News Summary
Detroit’s America’s Community Council held its 46th annual gala, honoring local leaders and introducing new CEO Odie Fakhouri. The event, themed ‘Beyond the Surface,’ recognized key figures in community service and emphasized ACC’s commitment to social inclusion and development. With nearly five decades of service, ACC has grown significantly, now operating 40 service centers and providing critical support to families in need.
Detroit Celebrates Community Leaders at ACC’s 46th Annual Gala
Detroit, MI – The America’s Community Council (ACC) held its 46th annual gala on August 28, 2025, in downtown Detroit, where it celebrated community leaders and introduced its new CEO, Odie Fakhouri. The event was attended by local officials, community members, and supporters, reflecting a commitment to social inclusion and community development.
The gala’s theme, “Beyond the Surface,” emphasized the deeper connections within the community and was emceed by Taryn Asher, anchor at FOX 2 Detroit. Honorees at the event included significant figures in the community such as Osama Siblani, Publisher of The Arab American News; Mayor Mike Duggan of Detroit; James White, former Detroit Police Chief and current President of the Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network; and Adrian Lewis, CEO of Forgotten Harvest.
Leadership Transition and Organizational Growth
During the event, Odie Fakhouri was officially introduced as the new CEO of ACC, beginning his role on October 1, 2025. He succeeds Dr. Haifa Fakhouri, the founder who has served as CEO since establishing the organization in 1979. Dr. Fakhouri will continue as president, guiding ACC as it expands its mission to support families in need across the region.
Over nearly five decades, ACC has evolved from a modest immigrant assistance office with an annual budget of $20,000 to a major nonprofit organization offering extensive services to thousands of families. Today, ACC operates a network of 40 service centers across Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb Counties, providing over 410,000 services to more than 63,000 clients in the last year alone.
Significant Programs and Community Support
ACC currently employs 142 staff members from diverse backgrounds and offers a wide array of services. These include nearly 400 hours of training, 32 professional certifications, and the distribution of 60,000 pounds of food weekly to families in need. The gala also highlighted the Haifa Village, a $36 million development located at John R Street and Seven Mile Road in Detroit. Designed in a Middle Eastern-inspired style, Haifa Village will include approximately 200 affordable housing units, a shopping center, and a community development hub aimed at revitalizing struggling neighborhoods.
Recognition of Community Leaders
Throughout the evening, award winners were celebrated for their contributions to the community. Mayor Mike Duggan received the Michigan Visionary of the Year Award, James White received the Leadership in Inclusion Award, Adrian Lewis was honored with the Innovator of the Year Award, and Osama Siblani was bestowed with the Voice of Justice Award.
Speakers at the gala discussed ACC’s pivotal role in supporting struggling families and emphasized the critical issues facing the nonprofit sector. Odie Fakhouri shared his commitment to continuing ACC’s inclusive mission and addressing the challenges that lie ahead.
Community Development and Humanitarian Efforts
The organization, which rebranded from the Arab American and Chaldean Council to America’s Community Council in 2023, is committed to humanitarian efforts, including support for communities in Gaza. This commitment was echoed in Fakhouri’s remarks, reinforcing ACC’s focus on social justice and outreach.
During the gala, a commemorative street sign named “Dr. Haifa Fakhouri Avenue” was unveiled, co-sponsored by Detroit City District 2 Manager Kim Tandy. The sign installation received endorsements from Councilman Colman Young, Jr. and City Council President Mary Sheffield, further solidifying Dr. Fakhouri’s impact on the community.
The ACC gala not only recognized individual achievements, but it also served as a platform for reinforcing the organization’s long-standing mission to uplift and support the diverse communities it serves.
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Additional Resources
- Arab American News: ACC Celebrates Its 46th Anniversary
- Detroit Free Press: When is Arab American Heritage Month in Michigan?
- BridgeDetroit: Arab American National Museum’s History of Immigration
- Wikipedia: Arab American
- Google Search: Arab American community in Detroit
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.
