Chaldean News: A Commemorative Edition of 'Chaldean Story' Series

FROM THE EDITOR

FROM THE EDITOR PUBLISHED BY Chaldean News, LLC Chaldean Community Foundation EDITORIAL EDITOR IN CHIEF Sarah Kittle CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Cal Abbo Z. Z. Dawod Crystal Kassab Jabiro Sarah Kittle Adhid Miri, PhD Weam Namou Paul Natinsky ART & PRODUCTION CREATIVE DIRECTOR Alex Lumelsky with SKY Creative GRAPHIC DESIGNER Zina Lumelsky with SKY Creative PHOTOGRAPHERS Alex Lumelsky Daniel Moen SALES Interlink Media Sana Navarrette CONTACT INFORMATION Story ideas: edit@chaldeannews.com Advertisements: ads@chaldeannews.com Subscription and all other inquiries: info@chaldeannews.com Chaldean News 30095 Northwestern Hwy, Suite 101 Farmington Hills, MI 48334 www.chaldeannews.com Phone: (248) 851-8600 Publication: The Chaldean News (P-6); Published monthly; Issue Date: Special Edition, July 2024 “Chaldean Story” Commemorative Edition Subscriptions: 12 months, . Publication Address: 30095 Northwestern Hwy., Suite 101, Farmington Hills, MI 48334; Permit to mail at periodicals postage rates is on file at Farmington Hills Post Office Postmaster: Send address changes to “The Chaldean News 30095 Northwestern Hwy., Suite 101, Farmington Hills, MI 48334” Telling the Chaldean Story For two decades, the Chaldean News (CN) has been dedicated to narrating the rich tapestry of Chaldean history and culture. Thanks to a grant from Michigan Humanities’ Great Michigan Stories program, the Chaldean Community Foundation (CN’s parent organization), has helped the publication to not only widen its readership—both literally and intellectually—but also embrace a broader audience. “Who are the Chaldeans?” remains a central question driving our exploration. The Chaldean American community in Michigan continues to evolve, and we journey back to its Mesopotamian origins, celebrating its contributions such as the advent of writing, while stressing the vital role of language in cultural preservation. Religion forms a cornerstone of Chaldean identity. Understanding the depth of their faith, rooted from the conversion by Saint Thomas, is essential to comprehending this community. The Chaldean Catholic tradition, inseparable from its people, has evolved significantly, particularly in America—a transformation we delve into, examining shifts within the Church and its sacred Mass. Reporter Cal Abbo’s three-part series, “From Mesopotamia to the Motor City,” vividly captures the early Chaldean immigrants’ journey. Detailing their transition from rural Mesopotamian villages to bustling industrial hubs in Michigan, Abbo chronicles how these pioneers forged a new community in their new home. Chaldeans have thrived and prospered in their adopted homeland, leaving an indelible mark on southeastern Michigan. From the remarkable achievements of women in law to SARAH KITTLE EDITOR IN CHIEF the vibrant array of culinary experiences offered by Chaldean restaurants, their contributions resonate throughout the region. For many Iraqi immigrants, preparing the same dishes served by their mothers and grandmothers not only keeps cherished memories alive but also serves as a profound connection to their past. To honor these culinary traditions, we introduced the “Chaldean Kitchen” segment, dedicated to preserving not just the recipes but also the unique stories that accompany them. Recognizing the importance of celebrating their rich history, those who followed in the footsteps of the pioneers established the Chaldean Cultural Center, a unique institution of its kind. At the CCC, visitors are taken on a chronological journey through Chaldean history, enriched by intimate family photos and compelling oral narratives that bring their stories to life. Chaldean celebrations are synonymous with music and dance, integral to their vibrant cultural fabric. Instruments like the Tabul and Zurna, alongside dances such as the Khigga, play important roles in their special occasions. Finally, the contributions of Chaldean media pioneers were pivotal in shaping the Chaldean American community. Writers who had been silenced in Iraq found a new voice in America, and they utilized it to great effect. It is a privilege for us to uphold and carry forward their enduring legacy. Sarah Kittle Editor in Chief About Michigan Humanities and Great Michigan Stories Michigan Humanities celebrated its 50th Anniversary in 2024, and to honor the occasion, the organization set out to uplift the work of their statewide humanities and cultural partners. Michigan Humanities offered a special ,000 grant opportunity for projects highlighting untold stories in Michigan history, shedding light on underrepresented populations and communities in the state. The Chaldean Cultural Center is one of only five organizations across the state to be selected for this honor. With the help of its story-telling subsidiary, the Chaldean News, the Chaldean story was told through published features, podcast interviews, video shorts, public forums, and performances. Other partners to be selected included the Historical Society of Greater Lansing, with its exhibit “Origin Stories,” enticing visitors and residents to discover the rich history of Lansing through recorded oral history video stories. The Museum of Ojibwa Culture, “Tribal Youth, Our Future for Cultural Preservation” featured seven traveling exhibits on Native American Boarding Schools. This project was designed to help 1,275 Native American youth in the area to become future voices for cultural awareness and traditions. The Underground Railroad Society of Cass County was selected to produce “Documentary: The Underground Railroad and Its Legacy in Cass County, Michigan,” a documentary that tells the story of the Underground Railroad (UGRR) in Cass County, Michigan, and its legacy; a story almost lost to local, state, and national history. Wayne State University, “MI Native Stories.” The purpose of this project is to collect and share 10 Anishinaabe oral histories about 20th century Indigenous Michigan: three from Ojibwe communities in the Upper Peninsula, three from Odawa communities in the northern Lower Peninsula, three from the Bodéwadmi in Western Michigan, and one from the Waawiiyaataanong (Detroit). These five organizations pursued their goals over the course of a year, carrying out projects that culminated in a year of sharing, celebration and learning. 4 CHALDEAN NEWS CHALDEAN STORY

PUBLISHER'S CIRCLE As the publication of record for Michigan’s Chaldean community, the mission of the Chaldean News is to preserve and archive Chaldean heritage and history, and to tell the ongoing story of Chaldean contributions to the communities in which we live and work – in Michigan and around the world. In the last 5 years the Chaldean News has substantially increased its readership and social media following, introduced new digital and website content and expanded storytelling and video offerings with the help of small grant funding. The Publisher’s Circle is a unique opportunity for community members to support the Chaldean News and its continuing mission to be a voice for the community, wherever they may be. With the warmhearted help of individual and organizational supporters we can ensure that this important resource remains to educate and connect the community while evolving to meet the needs of future generations. The Chaldean News has recently launched a CN app and will continue to expand into new media such as radio and TV, all with the goal of preserving our culture and telling the story of our people. You can take part in helping to preserve your Chaldean heritage by joining the Publisher’s Circle today. Jibran “Jim” Manna Martin and Tamara Manna We are grateful for the overwhelmingly generous support of our community. To learn more, visit chaldeannews.com or contact us at 248-851-8600 Let’s grow the circle. CHALDEAN STORY CHALDEAN NEWS 5