“Geography informs your fate,” says Dr. Adhid Miri. What he means by that is our environment has an immense influence on our chosen trade or livelihood. The Silk Road—interwoven passages, caravan routes, and byways that stretched from China to the eastern Mediterranean—connected with other important trade routes in ancient Mesopotamia, giving rise to a culture adept at trade.

Back in 1937, a group of Chaldean Iraqi Christians traveled from Telkaif to Mosul, then to Adana to board a cargo ship bound for America. However, the United States was not their final destination. Upon reaching Ellis Island, New York City’s famous point of entry, they would board another ship, this one bound for Veracruz, which was then the main port of entry into Mexico.

April is National Cannabis Awareness Month, so we wanted to take the opportunity to give you an update on the industry and on the status of the opposition to legalized marijuana. The legal industry is still young; we know that many Chaldeans have gotten in on the ground floor, capitalizing on their shrewd business skills. But others are not happy with the new legal status.

In the tapestry of history, the contributions of remarkable women often remain woven in the shadows, their stories hidden beneath layers of time, patterns, and societal norms. Yet, within the rich and vibrant cultural heritage of the Chaldean community, a garment of strength, resilience, and empowerment emerges; one adorned with the narratives of extraordinary women who have defied expectations and altered the weave.

Part I Few members of the Chaldean community in Detroit still survive and remember what the village was like in the early 1900s, when our pioneers made the brave and challenging journey to America. What drove them to accomplish such a feat? To understand the enormity of such a journey, it’s necessary to recall the reality of village life and its simplicity.

The culinary traditions of the Chaldean community are as rich and diverse as our ancient history. Originating from the cradle of civilization, Chaldean cuisine boasts a plethora of flavors that narrate our cultural heritage. As the Chaldeans found a new home in Detroit, Michigan, we brought along our cherished recipes, crafting a unique food narrative that melds ancient traditions with the modern-day food landscape of the Motor City.

Detroit is home to a unique Middle Eastern community who call themselves Chaldeans. This article attempts to illuminate the Chaldean heritage and religion, tracing its journey from the grand civilizations of ancient Mesopotamia to the culturally rich villages of Northern Iraq. We will explore the profound legacy of the Chaldeans and examine the integral role of the Church of the East in their identity.

Rocky “Rockman” Salem Somo has been boxing for seven years. His professional career started in 2023 with a May 26 win by unanimous decision over Carlos Escobedo in the fourth round. He fought for the first time in his home area of San Diego on March 2 of this year at the Four Points Sheraton and won by knockout in the second round.

In honor of April as Poetry Month, the Chaldean Cultural Center will host an event at the West Bloomfield Public Library on April 13 from 1-3pm. The event, held in the meeting room of the library at 4600 Walnut Lake Road, features four Iraqi-born women including Weam Namou, director of the Chaldean Cultural Center, and Dunya Mikhail, poet, author, and professor at Oakland University. The women are in a short 10-minute documentary which was funded by the Knight Foundation.

Juliana Rabban, a local Chaldean artist, was commissioned by City Walls Detroit to create a 5’ 8” tall football cleat sculpture to be displayed for the NFL Draft and auctioned off in May. Juliana calls her cleat “Unite & Ignite,” which she said embodies the shared human struggle as it relates to cancer. As someone who has watched close family struggle with cancer, she chose the charity Kids Without Cancer to receive her donation. Her cleat will be displayed at City Airport in Detroit in April.

Rocky “Rockman” Salem Somo has been boxing for seven years. His professional career started in 2023 with a May 26 win by unanimous decision over Carlos Escobedo in the fourth round. He fought for the first time in his home area of San Diego on March 2 of this year at the Four Points Sheraton and won by knockout in the second round.

CCF’s C.H.A.I. (Caregiver Helping Aid Initiative) has been recognized by ARCH (Access to Respite Care and Help) as an Innovative and Exemplary Respite Service. A three-year designation, CCF’s C.H.A.I. is one of only four respite services from across the country recognized with the highest level of distinction. CCF is pleased to have met the stringent set of criteria that addresses the needs of family caregivers of adults and older adult family members.