A 'D' for MI Dems, Tlaib at U-M, and Arab Heritage Month Kickoff
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Hike of the Week
Hydro Park Loop
Did you know Ford Lake that sits nearby this hike is a 975-acre man-made reservoir in Washtenaw County, Michigan, created in 1931-1932 by constructing the Ford Lake Dam (originally Rawsonville Dam) across the Huron River. Commissioned by Henry Ford, the dam was built to provide hydroelectric power to the nearby Ypsilanti Ford Motor Plant.
News
Michigan Democratic Reps Get D on Total Palestine Score
A recently circulated spreadsheet tracking how Democratic lawmakers vote on Palestine-related legislation is gaining traction online. For the eight Michigan representatives included in the dataset, the collective average comes out to a 'D' grade.
The data highlights a stark contrast within the state's delegation. While Michigan is home to the highest-scoring representative in the entire dataset, the majority of the state's lawmakers received failing marks, pulling the overall average down.
Michigan Grade Breakdown:
- A: 1 representative (Rashida Tlaib)
- D: 2 representative (Debbie Dingell, Elissa Slotkin)
- F: 5 representatives (Haley Stevens, Kristen McDonald Rivet, Hillary Scholten, Shri Thanedar, Gary Peters)
| Grade | Chamber | District/State | Name | Total Palestine Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | House | MI-12 | Rashida Tlaib | 98% |
| D | Senate | Michigan | Elissa Slotkin | 46% |
| D | House | MI-06 | Debbie Dingell | 41% |
| F | House | MI-08 | Kristen McDonald Rivet | 28% |
| F | House | MI-03 | Hillary Scholten | 16% |
| F | House | MI-13 | Shri Thanedar | 12% |
| F | House | MI-11 | Haley Stevens | 10% |
With foreign policy continuing to be a prominent focal point for many Michigan voters, constituents are increasingly turning to data-tracking tools like this to evaluate candidates' legislative records.
You can find a full breakdown representatives from other states here.
Events
AADL — The Art of Illumination (Tahzib) with Behnaz Karjoo
April 6, 2026, 5:00–6:00 PM — AADL Downtown Library, Ann Arbor Join New York-based artist Behnaz Karjoo for a presentation on the art of illumination (tahzib), a traditional intricate art form focused on decorating manuscripts, calligraphic texts, and historically Qur'ans using gold paint, gold leaf, and vibrant natural pigments. Derived from the Arabic word "zahab" (gold), tahzib translates to "gilding." This is AADL's featured in-person event for Arab American Heritage Month, presented in partnership with Reed Society for the Sacred Arts. Free.
AADL — Arab American Heritage Month
Dearborn Symphony — Children's Concert with Arab Instruments
April 9, 2026 — Ford Community & Performing Arts Center, Dearborn An interactive children's concert introducing students to a wide range of traditional Arab instruments and the stories behind them. The program culminates in a performance of Nagi's original work Soof Zikr, arranged by Mohannad Al Zahabi for the Sunflower Chamber Orchestra.
Dearborn Symphony Children's Concerts
Sammy Obeid: Dearborn First! — Comedy Show
April 9, 2026, 7:30 PM — Ford Community & Performing Arts Center, Dearborn Lebanese-Palestinian American comedian Sammy Obeid (Netflix's 100 Humans, Conan, NBC's Last Comic Standing, America's Got Talent) performs live in Dearborn. Known for his world record of performing comedy 1,001 nights in a row, Obeid brings razor-sharp wit and hilariously honest takes on life. A highlight of Arab American Heritage Month.
Eventbrite — Sammy Obeid: Dearborn First!
Celebrating Arab American Heritage Month: From Exclusion to Service — University of Michigan
April 10, 2026, 6:15–7:45 PM — Weill Hall, Betty Ford Classroom (1120), Ann Arbor A panel discussion on identity, representation, and pathways to civic leadership featuring Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib and Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud. Sponsored by Central Student Government as part of U-M's Arab Heritage Month. Registration required.
U-M Events — From Exclusion to Service
Threads of Rhythm: Arab Music & Dance — UMS Family Performance
April 11–12, 2026, 11:00 AM both days — Ypsilanti Freighthouse, 100 Market Pl., Ypsilanti The University Musical Society presents "Threads of Rhythm," a free interactive family performance exploring the musical and choreographic traditions of the Arab world. Led by oud player Raphique Barakat and Chloé Gray of Ypsilanti's Fun Girl Dance Company, the event focuses on the dabke, a traditional Levantine line-and-circle folk dance featuring energetic stomping, jumping, and kicking to rhythmic music. Open to families with kids ages 3–18. Free but requires preregistration at ums.org/calendar. Part of UMS's spring residency at the Ypsilanti Freighthouse (April 9–25).
Register here to reserve your free spot
MAHABAH Muslim Singles Event
April 11, 2026, 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM — Canton, MI (venue shared with confirmed attendees) MAHABAH is hosting a Muslim singles event in collaboration with the Muslim Community of Western Suburbs of Detroit (MCWS) and Muslim Enrichment Project. The event features a selective pre-matching process with reviewed applications to ensure balanced age ranges and gender ratios. Muslim singles from across the U.S. are welcome. Registration closes at 12:00 PM sharp; arrive by 11:30 AM. Dress code: traditional attire or formal wear.
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