www.lee-usa.org Economic Impact of Arab American Community in Southeastern Michigan Research Study Case Statement

The Need

With a population of more than 3.5 million spread over all fifty states, Arab Americans represent a community with a proud and rich history, productive citizens, and educational and economic achievements.   Michigan, home to the largest concentration of Arab Americans in the country, also boasts a very engaged, successful community with numerous contributions on the social, cultural, and economic levels.

 

Although the Arab American community in the Greater Detroit area is known for its diversity, institutional leadership and cultural outreach, its collective capabilities and influence, particularly from an economic perspective, remain anecdotal, and consequently are not leveraged effectively.  Except for Census data and a few studies on the social and cultural traits and challenges facing the community, there is no scientific, well-researched information about the economic impact of the Arab American Community, particularly in Southeast Michigan, where the largest concentration exists.

 

The Economic Impact Study

The purpose of the Arab American Economic Impact Study is to gauge the economic impact that persons of Arab ancestry have on Southeast Michigan, specifically Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw, and Wayne counties.  This includes overall earnings, purchasing power, occupational/industry breakdowns and business ownership.  The study is an initiative of the League for Economic Empowerment, an organization founded in 2005 to “empower our community, enhance its well-being and shape its future.” 

 

Using a scientific approach, this study will serve as a benchmarking initiative that encompasses a needs assessment of the community’s strengths and weaknesses.  It will allow for an objective, research-based assessment of the true capabilities of the community and its impact on the Arab American Community and the community at large.  It will further identify opportunities for development and growth.  Such opportunities could include identifying resources available for the development of new business ventures, creating advocacy for community related business issues, or developing a database of Arab American firms, professionals, and entrepreneurs.  Based on the study’s outcomes, LEE will direct its programs to meet the community’s needs and opportunities and exploit the resources identified through the study.  The goal is to ultimately develop and enhance the economic base and influence of the community. 

 

 

 

How You Can Help

 

LEE has secured the services of Wayne State University’s Center for Urban Studies to conduct the research study.  The Study will be completed in several phases extending over a period of several months and will be managed by a team of specialized professionals who are members of LEE.  The League of Economic Empowerment is depending on the generous contribution of the Arab American Community to fund this study.  Our goal is to raise the funds necessary and launch the study to complete the research by October of 2006. 

 

About the League for Economic Empowerment