Yemeni American News publisher Rasheed Alnozili, among them: Awards presented at the International Institute
A neighbor of the Detroit Institute of Arts, The International Institute of Metropolitan Detroit (IIMD) is located in the heart of Detroit’s vibrant Midtown neighborhood, also known as the University or Cultural Center District. The IIMD is quickly approaching its 100th anniversary and has already begun to celebrate this important milestone.
On April 15, 2016, the IIMD’s Hall of Nations auditorium was illuminated by more than 120 smiling faces. This diverse audience united to celebrate and honor nearly 20 recipients of the IIMD’s 2016 Michigan International Professional Award, Yemeni American News founder and publisher Rasheed Alnozili, among them.
Alnozili was recognized as an exemplary first-generation Yemeni American based on his community service and professional achievements, including his newspaper and its companion website. Both serve the local and national Yemeni American community with timely and accurate information. Other recipients included Cynthia Khan (Pakistan), Abbie Bazzi (Lebanon), and Emad Batayeh (Jordan).
The evening included moving songs and energetic dance performances celebrating traditional culture from Mexico, India and Poland. A lively debke line spontaneously formed and wound its way through the room between the tables of clapping guests. A lavish international buffet of savory delights was enjoyed by all.
The IIMD was founded in Detroit in 1919 by a group of YWCA volunteers who sought to help legal immigrants learn English, appreciate freedom and democracy, become U.S. citizens, be assimilated into their new communities, and learn to understand each other’s cultures.
The IIMD is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that offers a variety of legal and educational services and programs to assist immigrants become productive and patriotic U.S. citizens, while preserving the language, culture, food, music, dance, costumes, and heritage of their native countries from around the world. Their building also houses the award-winning International Cafe restaurant, along with various colorful multi-cultural displays highlighting cultures and languages from around the globe.
The International Institute has been accredited by the U.S. Department of Justice, Board of Immigration Appeals, since 1958. It has also been accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Services for Families and Children, Inc., since 1990.
