SOUTHFIELD, Mich., Feb. 21, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- To advance cultural understanding, the United American Lebanese Federation (UALF) will stage two community events.
The cultural education workshop, "Images and Perceptions of Arab Americans: Are They Like Us or Not," will take place on Thursday, April 7, 2005, at the University of Michigan-Dearborn's Fairlane Center from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The featured speakers include Dr. Wayne Baker, University of Michigan professor and principal investigator, and Sally Howell, MA, researcher, of the landmark Detroit Arab American Study; Dr. Anne Rasmussen, The College of William & Mary ethnomusicologist and director of the Middle East Music Ensemble; and Dr. John Zogby, CEO, Zogby International as keynoter. Tuition of $95 includes workshop, continental breakfast, lunch and workshop materials.
The UALF Musical Extravaganza & 2005 Cedar Awards Presentation will be held on Saturday, May 7, 2005, at Detroit's Masonic Temple, at 7:30 p.m. The Arab virtuoso, Simon Shaheen, will perform "From Lebanon to Syria--the Music of Asmahan and Farid al-Atrache" with his Near East Music Ensemble. Tickets for $45, $35 and $25 are available at any Meijer's Store, www.starticketsplus.com or 1-800-585-3737.
UALF President Warren David said, "We warmly welcome Arabs and non-Arabs alike to experience these terrific programs. Cultural understanding is our goal and forms the basis for better relations between people."
Formed in 1999, United American Lebanese Federation is a 501(c)3 non-profit, non-sectarian organization dedicated to uniting individuals of Lebanese descent for the betterment of the substantial Detroit area Lebanese American and Arab American community as a whole. They achieve their mission of furthering cultural and ethnic understanding by solidifying the position of Lebanese Americans in the community at large; conducting charitable activities to help Lebanese Americans in need; educating and immersing their children in the Lebanese culture and heritage; providing Arabic and English classes; and mentoring students and acting as positive role models.
For more information or for tickets, please call 586.979.3801.