April Arts, a month-long celebration of the rich cultural and creative life across Dearborn, begins April 1, 2023.
 
The initiative was set to launch from 1-3 p.m. on April 1 with a “Community Mural” project at City Hall Park, 13615 Michigan Ave. Due to weather concerns, the community mural event has been rescheduled for Saturday, April 15. All other activities for April 1 will resume on schedule.
 
The mural will be created under the supervision of TEAD One resident artist, Richie Blanco. Participants can visit between 1-3 p.m. to add their hand prints to the mural, which will be on display throughout the remainder of the month.
 
Other activities on April 15 include the “Open Studio Hop” from 1-5 p.m., where the public is invited to visit three working artist studios. Participants can tour studios, see work in progress, and meet the creative artists behind the work. There will also be the opportunity to meet the artists.
 
The tour includes:
Artspace Studios – 13615, Michigan Ave (enter from John Nagy Dr)
Fishnet Studios – 4357 Schaefer (second floor)
Fine Arts Studio – 23810 Michigan Ave (second floor of Manno Clothing)
 
The Bike Dearborn group is also holding a special “April Arts Ride” to visit the open studios and some gallery exhibitions. Riders will meet at noon at the Black Box Coffee Shop and Art Gallery, 1034 Monroe. More information is available at www.bikedearborn.org.
 
Event calendars are available at the Henry Ford Centennial Library and the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center. A printable version is available at: www.dearborncommunityfund.org or www.padzieskigallery.org.
 
April Arts Dearborn is a project of the Dearborn Recreation Commission and Cultural Arts Committee and the Dearborn Community Fund.
 

The City of Dearborn’s 97th annual Memorial Day Parade and Remembrance Ceremony takes place on Monday, May 29. The theme this year will recognize “Arab Americans who Served,” and features Dearborn native and United States Air Force Captain Maysaa M. Ouza as Grand Marshal.
 
Mayor Abdullah H. Hammoud stated, “We’re honored to welcome Captain Maysaa Ouza as our Grand Marshal. Captain Ouza has served our nation honorably and has widened the arms of public service through both her example and her leadership. I hope everyone comes out to the parade and joins us in honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice.”
 
Michigan’s oldest Memorial Day parade pays tribute to all who lost their lives in service of the country.
 
Captain Ouza stated, “I am extremely humbled to be selected as Grand Marshal of the Dearborn Memorial Day Parade. Since the beginning of my Air Force journey, the people of Dearborn have been by my side every step of the way, and it is a privilege to represent them as their upcoming Grand Marshal.”
 
Captain Ouza currently serves as legal counsel in the Victims’ Counsel Division of the USAF.
 
In 2020, she successfully advocated for a change in USAF policy, authorizing her to become the first Muslim to wear hijab in the Air Force. The USAF has since changed its uniform policy, ensuring others like her can serve in hijab. Throughout her career, she has been an ambassador for the Arab American veteran community and other underrepresented groups.
 
Ouza added, “This is a time to honor our fallen veterans, and reflect on the ultimate sacrifice they made for our nation. We also acknowledge that our veteran community represents the many identities that make up this country’s fabric.”
 
This year, due to planned MDOT construction, the route will begin in west Dearborn on Michigan Ave starting at Nowlin St and will end at the Dearborn Historical Museum at S. Brady St where the official ceremony will take place.
 
For more information about the 2023 Memorial Day parade and Remembrance Ceremony, visit: Memorial Day Parade

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