Washington, DC | www.adc.org | June 28th, 2016 – The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) is proud to welcome back the Austin chapter. In an effort to strengthen ties between Arab-Americans around the nation the ADC is recommitting itself to reviving old chapters. The newly re-established ADC-Austin chapter held their inaugural elections at a picnic event on Saturday May 14, 2016. Despite heavy rain, there were about 70 adults and a large number of children in attendance.
As a way to give back and show appreciation to the community, local families prepared homemade food for the event. The children enjoyed their time with activities such as face painting, balloons, and playing with a team of volunteers who made every child happy.
Samer Khalaf, ADC President, attended the event to personally welcome the newly elected ADC-Austin Board. Samer expressed his gratitude towards the organizing committee. “Chapters are the backbone of ADC, they strengthen the ties between the Arab-American community and continue the mission of our organization. I am very glad to be here”, Samer stated.
ADC-Austin newly elected President Ahmad Zamer stated, “My favorite moment was when I saw the reaction on the face of a Syrian refugee mother when she saw the painted face of her child. The weather did not dampen the spirits of the children who found many ways to have fun in the rain. Kudos to Samer for braving the Texas rain all the way from Dallas, then all day in Austin. His presence with us made the day very special and lifted everyone’s spirit.”
With the weather forecast calling for continuing rain, ADC-Austin held their election under the rain shelter. Nominations for the ADC-Austin Board of Directors included Hatem Natsheh, Samar Bargouty, Walid Kobrosly, Hayat Shaban, Baslan Omar, Ahmad Zamer, and Maen Hamze. All the nominees were voted in with no objections from the present members.
The elected members of the ADC-Austin Board held their first meeting Wednesday, May 25, 2016 and elected the following officers:
President: Ahmad Zamer
Vice President: Hatem Natsheh
Secretary (Acting): Ahmad Zamer
Treasurer: Samar Bargouty
Youth Coordinator: Hayat Shaban
Civil Rights Coordinator: Baslan Omar
Events Coordinator: Samar Bargouty, Hayat Shaban
ADC would also like to congratulate inaugural committees starting in Dallas, Northern Virginia, and Atlanta that continue to strengthen the Arab-American community.
Check the ADC-Austin Facebook Page to learn how to join and for events!