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Sen. Richard Durbin to Address Arab Americans on Civil Liberties at Gibran “Spirit of Humanity” Awards

Posted on Friday April 30, 2004

Washington— Senator Richard Durbin (D-IL) of Illinois will address the Arab American Institute Foundation’s 2004 Kahlil Gibran “Spirit of Humanity” Awards at the Omni Shoreham hotel in Washington on May 4th. The Senator, who is a member of the Judiciary Committee, will discuss civil liberties.

Recipients of 2004 Kahlil Gibran “Spirit of Humanity” Awards are Muhammad Ali, for his efforts to combat poverty and hunger throughout the world, and Rock the Vote for its work to empower young Americans. Rock the Vote’s Award will be presented by the West Wing’s Mary-Louise Parker, who won a 2004 Golden Globe for her “Angels in America” performance. Following 9/11, Parker organized close to fifty of her fellow actors to film a series of public service announcements promoting tolerance towards Arab and Muslim Americans.

American Near East Refugee Aid (ANERA) will receive a Gibran Award for its 36-year commitment to relieving the suffering of Middle East refugees. “Def Poetry Jam’s” Suheir Hammad, a Palestinian American who grew up in Brooklyn, will present the ANERA award. Hammad’s poems, as well as her books Born Palestinian, Born Black and Drops of This Story, have received critical acclaim establishing her as one of the nation’s foremost young artists.

Her Majesty Queen Noor will present the first “Najeeb Halaby Public Service Award”, in honor of her late father, to Congressman Nick Rahall. Rahall is being recognized for his twenty-eight years of distinguished government service and consistent interest in the public affairs of the Arab American community.

Westchester County (NY) District Attorney Jeanine Pirro will also participate in the Gibran Awards program. Pirro, who is Arab American, oversees the prosecution of more than 30,000 criminal cases each year and is the best selling author of To Punish and Protect. Entertainment at the awards gala will be provided by Arab American comedians Dean Obeidallah and Maysoon Zayid.

WHEN: Tuesday, May 4, 6PM reception 7PM dinner

WHERE: Omni Shoreham Hotel, 2500 Calvert Street, NW, Washington, D.C.

CONTACT: Jennifer Salan or Rebecca Abou Chedid at 202-429-9210

NOTE: Event is at capacity. Credentialed media wishing to cover should RSVP to assure riser space.