Detroit Evening Report: Arab American leaders gather in Dearborn to endorse Harris for president

Several prominent Arab Americans gathered in Dearborn on Sunday to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris for president.

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Attendees expressed their grief, concern and disappointment with the Biden administration over the wars in Gaza and Lebanon, but said another Donald Trump presidency would be detrimental to Arab Americans and their allies.

James Zogby, co-founder of the Arab American Institute — a political and policy research agency based in Washington — says working with Trump is not an option. 

“The coalition partners we’ve had that have done the ceasefire resolutions that have done the Palestinian rights resolutions that have called for an end to war and for arms, those coalition partners, we’ve needed them, and they were there for us,” said Zogby. “They need us now, and we need to be there for them.”

Other Arab American and Muslim voters have different viewpoints. 

The Uncommitted National Campaign says it cannot endorse Harris, but does not encourage people to vote for Trump or a third-party candidate. The Abandon Harris campaign urges voters to cast their ballots for the Green Party’s Jill Stein. 

Other headlines for Monday, Oct. 28, 2024: 

• The Department of Homeland Security announced temporary protected immigration status for eligible Lebanese nationals living in the U.S. — allowing them to apply for work authorization.
• The Muslim Coalition of Michigan held an “early voting rally” in Dearborn over the weekend. Organizers say 1,000 Michigan Muslims attended the rally, which took place at the Henry Ford Centennial Library.
• Community leaders in Southwest Detroit are holding a community event to raise awareness about clean air and environmental justice during festivities for Dia de los Muertos this week. Advocates will discuss the health impacts of air pollution from the steel industry, diesel emissions, and dust in heavy traffic areas in neighborhoods. The event, beginning this Friday, Nov. 1 at Clark Park, will feature poetry, a march, and family-friendly activities.
• The Hamtramck Historical Museum is hosting an opening ceremony for the Bangladeshi Diaspora Exhibit from 2-4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 2. The new exhibit will showcase Bangladeshi culture, art, and history, including contributions from local students.

Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.