Government Agencies and Programs
The Michigan Asian Pacific American Affairs Commission's vision is to be an exemplary commission by adding public value to the State of Michigan and the APA community, by fully engaging APAs across the state
The Commission strives to market the state's career development services to Michigan Hispanics, encourage initiatives to reduce the high school dropout rates of Hispanic youth, and facilitate efforts to increase the enrollment of Hispanics in postsecondary education and training programs
The Michigan Immigrant and Refugee Council passionately embraces diversity, recognizing and celebrating the profound strength immigrants and refugees bring to the vibrant tapestry of Michigan. The council is unwavering in its dedication to cultivating a warm, inclusive environment that extends a heartfelt welcome to individuals from diverse backgrounds who have chosen Michigan as their new home.
The Michigan LGBTQ+ Commission, stands as a beacon of advocacy, inclusion and celebration for Michigan's diverse LGBTQ+ community. The commission's charge is to ensure equal representation, amplify voices and foster a state where everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, feels affirmed and valued.
The 15-member council will advise the department on issues relating to the Arab and Chaldean communities in Michigan and promote awareness of their culture and history
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The Commission on Middle Eastern American Affairs is thrilled to be celebrating Chaldean-American Month this April.
CMEAA joins Governor Whitmer, who proclaimed April as Chaldean-American month for the first time in Michigan’s history. Michigan has the highest concentration of Chaldeans/Assyrians/Syriacs living in the United States and as Governor Whitmer said in her proclamation, “are a community of rich tradition and culture who enrich Michigan's cultural tapestry and prosperity through their success in the arts, business, law, politics, education, medicine, architecture, and engineering.”
Chaldeans/Assyrians are Semitic peoples who also identify themselves as Syriacs; they are the indigenous peoples of Mesopotamia who have lived in the Middle East since ancient times, including in what is today Iraq, Syria, Turkey, and Iran. We Celebrate Chaldean-American Month in April to commemorate the Assyrian/Babylonian New Year, Akitu, a celebration of spring, rebirth, and renewal which often culminates in a celebration on April 1st. Also, April 24th marks the anniversary of Seyfo, or the Genocide that claimed the lives of a million Chaldeans/Assyrians/Syriacs, Armenians, and Greeks. And Lastly, the Chaldean Catholic Church, descendant from the Church of the East, commemorates All Martyrs & Confessors Day during the month of April, remembering the Church’s devoted priests, nuns, and laypeople.
CMEAA thanks Governor Whitmer for recognizing Chaldean-American Month. Also, CMEAA would like to recognize the efforts of Nathan Kalasho of Kalasho Empowerment of Young Scholars and Nadine Kalasho Khalil of CODE Legal Aid and Family Services, ensuring this proclamation was made.