Loading ...Arab-American political pioneer Michael Berry dies
Berry was known as a political pioneer in the Arab-American Muslim community. He entered the political arena in 1949, participating in a recall campaign against Dearborn Mayor Orville Hubbard and eventually served on the Wayne County Road Commission from 1967 until 1982.
“We lost an exceptional leader who devoted his life to empowering our community,” said Hassan Jaber, president of the Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services. “Michael was known for his courage, pride, intelligence and unshakable loyalty.”
Dearborn resident Brian Stone said Berry was a “giant among men.”
“If I can say anything of the respect I have for him – it’s that I know, with his passing, not one soul can fill his place. Some ships are so great we can only hope to travel in the easy passage of their wake.
In the coming years Dearborn’s historians will say he was a trailblazer, a true founder of Dearborn like Conrad Ten Eyck, Henry Ford and many others. Our city, our county, the state of Michigan and the United States of America will forever be better for having had him. May he rest in peace,” Stone said.
Visitation is 1-8 p.m. Monday at the John N. Santeiu & Son Funeral Home, 1139 Inkster Road, Garden City, and 1-8 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday at the Islamic Center of America, 19500 Ford Road, Dearborn. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Thursday at the Islamic Center of America.
Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Source: www.pressandguide.com