BRIDGES: Forum for Arab American Community and Government Relations Dialogue
10th Anniversary Reception

DEARBORN, MI—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 6 p.m. 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 U.S. Customs and Border Protection(CBP), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), U.S. Immigration Services, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), as well as numerous representatives from local community organizations.

BRIDGES is co-chaired by the Department of Homeland Security Officer for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, Margo Schlanger, and Mr. Imad Hamad, ADC Senior National Advisor and Regional Director. The co-chairs and the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan, Barbara McQuade, will share remarks regarding their involvement and views of BRIDGES, and its accomplishments during the 10th Anniversary Reception. “This event marks 10 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,” stated Ms. McQuade.

2011 marks 10 years since the tragedy of September 11th, the inception of BRIDGES, and the beginning of a forum that has proven itself invaluable to the effort to improve government and community relations. BRIDGES has been the platform for issues ranging from the no fly list, TSA practices, and CBP Border inspections to FBI informants, and the BRIDGES concept has been emulated in several cities across the nation.

“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.

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.