News Summary
The America’s Community Council (ACC) hosted its 46th annual gala in Detroit, recognizing prominent leaders and introducing a new CEO, Odie Fakhouri. The event celebrated significant contributions to the community under the theme ‘Beyond the Surface’ and highlighted the ACC’s commitment to service. Notable honorees included Mayor Mike Duggan and Osama Siblani. The gala also featured the unveiling of the Haifa Village project and a commemorative street sign in honor of Dr. Haifa Fakhouri, affirming the ACC’s mission for community empowerment.
Detroit – The America’s Community Council (ACC), previously known as the Arab American and Chaldean Council, proudly held its 46th annual gala on August 28 in downtown Detroit, where it honored notable leaders and introduced a new CEO. The gala celebrated significant contributions to the community and set a tone of renewed commitment to service under the organization’s evolving mission.
Among the honorees at the event were Osama Siblani, the Publisher of The Arab American News; Mayor Mike Duggan; former Detroit Police Chief James White; and Adrian Lewis, CEO of Forgotten Harvest. They were recognized for their exceptional leadership and dedication to community growth. In a key announcement during the evening, Odie Fakhouri was named the new CEO of ACC, officially stepping into the role on October 1, 2023. Meanwhile, Dr. Haifa Fakhouri, the founder and current president of ACC, continues to steer the organization towards its mission of service.
The theme of this year’s gala, “Beyond the Surface,” captured the essence of ACC’s commitment to tackling deeper community issues. The event was emceed by Taryn Asher, a Fox 2 Detroit anchor, who guided attendees through an evening showcasing the ACC’s impactful work and future initiatives.
Established in 1979, the ACC started as a small immigrant assistance office with a modest annual budget of $20,000. Under Dr. Fakhouri’s leadership, the organization has transformed into a prominent nonprofit that serves thousands of families. Currently, the ACC operates over 40 service centers across Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb Counties, providing a wide range of programs, including healthcare, education, workforce development, and community growth initiatives.
In the past year alone, the ACC delivered over 410,000 services to more than 63,000 clients, reflecting its extensive reach and commitment to community support. The organization employs 142 staff members from various backgrounds, continuing to advance its mission. ACC highlights include nearly 400 hours of training provided, the attainment of 32 professional certifications, along with the distribution of 60,000 pounds of food weekly to families in need.
A significant project unveiled at the gala was the Haifa Village, a $36 million initiative located at John R Street and Seven Mile Road in Detroit. This expansive 15-acre community, designed in a Middle Eastern architectural style, will feature approximately 200 affordable housing units, a shopping center, and a hub for community development.
Additionally, a commemorative street sign, named “Dr. Haifa Fakhouri Avenue,” was revealed during the event, which is set to be installed at the intersection of Seven Mile Road and Derby Road. The resolution for this street sign was sponsored by Councilman Colman Young, Jr. and received endorsement from City Council President Mary Sheffield.
The gala also recognized outstanding achievements with several awards: the Michigan Visionary of the Year award went to Mayor Mike Duggan; the Leadership in Inclusion award was presented to James White; the Innovator of the Year award was given to Adrian Lewis; and Osama Siblani received the Voice of Justice award. Each award recipient acknowledged the impact of Dr. Fakhouri’s leadership in fostering vital areas such as education, healthcare, and social inclusion within the community.
In addition to recognizing individual contributions, notable figures, including Gary Torgow, Chairman of Huntington National Bank, and Nancy Nanoosh, Chairwoman of the ACC board, reinforced the mission of the ACC. Odie Fakhouri, in his address, not only expressed gratitude to attendees but also highlighted the organization’s commitment to humanitarian efforts. He underscored the importance of expanding partnerships to reach more families while addressing global issues, including the humanitarian plight of Palestinians in Gaza.
The evening closed with a renewed pledge to continue the ACC’s journey towards inclusivity and community empowerment, underlining its role as a pillar of support in the broader Detroit area.
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Additional Resources
- Arab American News: ACC Celebrates Its 46th Anniversary
- Hour Detroit: 31st Annual Building Economic Bridges Gala
- Arab American News: LAHC Awards $60,000 in Scholarships
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Community Development
- Google Search: Arab-American Community Gala
Author: STAFF HERE DETROITMI WRITER
DETROIT STAFF WRITER The DETROIT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDetroitMI.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Detroit, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Movement Electronic Music Festival, Detroit Grand Prix, and America's Thanksgiving Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Detroit Regional Chamber and Focus HOPE, plus leading businesses in automotive and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Henry Ford Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
