by
Ismael (Ish) Ahmed (Photo: Linikedin page)
Activist Ismael (Ish) Ahmed, a prominent figure in the Arab American community, the Democratic Party, and the arts, who was dedicated to immigrant rights and social justice, died Saturday at age 79.
Ahmed co-founded the Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services (ACCESS) in 1973 and became its executive director in 1983, serving in that role for 24 years, according to his LinkedIn page. In 1975, he earned a bachelor’s degree in secondary education and a minor in sociology from the University of Michigan, Dearborn.
In September 2007, he became one of the most prominent Arab Americans in state government, serving as director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services under Democratic Gov. Jennifer Granholm. He served in that post until December 2010.
"He helped shape ACCESS in its earliest days, played a key role in its growth, and served as a longtime executive director," said Maha Freij, president and CEO of ACCESS, in a posting on Facebook. "He also helped co-launch the Arab American National Museum and served on its advisory board for many years.
"The impact of his contributions to ACCESS, our community, and the State of Michigan cannot be overstated," said Freij. "Our thoughts are with his wife, Margaret, their children, grandchildren, and loved ones, as well as the many friends and colleagues mourning this loss. He will be deeply missed."
After leaving the state, he returned to alma mater, the University of Michigan, as an associate provost. He also helped organize Dearborn’s annual Palestine Day marches and was co-chair of the Michigan Democratic Party for over a decade.
Born in Brooklyn, Ahmed, who was of Egyptian and Lebanese descent, moved with his family to Detroit when he was six.
Freij said that Ahmed's "deep love of music led to the creation of Concert of Colors in 1993; a festival he helped build into a long-running success by continuing to co-curate and co-chair it for many years." The Detroit concert is billed as one of the nation’s longest-running, largest, free, and global music festivals.
In 2021, President Biden appointed him to the National Council of Arts.
"He also found great joy in sharing music from around the world as the longtime host of a WDET radio show, extending that passion to listeners across the community," Freij said.
In October 2024, as Arab Americans struggled over who to vote for in the presidential election because of their anger over the Israeli war in Gaza, he authored an opinion piece in the Free Press titled: "I'm an Arab American activist. We have no choice but to vote for Kamala Harris."
He wrote:
"I, like so many others, have been horrified by the slaughter that has taken place in Gaza, the West Bank and Israel. Over 41,000 reported dead, many of them children, to continue an illegal occupation. The murder of Israeli civilians and the taking of hostages. As an Arab American, and as a just plain American, like others, I worked to convince our government to do more to end all this, and for a peaceful solution that respects the rights of both peoples."
He noted that so many Arab Americans were angry about the Biden administration's stance on the war and were thinking of sitting the election out. He wrote that Vice President Kamala Harris hadn't done enough, but was offering some hope of peace and a two-state solution.
He also noted that Donald Trump would resintate the Muslim ban and would not have Arab Americans' best interest.
He concluded:
"One candidate tells us we all have a place in America. The other tells us it is the other who is to blame for all our ills — and we Arab Americans are part of the 'other.'”
"I have made my choice. I will vote Democratic, not for the perfect good, but for a better way of life, and a chance to fight for peace."
A Celebration of Life for Ismael Ahmed will take place during the 35th Annual Concert of Colors, July 15-19, 2026, according to WDET.
Following news of his death, comments came pouring in.
Michael Kulwicki:
RIP, Ish. Few people leave a legacy as impressive as Ish has done : so much positive impact on the Arab American community, the Dearborn and Detroit communities, on health and education in Michigan, on politics, on music through the Concert of Colors and his radio programs, the Arab American National Museum and likely more that I am unaware of.
Belal Bay:
Allah Yerhamo, I remember him as a child in the south end when Access was just a small building. I remember going to English classes, where people new to the country would learn how to speak English, with my mother in that little building.
Mary Bejian:
He was so kind to me very early in my career. The most humble, inclusive, wise man.
Elspeth Muzzin:
What a legacy he has left. Rest in peace.
U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib:
Rest in power Ish-Man! Your laugh was a belly laugh that shook your whole body and one couldn't help but laugh along with you. You introduced me to beautiful music and artists I had never heard of. I grew so much working with you at ACCESS. The stories you shared with me about my Sity Shama were priceless and it showed me the patience and love you showed her when so many turned their backs on her. Thank you for your decades of service. You did good. You can rest now my friend.
George N. Jalinos:
Allah yerhamak dear Ish Ahmed. You were always about loving thy neighbor. Your legacy will remain as a reminder and inspiration for kindness to those we do not even know.
Sumer Khoury-Friedrichs:
Saddened by this news. He was a pillar to many. So may memories of my childhood in this community involve Ish. Condolences to the family.
Zouheir Dabaja:
My condolences to the entire ACCESS family. I knew him since I came to this country back in 1979. We had great memories down at the original ACCESS at the south end. May God bless his soul Alfatiha.
Annette Vanover:
Sending love and my deepest condolences to Margaret and the whole family. I’m honored to have worked alongside him in the 90s and to call him friend. He was a true advocate for all things good and just. Thank you for your distinguished service, Ish!
Nazem Abdelfattah:
Allah yerhama. I remember he helped start ACCESS in Dearborn on Salina street.
Richard L. Schott II:
I met him when his wife came to the North American Indian Association of Detroit for one of the New Years Eve music nights we had as a guest of Jere Stormer. We talked about the community and he encouraged me to seek the help of other agencies. He invited me to sit on the board at New Detroit as a trustee. He never let an opportunity sit by to bring people together. I was fortunate to know him and I am so very sorry he has made his walk into the Spirit World. I will lay down tobacco in prayer for him and his family and pray that his relatives greeted him warmly as he took those first steps into the spirit world and that he be at peace. I will see you later, Ish! Baa maa pii
