Professor Malik Yousif Mansour Francis (Fransi) Gorgees Yousif Francis Mary was born in Baghdad, Iraq, on August 24, 1931. He passed peacefully at his home on October 3, 2023, surrounded by his wife Amira, son Raed, daughters Raghad, Rand, and Rana, brother Adhid, and sister Suha. Malik was educated in England and the United States and received a master’s degree (MA) from Ohio State University. He had a long academic career and served as Professor of English Language and Literature at Al-Mustansiriyah University (1976-1999), Baghdad University (1964-1976) and the Department of Education in Iraq (1954-1960).
Read MoreThese featured community members recently passed away.
Read MoreIn Memoriam - September 2023
Read MoreIt’s so easy to begin this by listing off all the accomplishments that Clarence contributed to the community around the world. Many knew him for his friendly smile, witty one-liners, or the fact that he battled stage four colon cancer behind closed doors and still managed to provide pro-bono services for the Iraqi community while they fought deportations, alongside his own determination and valor to live life to the fullest.
Read MoreIn 2017, the Trump administration escalated the deportation of Iraqi nationals, including many who had lived in the metro Detroit area for decades. These individuals had been convicted of felonies in the past, preventing them from becoming US citizens. They were here legally, but America under Trump didn’t want them.
Read MoreRemembering members of our community who have passed away.
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