Dearborn, Michigan – On December 7, 2007, during the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) Annual Gala in Michigan, Imad Hamad, the ADC Senior National Advisor and Regional Director, was presented with the Great Seal of Michigan, on behalf of ADC Michigan, by Governor Jennifer M. Granholm.
Michigan’s Great Seal is the highest honor that can be bestowed on an individual or entity by the State. Imad Hamad is the first Arab American to receive this honor on behalf of a civic organization.
Michigan’s Great Seal was designed by Lewis Cass, Michigan’s second (non-acting) Territorial governor. This symbol of sovereignty was patterned after the seal of the Hudson Bay Fur Company. It was presented to the Constitutional Convention of 1835 and adopted on June 2, 1835 as the official Great Seal of Michigan. As a result of a Michigan constitutional provision, the use of the Great Seal is regulated at some length by state law. This provision identifies only 15 types of state documents that are eligible to receive an impression of the Great Seal.
The Latin phrases on the seal, translated, say: “E Pluribus Unum,” one out of many; “Tuebor,” I will protect; and “Si quaeris peninsulam amoenam, circumspice,” if you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you. The coat of arms forms the center of the seal and is encircled by the words, “The Great Seal of the State of Michigan.”
Noted on the seal is a personal message from Governor Granholm: “My dear friend Imad, Thank you for all of the work you and the ADC have done to ensure fairness, equality and full participation by our Arab community.”
ADC extends its enthusiastic congratulations to Hamad on this significant honor, which also serves as an honor to the entire organization. The presentation of this unique honor is a testament to the great work of ADC in the State and its impact on the lives of citizens across Michigan.