I was

ensemble members and audiences. Kassab

too young.

is tireless in his passion for mentoring the

agreed to pay for half the ticket; I paid for the other

AME’s younger musicians to retain

half.

the

I said, ‘please, dad!’ and he finally

I remember exactly what she sang: “Ya

Zalemni”, “Daleeli Ehtaar”, “Hayyarti Albi Ma’ak”...

authenticity of the traditional techniques.

Originally from Damascus, Kassab moved to the United States in 1970. He has devoted his career to teaching, recording, and performing the classical repertoire. He is one of the world’s master performers

After the concert, I went up to the stage. I wanted to see

the

‘ud

player;

it

was

Muhammad

al-

Qasabji. When I got closer, he said, ‘what are you doing here?’ and I said, ‘I want to see your ‘ud!’

of classical forms such as the Arabic muwashshahhat (classical Arabic/Andalusian vocal music), al-Qudud al-Halabiyya

(traditional

vocal

repertoire

from

Aleppo, Syria), and 19th- and 20th-century Egyptian vocal music.

AME Community Relations staff member Sharday ElAssar recently interviewed “al-motreb” Kassab by telephone at his Brooklyn home.

Sharday El-Assar: When did you first get involved with music?

Youssef Kassab: I started singing in school when I was nine years old. When I was a little boy, I used to go to a cafe where men were sitting and playing cards, poker, and backgammon and drinking coffee and cola. They would play records of Umm Kalthoum and Abd el-Wahhab, one after the other. I would stay around until the waiter ousted me, saying ‘Get out of here! Why do you always stop here?’ ev erything arab magazine | 39

The next day, there was a reception at a government

light songs--but I didn’t like it. When I sang classical

building in celebration of the concert. I went by

pieces, they said, ‘No! We want to dance!’ But I

myself; I wanted to see her. Everyone was there--

would always reply, this is better! This is classical!’

people

from

the

army,

government

officials,

ambassadors. They didn’t want to let me in, but I was

Kassab has performed as lead vocalist with the

able to get inside to catch a glimpse of Umm

Arabesque

Kalthoum for a few moments. I’ll never forget that.

performance.

Music

Ensemble

since

its

first

He transcribed the scores--some of

which had not been reproduced in decades--for the SE: When did you start learning this style of music?

ensemble’s second recording, “Music of the Three Musketeers” and transcribes scores for the AME’s tour

YK: I started learning the traditional style from my

repertoires.

uncle as a young boy. It was all by ear; there were no written notes. I used to go with my uncle to

AME Executive Director Hicham Chami recounts the

practice with his ensemble.

process of recording the second album.

I started playing the

tambourine, to get the beat in my head. Then I learned to play the ‘ud, then I added the ‘ud to my

Hicham Chami: We recorded the entire instrumental

singing. I told my uncle I wanted to learn notes, and

portion of the album and played it for Youssef for his

enrolled at the Damascus Conservatory.

final approval, before sending it to the pressing

When I

learned to write notes, I started composing, and sang my compositions on the radio.

plant.

He listened from beginning to end, very

calmly, without a hint of reaction. Finally, when it was SE: When did you come to the US, and why?

over, he said, ‘that’s good, very good, the playing is tight, the performance is solid...but it’s not traditional.’

YK: I came about 40 years ago. I had a friend here who

found

me

a

job

performing

at

restaurant. People went there to dance, so I sang 40 | ev erything arab magazine

a

The ensemble re-recorded the entire album.

It was a demanding and time-consuming process; Kassab

reviewed

every

musician’s

part

and

challenged each one to re-think his approach in the framework of the historical setting of the compositions by al-Qasabji, Ahmad, and al-Sunbati. During postproduction, Kassab listened to each phrase of the recording with Chami and Khoury, suggesting further modifications to the interpretation.

Live

performances

of

the

Arabesque

Music

Ensemble’s repertoire represent the culmination of this lengthy process of transcription, rehearsal, and studio work...resulting in the inspiration of tarab, the ecstasy that is found in the music and shared with the audience.

SE: People obviously have very strong reactions to your singing. How do you feel when you’re singing during a concert?

YK:

Singing before an audience is different from

singing

in

the studio.

When you’re before an

audience, and you see them, you sing much better.

The presence of an audience evokes the spirit of fann (art) and turath (heritage).

An audience member at a University of Florida

Ustaz Kassab acknowledges the ensemble members’

captured the essence of Kassab’s artistry:

virtuosity and commitment to excellence:

“I can’t

even put into words what I thought and felt, listening and watching him sing. The way he sang...he was

YK:

telling a story.

can play anything. I love working with them...it’s like...

It was overwhelming...it’s like he’s

They are great musicians, and very smart--they

singing just to you.”

SE: Like a family?

AME Artistic Director Hanna Khoury sums it up: YK: Aywa! Bravo ‘aleeki...It’s like a family.

Hanna Khoury:

He is one of the very few--in the

world--who can sing this style. He performs at a very high

level--and

ensemble.

expects

perfection

from

the

The Arabesque Music Ensemble performed at the Mott Memorial Building Recital Hall in Flint, Michigan on Friday, October 1 at 6:30 p.m. As part of its ongoing commitment to the cultural arts, the Arab-American Heritage Council was responsible for bringing them to Flint, along with help from the Foundation for Mott Community College.

ev erything arab magazine | 41

months Julia recounts that Tom said to her one day “When are we going to get married?” She said back to him “Well, let’s go out a little more.” So they continued to date, but as their destinies would have it, soon after, they were engaged and then were married at St. Mary’s Church on the corner of Franklin and Delaware in the City of Flint.

The years have not always been easy for them, Julia noted. With an entrepreneurial husband, working in her husband’s office and the ups and downs that come with that, having and raising three children We jumped right into the conversation and as she sat

(Michael, Kathy, and Tammy) and keeping after six

with us and shared excerpts of her life. We were

grandchildren, has kept her very busy. Besides that

drawn in by her vivid memory of a life filled with many

she and Tom helped bring 45 plus people from the

wonderful accounts of her faith, family, and friends.

old country to the U.S., many of whom are very successful

today.

There

are

also

the

normal

Although an Arab woman, Julia was born and raised

challenges of being an Arab woman in America and

in Bellhaven, North Carolina, a small coastal fishing

through it all she has held fast to her faith, her family,

town right on the eastern coast. Being born in North

and her many friends who have been the basis for

Carolina explained her southern accent and being

her life story unfolding in the manner in which it has.

from a small fishing town explained her love for

Today Julia is still actively involved with her church,

seafood. She went to elementary, middle, and high

Our Lady of Lebanon, where she sings in the choir.

school there and would eventually go on to obtain her post-graduate degree from Highpoint University

As our afternoon encounter began to wind down,

where she majored in Business.

Julia said to us, “Being married to a businessman is work and requires adjusting to the circumstances.”

As we sat with Julia, it was amazing how she put the

And, from all accounts, she has done quite well at

pieces of the puzzle of her life together in such a

adjusting in life.

pleasant manner. She spoke of the 57 plus years of

sitting and listening, chimed in with these words, “Julia

marriage to Tom, and shared with us how they met

has always been an outgoing social woman who was

one evening while her and Ester Mansour (sister of

truly ahead of her time!” And on that note, our

Judge Anthony Mansour) were hanging out one day

afternoon with Julia came to a close, and from our

heading to the movies. They stopped for a quick

perspective, it was a perfect way to sum up our

detour at Ester’s House and there was Tom sitting on

impression of Julia as well.

the sofa. She recounts that Tom couldn’t speak a bit

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

of English, so she spoke to him in the little Arabic that

Everything Arab wants to thank the Joubran family for

she knew. Tom, who was from Nazareth, had just

taking the time, effort, and energy to help make our

come to the U.S. and instantly was drawn to Julia.

encounter with them a most wonderful and delightful

They soon became friends and after about eight

experience. We look forward to their lasting success!

42 | everything arab magazine

Jackie, her friend who had been