BRIDGES 10th Anniversary Reception, September 9, 2011

posted on: Sep 8, 2011

BRIDGES (Building Respect in Diverse Groups to Enhance Sensitivity) will hold a special reception, celebrating its 10th anniversary as a forum for dialogue between the federal government and members of the Arab American community at 6PM at the Byblos Banquet Center, 7258 Chase Road, Dearborn, Michigan, 48126. BRIDGES was established shortly after the September 11th tragedy to facilitate open discussion through regular meetings to address pertinent issues and concerns of the Arab American and Chaldean communities. The BRIDGES 10th Anniversary Reception will include representatives from various government agencies including Customs and Border Protection, Citizenship and Immigration Services, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the FBI, as well as numerous representatives from local community organizations.

BRIDGES is co-chaired by the Department of Homeland Security Officer, Margo Schlanger, and Mr. Imad Hamad, ADC Senior National Advisor and Regional Director.

BRIDGES co-founders, Imad Hamad and the US Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan, Barbara McQuade along with Schlanger, will share remarks regarding their involvement and views of BRIDGES and its accomplishments during the 10th Anniversary Reception. “This event marks ten years of the BRIDGES partnership between government and the community to ensure that all Americans receive the full protections of the Constitution and laws of the United States” states US Attorney, Barbara McQuade.

2011 marks 10 years since the tragedy of September 11th, the inception of Bridges and the beginning of a forum that has proven insurmountable in regards to government and community relations. BRIDGES, a formal entity of dialogue which has been emulated in several cities across the nation has been the platform for issues ranging from the no fly list, TSA practices, and CBP Border inspections to FBI informants. “Indeed, we take pride in such a model of success as we are entering the 10th year of a critically important forum” stated Imad Hamad, ADC Sr. National Advisor and Regional Director. The BRIDGES 10th Anniversary Reception is by invitation only and is expected to host 250 guests including law enforcement, public and government officials as well as community leaders. The event is by invitation only.

ADC-Michigan