Arab Detroit Workshop Seeks to Dispel Arab American Stereotypes

Images and Perceptions of Arab Americans; From Immigration to Discrimination: Understanding a Diverse Community


DEARBORN, Mich., Oct. 1, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Arab Detroit will host an educational workshop, "Images and Perceptions of Arab Americans" on Thursday, October 25th from 8:30am to 2:00pm at the University of Michigan-Dearborn Fairlane Center, 1900 Hubbard Drive, Dearborn, Michigan.

The diversity workshop will look at the immigration of Arab Americans and the effects of discrimination as a result of recent events in the Middle East. The tragic events in Lebanon last year, the Palestinian diaspora and the Iraq war have contributed to a misunderstood image of the rich heritage and culture of Arab Americans. The workshop will examine the diversity and culture of the Arab American community, explore the image of the Arab American in the media and the effects of prejudice and discrimination, and look at some of the most significant scientific contributions from the Arab and Islamic world to western civilization.

"This workshop goes beyond the everyday headlines and looks at some of the vital and pertinent issues affecting Arab Americans in southeastern Michigan," says Siham Awada Jaafar, Vice President of David Communications and one of the principal organizers of the event. She went on to say, "We are hopeful that participants will have a more accurate understanding of Arab Americans as a result of this informative event."

The workshop presenters include:



 * Kathy Najimy, Award-Winning Actress and Activist.
 * Dr. Jack Shaheen, Internationally acclaimed author and media critic
   and professor emeritus at the University of Illinois-Edwardsville.
 * Dr. George Saliba, Professor of Arabic and Islamic Science,
   Columbia University, New York.
 * Warren David, Founder of Arab Detroit, President and CEO, David
   Communications, a multi-cultural public relations and marketing
   firm with specialization in the Arab American market.
 * Siham Awada Jaafar, Vice President, David Communications
 * Dr. Amal Khalil David, Bilingual Program Supervisor, Detroit Public
   Schools

The workshop is expected to attract members of the print and broadcast media, business leaders, human resource directors, diversity program managers, advertising, marketing and communications professionals, educators, municipal and government employees, law enforcement personnel, community leaders and those interested in learning more about Arab Americans.

The registration enrollment fee is $95 per person and includes the workshop, continental breakfast, luncheon and workshop materials.

An optional bonus session will be offered from 2:15pm to 3:30pm and will focus on some of the most commonly used Arabic language phrases.

Arab Detroit is dedicated to the promotion and dissemination of accurate information about Arab Americans through the development of informative print materials, educational and cultural events and multi-media programming. The Arab Detroit website, www.arabdetroit.com is a hub for activities, organizations and resources about the Arab American community.

The Arab Detroit logo is available at http://www.primenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=2573

For more information contact Arab Detroit at 1-877-ARAB-944 (1-877-272-2944), via email, info@arabdetroit.com or on the worldwide web at, www.arabdetroit.com



 Sponsored by:
 Arab Detroit

 In Partnership with:
 Center for Arab American Studies--
  University of Michigan-Dearborn
 L-3 Communications
 U.S. Navy
 Detroit Edison
 Hyatt Regency Hotel-Dearborn

 Sponsored by:
 Nielsen
 Comerica Bank
 Wayne County Community College District

 With Support from:
 ADC
 ACCESS
 AWARE
 Byblos Banquet Center
 Smooth Jazz-98.7 FM

            

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