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Local New York Officials Brief Arab Americans on Civic Activism

Posted on Thursday August 1, 2002

BROOKLYN, NY- More than 100 Arab Americans gathered to attend a civic education workshop sponsored by the Arab American Institute Foundation at Adelphi Academy Wednesday, July 31 in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn.

The meeting, second in a national series of civic education programs, offered community members the opportunity to ask questions and discuss their concerns with local, state, and federal officials. Officials discussed Arab Americans’ right to basic civil liberties and their opportunity to affect political outcomes.

“The Arab American community can play an even greater role in the American civic and political process. This event also set the stage for engaging the federal, state, and local candidates running for office in 2002 on issues of concern to the Arab American community,” said AAI National Field Coordinator Abdallah Al-Zuabi.

“They addressed issues pertinent to the local communities such as civil rights, hate crimes, housing, and employment discrimination,” said John Abi-Habib, chairman of the Arab American Christian Coalition.

At the workshop’s conclusion, the audience drafted an action plan addressing voter registration drives, campaign research and party outreach, and the recruitment of Arab Americans to serve in civic associations.

Robert Capano made welcoming remarks on behalf of the Brooklyn Borough President’s Office.

John Abi-Habib, a local community leader moderated the panels and introduced the workshop’s keynote speaker, Hon. Charles J. Hynes, Kings County District Attorney.

Speakers included: Alia Malek of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division, NYC Human Rights Commissioner Patricia Gatling, and Matthew Daus, NYC Taxi and Limousine Commissioner, Steve Schechter of the Center for Civic Education, Judge Matthew D’Emic, NY State Supreme Court, Brooklyn District, Ralph Perfetto of the Kings County Democratic Party, and Robert Howe of the King’s County Republican Party.

The workshop was cosponsored by several organizations, including the Center for Civic Education, the Arab American Christian Coalition, the Arab American Family Support Center, the Beit El Maqdis Islamic Center, the National Merchants Association, and the Arab American Association of New York.