Latest news with #AbdullahHammoud
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud on 'sacred journey' in Mecca for pilgrimage
Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud is on a spiritual journey in Saudi Arabia as he performs hajj, the Islamic pilgrimage that's taking place this year from June 4-9. Hammoud, the first Muslim to become mayor of Dearborn, is one of more than 1.6 million pilgrims from around the world currently taking part in a series of rites and rituals in Mecca, the holiest city in Islam and the birthplace of its prophet. Going on hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam, required of all Muslims at least once in their lifetime provided they are financially and physically capable. "I will be embarking on the sacred journey of Hajj — the pilgrimage to Mecca that Muslims around the world aspire to make at least once in their lifetime," Hammoud, 35, said in an Instagram post on May 27, written in both English and Arabic. "This is a deeply personal trip, one rooted in faith, reflection, and renewal." Hammoud spoke about how the world these days can seem burdensome. "It comes at a time when the world feels heavy and our hearts carry more than words can express," Hammoud said. "Still I go with the intention of fulfilling a spiritual obligation, reconnecting with Allah sbwt (acronym for an Arabic phrase meaning: 'May He be glorified and exalted'), and praying for clarity and peace — for myself, for my family and for our communities near and far." It's unclear how many days Hammoud will be in Saudi Arabia for the trip. A city official told the Free Press Hammoud is currently on paid time off. He did not attend the mayor's briefing on Thursday, June 5, a city councilman said. Hajj, which is held ten days earlier every year, coincides with Eid al-Adha, the Islamic holiday that was held Friday, June 6. Dearborn's City Hall, some city buildings and public libraries were closed Friday in observance of Eid al-Adha, and employees had the day off, the third year in a row the city has observed Eid holidays. Before leaving on hajj, Hammoud asked the public for forgiveness, which is recommended by some Islamic scholars and leaders for people performing the pilgrimage. More: Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud kicks off reelection campaign: The city is 'thriving' "As is custom before this journey, I humbly ask for your forgiveness if I have wronged you in word, action or deed — knowingly or unknowingly — I ask that you forgive me," Hammoud said. "May Allah, sbwt, accept a pilgrimage of all who are making the journey. Please keep us in your prayers, as I will carry yours with me." Pilgrims on hajj have to obtain a permit and visa through a website in Saudi Arabia, the U.S. State Department said in its guide for hajj pilgrims. In metro Detroit, mosques or groups often offer packages people can sign up for that includes travel and lodging costs, allowing them to journey together. Some offer educational classes on what to expect and the various rites involved. Before the hajj, worshippers are expected to enter into a state of spiritual piety and during the events, men wear simple, white garments. Hammoud sometimes refers to his faith during public speeches. When he was elected in November 2021, he said during his victory speech: "It is here in Dearborn where we believe that you need not change your name nor your faith, that in this town, we elect you based on the direction in which you lead, no matter the direction in which you pray." Hammoud attends services at the Islamic Center of America, a Dearborn mosque that is one of Michigan's oldest and largest Muslim centers, and where one of his uncles, Sheikh Ahmad Hammoud, is the imam. Hammoud, a Democrat, is running for reelection this year, seeking a second term, facing a challenge from Nagi Almudhegi, a Republican, who has been outspoken against LGBTQ+ books in schools. Speaking at another Dearborn mosque in February, Hammoud touched upon religion at times in addressing some criticism he's faced from Republicans for being supportive of the LGBTQ+ community and LGBTQ+ books in schools. In a September 2022 statement, the mayor noted that conservatives who once attacked Muslims like him were now attacking LGBTQ+ people. "The same dangerous ideology that once considered people like me 'a problem' is now being revived under the guise of preserving 'liberty,'" Hammoud said in 2022. "Our libraries serve as a gateway to knowledge, to imagination, and to possibility. When it comes to our city's libraries, for the sake of our children, no book will be removed off the shelves." More: Expectant mothers in Dearborn to get $4,500, mayor announces in State of the City But speaking at a mosque in Dearborn in February, Hammoud said of the 2022 statement: "Unfortunately, people took a statement out of context." He said he doesn't endorse any lifestyle that doesn't align with his family's lifestyle. Hammoud added however that "what people are doing in the privacy of their own home" is none of his business as mayor. "Allah, Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala, tells you what you do in your own household is between you and Allah, Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala," Hammoud said, using the Arabic words for "God" and "May He be glorified and exalted." "My point is: I care for the whole city, to make sure that city services are delivered," Hammoud added. "When you have issues of property taxes, nobody's lifestyle matters when it comes to talking about property taxes. When you want to make investments in the parks, what matters is not anybody's lifestyle." Contact Niraj Warikoo: nwarikoo@ X @nwarikoo of Facebook @nwarikoo This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud on hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia
CBS News
26-05-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
Dearborn's annual Memorial Day parade returns for its 99th year
Many communities nationwide commemorate the holiday with parades, including Dearborn, where city officials say they host Michigan's oldest Memorial Day parade. The parade returned to the east side of the city, taking the original route when the parade first started 99 years ago. The day began with a memorial funeral procession paying tribute to the fallen. "It's a day to say thank you to the families who have lost people who served. It's a day for us to recognize how many people serve in our armed forces from the state of Michigan," Lieutenant Gov. Garlin Gilchrist. Mayor Abdullah Hammoud says the most important part is recognizing those who serve as a community. "I've been attending this festival, this parade, since I was a child sitting on the sideline of Michigan Avenue along with my family, and now to be in the parade itself is truly something special," Hammoud said. The parade started on Michigan Avenue and Schafer Road, its historic home. "I think it kind of honors the tradition that we celebrate during Memorial Day, and just kind of getting back to what it's always been," said Dearborn resident Stephanie Davis. More than 90 groups, including lawmakers, first responders, marching bands from local schools, and community organizations, walked the route. The day wrapped up with a remembrance ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park. For veterans in attendance, it's an opportunity to pay tribute to friends who never made it out of uniform. "People are forgotten about when you stop saying their names and you stop remembering the things that they did, and I think Memorial Day makes sure that that doesn't happen," said veteran and Michigan State Police Trooper Joshua Olszewski.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud kicks off reelection campaign: The city is 'thriving'
Speaking to hundreds of supporters in a new park, Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud kicked off his reelection campaign by touting his administration's accomplishments, saying the city is thriving with development while keeping taxes low. "I am most proud of being a Dearborn resident," Hammoud, 35, told the crowd Thursday, May 15, at Peace Park West, which opened last year. "There's nothing I'm more proud of. I think Dearborn is the greatest city, and we have the greatest story." The park that Hammoud spoke at, located in the western part of the city, is one of three being built with a $29 million grant, an example of the city's accomplishments, he said. Hammoud has often mentioned public health and the environment as key issues for him. Dearborn has about 110,000 residents and one of the youngest populations in the country, according to census data. "Three and a half years ago, this was two acres of rubble and debris," Hammoud said, referring to Peace Park West, which features a plaza and greenery. "And now this is ... demonstrating the resilience of the infrastructure that we're putting out." He also touted $30 million in investments along Warren Avenue in east Dearborn and developments in the south end of Dearborn. Much of his five-minute talk focused on business development and investments. "We have a thriving business community, not only in west Dearborn, but also in east Dearborn," the mayor said. Unlike other cities, Dearborn depends on its residents and local small businesses to develop, Hammoud said. "Other cities lean on billionaires from out of state to come in and redevelop their parcels," Hammoud said. "We lean on one another. That is unique to the Dearborn story." More: Expectant mothers in Dearborn to get $4,500, mayor announces in State of the City Hammoud said "there's nothing that we love more than locals as the ones who are leading in the investments." Hammoud, a former State House representative, was elected in 2021 amid anger among residents over the city's poor response to flooding and other infrastructure issues. Over the past two years, Hammoud has gained national recognition for his outspoken support of Palestinians. He leads a city where 55% of the residents have Arab ancestry, the highest percentage among all cities in the U.S. But Hammoud did not talk about foreign policy issues at the campaign event, focusing on local matters. "We have the lowest tax millage rate since 2010 with hopefully more relief to come in the next five to six years," Hammoud said. He also stressed unity and the importance of diversity. "This is one Dearborn, one community, and we got to be unified in that respect," he said." If you look to your left and look to your right, you realize that Dearborn is as diverse and beautiful as it's ever been, and it's growing in diversity each and every single day." The mayor's remarks were not as extensive as those he made in April during his State of the City address. The kickoff a more casual event, with vendors offering free pizza, coffee and ice cream as people strolled and chatted before and after his brief remarks. Hammoud posed for photos with attendees, chatting with them during the 90-minute gathering near the downtown area of west Dearborn. More: Clerk: For first time in city's history, Dearborn won't have a primary election Hammoud faces a challenge from Nagi Almudhegi, 50, an IT manager backed by Republican leaders who became known in 2022 after speaking out against LGBTQ+ books in Dearborn public schools. Almudhegi launched his campaign in February. The two candidates are expected to compete against each other in November since there won't be an August primary due to a lack of candidates. Hammoud has faced criticism from some conservatives for his earlier support of LGBTQ+ rights. In remarks at a Dearborn mosque in February, Hammoud sought to clarify a statement he released in 2022 in support of the LGBTQ+ community, saying he doesn't endorse any lifestyle that may conflict with his family values, but added that "what you do in your own household is between you and Allah (God)." Republicans won in the heavily-Arab precincts of Dearborn in the November presidential election, especially in the south end. Hammoud is a Democrat, but did not endorse anyone in the presidential election. Almudhegi, born in Yemen, has some support among the Yemeni American community, who are trying to gain political power in the city. But several Yemeni American leaders attended Hammoud's event, taking photos with him and saying they strongly endorse him. "I've been living in the south end for 50 years," said Mohamed Saeed Abdulla, executive director of the Yemeni American Association. "No one cared for the south end like (Mayor) Abdullah Hammoud. Nobody. They bring new programs. ... They spend millions." Hammoud has fought polluters in the south end and announced a plan to bring green landscapes and parks to the heavily industrial area that sits near the Ford Rouge plant. Abdulla said "you have to give (Hammoud) a chance to continue." "Mayor Hammoud has done an unbelievable job for Dearborn," said Wali Altahif. "We've been waiting for a mayor for all of Dearborn residents. ... He is full of energy, he listens, he's an independent thinker." The campaign event was attended by a number of city and elected officials, including City Council President Michael Sareini, who's also running for reelection. Sareini said Hammoud has done a solid job in managing the city's budgets. Hammoud came into office after voters rejected a millage that would have raised $16 million. "And we didn't lose one officer on the street or one fireman," Sareini said. "The mayor has been able to centralize a lot of cost restructuring ... with his experience as a State Rep. and getting grant dollars, the last count is over $150 million (in) grants to the city. So he's done a tremendous job. I love his vision ... I'm very pleased with the direction of the city and where we're at right now and where we're going." Also on the ballot this year are two candidates running for city clerk, including incumbent Clerk George Darany, and 13 candidates running for 7 council seats. The mayor's base annual salary as of 2024 was $168,775; the clerk's salary was $108,018; council president was at $19,620, and other members of city council earn $16,333 a year, with $100 stipend per meeting, according to a report by the local officials compensation commission. Contact Niraj Warikoo: nwarikoo@ or X @nwarikoo This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud kicks off reelection campaign
CBS News
16-04-2025
- Business
- CBS News
New program offers $4,500 to expectant mothers in Dearborn
Dearborn, Michigan, mothers welcoming a baby will soon receive $4,500 over a six-month period thanks to the expansion of a program that started in Flint. Mayor Abdullah Hammoud announced the program during his State of the City address on Tuesday . Around 1,700 babies are born in Dearborn every year. According to experts, families struggle the most financially during the maternal-infant period. It's what inspired Dr. Mona Hanna to start the Rx Kids program. "Babies are really expensive. It's estimated as an additional $20,000 just in that first-year life," said Hanna, who is the founder and director of Rx Kids. "Every pregnant mama gets $1,500 in mid-pregnancy, and once a baby's born, it's $500 a month." Every mother qualifies regardless of their income or marital status. The program launched in Flint last year and the city is already seeing positive outcomes. "About 70% of countries in the world do some sort of child cash transfers. It also builds on the tremendous success of the expanded Child Tax Credit, which happened in 2021," Hanna said. "We had no evictions last year in our low-income families, we have better food insecurity. We have improved maternal mental health." Rx Kids is funded through a public-private partnership and money from the state. "We have been able to raise over $100 million in the last couple years to launch our Rx Kids, not just in Flint, but now in communities across the state," Hanna said. "We've been able to leverage TANF dollars. So that is about 30 to 40% of the dollars that are needed for this program." State Senate Democrats have already proposed a statewide expansion, and it has bipartisan support. "It's something I plan on championing here on the house on my side of the chamber and making sure that we deliver it," State Rep. Alabas Farhat, 3rd District, said. "We're early in the budget process, and so conversations are actively happening as we speak." The program launches in a city once it's sustainable for at least two years or $16 million. "We're actually $1 million away from securing this program for at least two years in Dearborn. If anyone in this audience today or watching at home knows someone will to help us bridge this gap, we are ready to partner with you," Hammoud said. The Rx Kids program expanded to Kalamazoo and five counties in the eastern Upper Peninsula. It's also launching in Pontiac next month and other Southeastern Michigan communities soon. " Pending Commission approval, targeted launch areas for Rx Kids will include River Rouge, Inkster, Highland Park, Melvindale, and other high-need Wayne County communities, based on economic challenges and health disparities," said Kennyle Johnson, interim director of the Wayne County Department of Health, Human and Veterans Services.
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Expectant mothers in Dearborn to get $4,500, mayor announces in State of the City
Expectant mothers in Dearborn will receive up to $4,500, Mayor Abdullah Hammoud announced April 15 at his State of the City address. Saying that Dearborn is good at producing babies, Hammoud explained that "every single Dearborn mother welcoming a baby will receive $4,500 over six months" through a Michigan program called Rx Kids funded with help from county, state and private foundations. "When most people think of Dearborn, they think of the Rouge Factory and auto production," Hammoud told hundreds of residents gathered inside the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center to hear his address. "But do you know what else Dearborn is really good at producing? Babies. That's right: Dearborn produces over 1,700 babies a year. Our birth rate is consistently 60% higher than the state average." Dearborn, which has about 110,000 residents, has the highest percentage of residents under the age of 18 among cities with at least 100,000 residents in the Midwest and East Coast, 2020 census data analyzed by a playground company shows. "The first year of life is most crucial for a child's development and long-term health," Hammoud said. "Research has shown that the arrival of a newborn often triggers a sudden financial strain for families, regardless of their income level. With all these factors considered, my administration is proud to announce that Rx Kids is coming to Dearborn." Hammoud's announcement comes at a time of growing discussion in recent years over decreased fertility rates in the U.S. Some other Wayne County cities will also be part of the Rx Kids program, a Wayne County official said last week. Hammoud's announcement was one of several touting Dearborn's accomplishments since he became mayor in January 2022, after being elected in November 2021. Hammoud, 35, is up for reelection this year, facing a challenge from Nagi Almudhegi, a 50-year-old IT manager who attended Hammoud's speech. Another potential candidate, Hassan Aoun, was declared ineligible by Dearborn City Clerk George Darany because of his past felony convictions. Wayne County Chief Judge Patricia Fresard ruled last week against Aoun in a lawsuit he filed, dismissing his attempts to get on the ballot. Dressed in a gray suit and brown shoes, Hammoud spoke in measured tones from a prepared speech that laid out some ambitious plans. Over the past couple of years, Hammoud has become known nationally as an outspoken supporter of Palestinians, garnering national media attention during the presidential election campaign. Hammoud, a Democrat, declined to support Kamala Harris or Donald Trump in protest over their support of Israel's attacks; Trump won in Dearborn. But there was no mention of foreign policy during his Tuesday speech, which focused on the challenges and ambitions of Dearborn. In contrast to the heated tone of his remarks over the past year at rallies for Gaza and Lebanon, Hammoud spoke calmly, cracking jokes at times, with the crowd often applauding. As he spoke, a large screen behind flashed some of his key points and contained renderings of his proposals. One of his proposed projects is called the "Dearborn Industrial Greenbelt," which will remake an area along Industrial Street in the south end of Dearborn, a heavily polluted area that sits in the shadow of the Ford Rouge plant and other factories that he said have made Dearborn "the epicenter for childhood asthma." Hammoud reiterated his strong commitment to public health, saying the city has won "up to $4 million in legal settlements requiring corporations to mitigate air pollution from their operations by June 30." Hammoud brought back the city's health department in 2022 shortly after becoming mayor. "We're reimagining one of the most heavily impacted corridors in our city, Dearborn's southend, through a bold and long-term project we call the Dearborn Industrial Greenbelt," he said. "The goal? To create a green, living buffer along Industrial Street that slows down traffic, reduces air pollution, and absorbs floodwaters while making space for nature in one of the city's most industrialized areas." Hammoud said they have already acquired key properties in the area and more than 200,000 square feet for the project, working with "some of the nation's top thinkers, architects, and urban planners at the University of Michigan to make it happen." State of Wayne County: Warren Evans announces program to curb childhood poverty for cities in Wayne County Hammoud added: "In Dearborn, we know that environmental justice isn't just a slogan; it's something we have to design for, zone for, and push for. The way we see it, everything in Dearborn has a tie back to public health." The mayor also announced a plan to transform Esper library into "a community space where students can experiment with robotics, music, arts and engineering, a place where young minds can tinker with circuits, explore 3D printing and engage in hands-on science projects." Hammoud said he saw a similar project in Northville and wanted to replicate the idea in Dearborn, so residents can explore what other cities have. Some of Hammoud's other announcements or accomplishments he touted included: Having three "structurally balanced budgets proposed for the first time in over two decades." Hammoud recently sent his proposed $151 million budget to city council, 70% of which includes funds for the police and fire departments. The lowest tax rate in Dearborn since 2010, with plans for lower taxes. "It's expected that by 2035, we'll be able to offer Dearborn families an additional 10% millage rate reduction, a rate that has not been seen since 2009." Flooding problems, which were an issue in 2021 that helped Hammoud win in the August 2021 primary, are down in Dearborn. "A few weeks ago, southeast Michigan got nearly 3 inches of rain," Hammoud said. "You may have noticed that while neighboring cities battled flash floods on their roads and in their basements, Dearborn was not under water." Crime is down and they're continuing to make public safety a priority. He also said they're cracking down on aggressive and reckless driving in the city, employing data-based programs. "We pursued an evidence-based pilot for speed humps, installing three sets near Hemlock, Levagood and Lapeer parks," Hammoud said. "We installed speed monitors to track their impact and found speeding reduced by over 20% in those areas, and since then, we have seen 98% speed compliance by drivers in these zones." The city will now use a $1.5 million grant to install 300 speed humps, 100 illuminated stop signs, 60 speed radar display signs, 40 illuminated one-way intersection signs, at least 20 raised pedestrian cross walks, 12 school zone crossing signs and five flashing beacons, he said. Some Republicans in Dearborn have criticized Hammoud over his support of LGBTQ+ communities; those issues were not brought up during his address. Speaking before Hammoud was Dearborn City Council President Michael Sareini, who spoke about Dearborn creating three new parks, keeping water out of basements during heavy rains, and public safety. The national anthem was sung by Maria Saad. Before the State of the City address, there was a reception featuring food from various vendors and groups. Reporter Nushrat Rahman contributed to this report. Contact Niraj Warikoo:nwarikoo@ or X @nwarikoo This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Dearborn State of the City: Expectant moms to get $4,500, mayor says
