Michigan State Representative Takes Oath to Office on Quran
As the incoming president’s rhetoric seems to threaten minorities' civil rights, a handful of local legislators made history in reflecting diversity.
On Wednesday Dec. 21, Michigan State Rep. Abdullah Hammoud (D-Dearborn) was among them, taking the oath of office with his hand on the Quran during a swearing-in ceremony at the Henry Ford Centennial Library.
In January, he will begin his term in the Michigan House of Representatives. The oath was administered by Michigan Supreme Court Justice Brian Zahra.
The auditorium was full of ecstatic Muslim community members, but they were mostly immensely proud of Hammoud – their friend and former classmate.
It was three months after Hammoud's older brother died that he announced his run for office.
"Among an ocean of lessons about making people laugh, living to the fullest and staying true to who you are, my brother, Ali, taught me how to be a thoughtful advocate for others," said Hammoud, teary-eyed and emotional. "I had the opportunity to put into action all that he instilled in me."
On what would've been his late brother's 29th birthday, Hammoud took his oath with his hand on the Quran gifted to his family after his brother's passing, the AANews website reported.
"There really is no place like home," Hammoud said. "And I've been bestowed with the honor of representing our values, our principles and our families up in Lansing."
"This community, the Dearborn community, provided my family with everything – from social freedoms to financial opportunities," Hammoud said. "This office of state representative was a way to give back, a way to ensure that the next generation has greater opportunities than I ever had."
Abdullah Hammoud fills the seat vacated by outgoing State Rep. George Darany.
He will be the third openly Muslim state rep. and second Muslim male to hold a House seat in Lansing.
Hammoud said that while he aims to be the voice of Arab Americans in Lansing, his job will be to represent the concerns of the entire city.
"We are a diverse voice and we are a strong voice," he said.
He acknowledged the challenges he could face as a minority Democrat in a majority Republican House, but said he'd focus on building coalitions to ensure bigoted-based resolutions do not pass.
"Often times, you need to talk to individuals who think differently than yourself," he said. "Understand their positions and arguments and try to connect with them."
As his election sets a precedent, Abdullah added that he hopes to see an increase in the number of elected officials from communities of color, especially women.
Rep. Jeremy Moss (D-Southfield), Abdullah's colleague in the House, said he is confident Abdullah will quickly overcome any hurdles.
"As we talk about important issues, global affairs and national issues and how they impact Michigan, we have missed having an Arab American voice in the discussion," Moss said.
The ceremony was one of both mourning and celebration for Abdullah's mother, Ghada Hammoud, who was draped in black.
She expressed her immense pride in her "ambitious" and "hard working" son, saying she had always stressed great possible achievements with education.
"Education is power," she said. "We should teach everybody that you can become someone in this country – even if we are immigrants. This is where our future is; this is where our kids' future is. I love him so much."
Hammoud is a product of the Dearborn Public Schools, has a bachelor of science degree from the University of Michigan-Dearborn and a master of public health degree from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. Prior to seeking office, Hammoud was a professional health advisor for the Henry Ford Health System. He was also a board member of the Michigan League of Conservation Voters.
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