Even if you haven’t read our previous article on Jonny “Magic” Mansour (“Fighting for Heritage,” October 2025), his name should sound familiar. Mansour, who turned 26 on July 22, is a 5’10” lightweight boxer out of San Diego with a 7-0 record, including two knockouts.
Read MoreThe Hamama v. Adducci lawsuit—a landmark class-action lawsuit filed in 2017 by the ACLU of Michigan and partner organizations to block the mass deportation of Iraqi nationals—provides important protections for certain Iraqis living in the United States. The settlement applies only to Iraqi nationals who had a final order of removal between March 1, 2017, and June 24, 2017, and who were not already deported under that order. It does not apply to all Iraqi immigrants.
Read MoreAfter 39 days and 104 matches, the World Cup has come to an end—but the intense feelings of national pride and a broader sense of global unity will hopefully linger. The 2026 FIFA World Cup was the first in its 23 editions to be jointly hosted by three nations: Canada, Mexico and the United States. Opening Day on June 12 had 25 million viewers for “the planet’s largest sporting event,” according to NPR—and then the party really began.
Read MoreWhen she was a teenager, Nikita Ducarroz’s anxieties were so bad that she was afraid to her leave her house. If she was outside her home and she felt the slightest bit ill, she raced home. “My anxieties affected my everyday life,” she said. “I played travel soccer, but I had to quit because it’s a team sport and my team couldn’t count on me.” Fast forward a few years. Now 29, Ducarroz is one of the world’s top female freestyle BMX (bicycle motocross) athletes.
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This article examines the origins, symbolism, and historical development of flags, with particular attention to the evolution of the Iraqi flag since the establishment of the modern Iraqi state in 1921. It explores the meanings associated with flag colors and symbols, the historical role of flags in shaping national identity, and the numerous transformations of the Iraqi flag over the past century.
Read MoreNo matter where someone comes from, music is arguably one of life’s great shared experiences. From classical to Arab pop to jazz and hip hop and all the kinds in between, music has always been a great uniter of people. But it’s even more than that—music is a way that we express ourselves, preserve our cultures, and connect with others. Grandiose gatherings centered around music is a concept almost as old as time itself. To dedicate one’s life to music is as noble an effort as any.
Read MoreOn Thursday, July 23, Comerica Park in Detroit experienced a Chaldean takeover during Chaldean Heritage Baseball Night. Thousands of Chaldeans filled the stands, wearing their specially made Detroit Tigers shirts featuring a Chaldean Cross and sporting cut-out signs of Fr. Pierre Konja’s face to celebrate his throwing out the first pitch. Before entering the stadium, a joy filled Baggiya line dance spontaneously broke out. It was truly a family affair with fans of all ages representing both their culture and their city. The Tigers didn’t disappoint and rallied in late innings to beat the Kansas City Royals 4-3.
Read MoreOur archives this month explore some vacation photos of our international traveler, Dr. Adhid Miri, who shared some “mod” photos from the 1970s and more recent (but still decades old) photos from the year 2000.
Read MoreNot all official meetings are alike. Some conclude as soon as the formalities end, while others open the door to conversations whose significance extends far beyond the meeting room. It was in this spirit that the meeting between a delegation from the Chaldean Community Foundation and H.E. Ali Falih Al-Zaidi, Prime Minister of the Republic of Iraq, held in Washington, D.C., on July 13, 2026, assumed particular importance.
Read MoreMaria Osmano has been appointed Human Resources Director for NoMad Detroit, the highly anticipated luxury hotel opening within Detroit’s historic Michigan Central district. Maria joins NoMad Detroit following nearly twelve years with Cicero Hospitality Group, where she most recently served as Vice President of People, Brand & Operations.
Read MorePrime Concepts Detroit, founded and operated by Joe Barbat, announced that Aurora Italiana Detroit will open inside the former home of Pao Detroit later this year. “Our goal is to create an experience that honors both the incredible history of this landmark building and the timeless appeal of Italian hospitality,” Barbat said in a statement. “From preserving the beauty of the historic Michigan Oriental Theater to introducing a warm, rustic trattoria atmosphere, Aurora Italiana Detroit will be a destination where guests can enjoy exceptional food in one of Detroit’s most remarkable spaces.”
Read MoreA group of local friends—Fady Asmar, Danny Abdow, and Justin Samona—recently launched Konkan Classic, a mobile app that brings the classic card game Konkan to iOS and soon to Android. “Like many in our community, we grew up playing Konkan at family gatherings; it’s how holidays ended and how weekends were spent,” says Samona. “We built this app so the game we love can live on for the next generation, and so family members can play together even when they’re not around the same table.”
Read MoreYvonne Najor fell in love with New York City the first time she set foot there. Now, New York City loves her back as one of the main cast members on Bravo’s newest hit show, In the City, a spin-off of the network’s Summer House. It is a movement from the single, partying lifestyle to navigating the complexities of adult life, including marriage and personal reinvention. She is the first Chaldean “character” on a mainstream reality show and claims they are all just their authentic selves.
Read MoreOn July 4, 2026, the United States of America will celebrate its 250th birthday, commemorating a century and a half since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Since then, America has gone through some growing pains: war, growth, hardship, and renewal, evolving into the country many of us proudly call home.
Read MoreOn Saturday, June 20, the Chaldean Community Foundation partnered with the Alzheimer’s Association and the group Do What You Love to End ALZ to host the Walk for Alzheimer’s at CCF West. The Chaldean Catholic Church took part with a blessing from Fr. Marcus and Fr. Pierre, and MCCFAD (Michigan Center for Contextual Factors in Alzheimer’s Disease) participated with remarks from Joe Sheena and Wassim Taraf. Dr. Tanav Popli, a dementia specialist and professor at the University of Michigan, shared insights on brain health and Alzheimer’s.
Read MoreThe last time Team Iraq qualified for the World Cup was in the 1980s, but that was not the last time Iraqi American fans rooted for a team. These photos are from the World Cup in 1994, when Detroit hosted at the Pontiac Silverdome.
Read MoreFor many Chaldean families, caring for aging parents is more than a responsibility—it is a deeply ingrained expression of love, respect, and gratitude. Our parents and grandparents sacrificed to build better lives for their children. As they age, many families feel a strong desire to return that care. Yet today’s reality looks very different from previous generations.
Read MoreIt has been said that owning a home is the ultimate American Dream. But for many West Bloomfield residents lately, that dream has become a nightmare. “If there is one more thing Chaldeans value besides God and family, it is the home. It’s where you raise your kids and host your relatives and friends,” said Omar Kallabat, a 31-year-old resident of West Bloomfield. “The home is sacred.”
Read MoreIn the same year the World Cup dominated soccer headlines, the debut of a semi-professional club team founded by a 22-year-old Chaldean American made waves closer to home. Former high school, club, and college soccer goalie turned soccer advocate and entrepreneur Fadi Tatar of Sterling Heights is the driving force behind the Hills Club Futbol team, based in the Auburn Hills, Rochester Hills, and Bloomfield Hills area.
Read MoreIt was a big deal when Warren De La Salle High School basketball star Michael Sulaka decided a few years ago to continue his court career at Western Michigan University. He became one of the few Chaldeans playing Division I basketball in college. After red-shirting in the 2023-24 season and getting limited playing time the next two years while earning Academic All-Mid-American Conference honors twice, Sulaka has transferred to Saginaw Valley State University, a Division II program in Saginaw County.
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