The First-Time Filmmaker Sessions Online Film Festival is proud to present The Great American Family, a documentary that sheds light on the injustices of the American criminal justice system. Directed, written, and produced by Weam Namou, this film tells the story of Dawn Hanna, who was sentenced to six years in federal prison for having conspired to send telecom equipment to Iraq during the sanctions.
Read MoreTommy Gasso, Senior VP of Commercial Lending for Community Financial Credit Union was named one of Crain’s Detroit Business 2023 Notable Leaders in Commercial Banking. Gasso joined Community Financial Credit Union in 2013, and in less than 10 years, grew its collective commercial portfolio from $20 million to $220 million, a sizable figure for the metro Detroit-based credit union.
Read MoreIsn’t it time we come together to talk about mental health and substance abuse issues? On Wednesday, May 17 at 7PM, Peter’s Angels presents Overcoming the Shame and Stigma Around Addiction. This panel discussion includes Janie Shina, clinical liaison, Rony Foumia, pharmacist, and Iklas Bashi, a clinical therapist. The event takes place at Mother of God Church following Confession at 5PM and Mass at 6PM. All donations go toward opening a rehab center.
Read MoreThe Ken Aro-Wiwa (KSW) Memorial Foundation is hosting a fundraiser to help the orphans of Ogoni, Nigeria on May 10, 2023, at Regency Manor in Southfield. The ‘Night of Hope’ will help kickstart funding for the building of a new orphanage to house victims of crisis, war, and natural disaster. The goal of the fundraiser is to raise $250,000. The total cost of the project is estimated at $1.8 million. More information is available at kansarowiwamf.org.
Read MoreUnusually cold temperatures did not put a damper on Assyrian, Chaldean, and Syriac celebrations of Akitu, the Assyrian-Babylonian New Year, in the Kurdistan Region on Saturday. Akitu marks the revival of nature in the spring and the ancient festival was dedicated to the rebirth of the ancient Mesopotamian god Marduk and his victory when he created the world out of chaos.
Read MoreFor decades now, Mosul’s Christians haven’t been able to worship in their churches because their city was racked with insecurity and violence. But on Sunday, April 2, 2023, Holy Mass was celebrated at the Monastery of Saint Michael for the first time in more than 20 years. It was officiated by Archbishop Najib Mikhael Moussa, who was overjoyed to be able to conduct the service there.
Read MoreThe Learn with a Leader program, a partnership with the Chaldean Community Foundation and Wireless Vision, continued last month with a session focused on Creating Vision and Purpose as a Leader. It also included a presentation from CCF President Martin Manna about his personal journey. Future sessions for the program will detail important leadership skills and topics about Leading Culture, People Intelligence, and much more. The CCF is proud to partner with Wireless Vision to support our next generation of leaders.
Read MoreCCF’s Sharon Hannawa and Susan Smith were recognized by Habitat for Humanity Macomb at their Annual Women’s Luncheon on April 19 at the Italian American Cultural Society. The event focused on Women of Courage, with stories featuring some of the communities most courageous and brightest women. Sharon and Susan were instrumental in helping a family gain extra resources and led to a partnership between Habitat for Humanity-Macomb and the CCF.
Read MoreAs the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce celebrates its 20th year, the philanthropic arm of the Chamber, the Chaldean Community Foundation, reaches across Woodward to establish a presence on the ‘west side.’ The Corners, a property at Walnut Lake and Inkster Roads next to Market Square, will become the new Chaldean Community Center, housing administrative offices for the Foundation, Chamber offices, a gymnasium, a television and radio studio, classrooms, an amphitheater, and much more.
Read MoreALQOSH, Iraq — On 4 April, the Chaldean–Syriac–Assyrian people of Alqosh, located in northern Nineveh Plains in Iraq, held the Alqosh Market Festival. The event was attended by residents from other regions and Alqosh residents who came from the diaspora.
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 MoreSonya Jamil was born just outside Baghdad, but her family moved here when she was very young – she can’t remember anything before the States. If she had grown up in the Middle East, her life would be very different, and she certainly wouldn’t have been the first Chaldean woman to become a law enforcement officer for Macomb County.
Read MoreIn this land of opportunity, you accept all help that comes your way. Scholarships are the path many immigrant students take to find their way to that ‘Holy Grail’ of a higher education degree. Scholarships, in varying shapes and sizes, are available to everyone, but students at Adlai E. Stevenson High School in Sterling Heights may have a leg up when it comes to applying, thanks to the Detroit Regional Dollars for Scholars Program.
Read MoreLike many northern, cool weather states, Michigan has lost population in recent census counts. The state has also seen its representation in Congress diminish, losing a seat in the latest census. But the state is not registering the worst outmigration in the nation or region, and its predicted population changes for coming decades paint a mixed picture, leaving open the search for causes and solutions.
Read MoreOn Saturday, March 18, Fr. Marcus Shammami and Fr. John Jaddou led a group of hikers to Saugatuck, Michigan for their annual Lenten hike. The day started off with Mass being celebrated at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Douglas, Michigan, before heading to Saugatuck Dunes State Park for a 4-hour, 6.2-mile hike along Lake Michigan. While the trails were cold and snowy, it did not stop the hikers from enjoying the peacefulness of the nature around them and soaking in Jesus every step of the way.
Read MoreIt has been proven, repeatedly and irrefutably, that fresh air and physical exercise do wonders for children’s physical and mental health, as well as their intellect, spirit, and overall happiness and well-being. However, with technology and social media consuming the lives of children, long gone are the endless bike rides and neighborhood-wide backyard games.
Read MoreThe Chaldean Community Foundation is offering a volleyball program for Grissom Middle School girls this summer. On April 19, the students had the opportunity to try on equipment that they will use during the summer camp. The equipment was generously donated by the Good Sports Foundation, an organization driving equitable access in youth sports and physical activity, by supporting children in high-need communities to achieve their greatest potential, on the field and in life.
Read MoreThe Christians of Iraq are one of the oldest continuous Christian communities in the world. The vast majority are indigenous Aramaic-speaking people who descend from ancient Babylonia, Chaldea, and Assyria, and follow the Syriac Christian tradition.
Read MoreAwsam Alos had a lot of good things to say about his brand-new car and the Michael J. George Chaldean Loan Fund, which provides low-interest loans of up to $15,000 to help individuals in need purchase a vehicle. “One of the best programs I have ever seen.” Alos said. Alos relies on his new car as his primary source of income. An Uber driver by day, he has found independence in owning a vehicle. The cost of renting a car from Uber prevented him from earning more income, forcing Alos to find a solution.
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