10-24-14 Samir Khalil Arab American Democratic Club

Samir Khalil, the director of the Arab American Democratic Club of Illinois discusses the roll American Arabs play in local politics and in elections. Khalil discusses the recent luncheon which hosted dozens of elected officials including Gov. Pat Quinn, Samantha Haddad Webb the candidate for 10th Ward Alderman in Chicago, and many other candidates for Cook County, Chicago and statewide office.

Khalil was the guest on Talk of the Town Radio hosted by Ray Hanania, former Chicago City Hall reporter for the Southtown and the Chicago Sun-Times from 1978 until 1992. Talk of the Town radio is broadcast every Friday at 4:05 PM CST Chicago time on WCEV 1450 AM Radio and also simulcast on www.YahalaVoice.com. It is rebroadcast on Yahala Voice on Monday's at 11 am.

Khalil and Hanania discuss the failure of Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel to include American Arabs in his administration and his destruction of the American Arab role with his predecessor Mayor Richard M. Daley. After his election, Emanuel gutted the Chicago Human Relations Commission, eliminated the Advisory Commission on Arab Affairs and refused to fund the 5th annual Arabesque Festival which began in 2007.

Hanania is the managing editor of The Arab Daily News www.TheArabDailyNews.com and also President/CEO of Urban Strategies Group media and public affairs consulting based in Orland Park, Illinois.