[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 64 (Thursday, April 6, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E801]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                           TRIBUTE TO ACCESS

                                 ______


                          HON. JOHN D. DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, April 5, 1995
  Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I wish to take the opportunity to 
congratulate and call to the attention of my colleagues an organization 
in my congressional district dedicated to the well-being of a rich and 
vibrant community in Dearborn, MI. The name of the organization is 
ACCESS, which has delivered immeasurable social service throughout its 
existence and is marking its success with the ACCESS annual banquet on 
April 8, 1995.
  As a Member of Congress, it is a distinct please to serve what is 
commonly recognized as the largest community of Arab-Americans in the 
United States. Like every other person I represent in my congressional 
district, Arab-Americans are busy raising children, running their 
businesses, getting involved in local civic, cultural, and religious 
organizations, and trying to make the most of the American dream.
  The executive director of ACCESS is Ismael Ahmed, an individual with 
whom I have worked to help secure support for health care, education, 
other support services for persons in need. During Ish's tenure, ACCESS 
has gone from a simple shop to a sophisticated organization. This 
parallels a renaissance in many neighborhoods in our Arab-American 
community, and tremendous growth in Arab contributions to the local, 
regional, and national economy.
  Throughout our history, the American dream has represented the sum of 
our citizens' hopes, ambitions, and struggles to build a better life 
for ourselves and our children. Arab-Americans are only one more group 
of people who are successfully building their lives and planning better 
futures for their children. This success rests in part on the 
dedication of ACCESS to providing people with the means they need to 
overcome cultural and language barriers and become a part of our rich 
national fabric.


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