DEARBORN WOMAN CROWNED MISS USA.

HISTORY-MAKING’ FOR ARAB-AMERICANS.

Imad hamad could barely contain his excitement Sunday night: Rima Fakin of Dearborn had just won the Miss USA title and she represented more than just a pretty face.

Fakih, a Lebanese-American, represented her city, and, Arab- American everywhere.

“Her win resembles the richness of American,” said Hamad, director of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee in the city and form whom Fakih received financial help for the pageant.

“It’s history-making,. These moments bring the prize to all of us Arab-Americans.”

Fakih,24,recovered after nearly stumbling in her evening gown’s long train and beat out four others in the final round Sunday.

When asked how she felt about winning the crown, she said, “Ask me after I’ve had a pizza.”

During the interview portion, Fakih was asked whether she thought birth control should be paid for by health insurance, and she said she believed it should because it’s costly.

I believe that birth control is just like every other medication even though it’s a condoled substance, Fakih said.

Later Sunday, from a celebration at a Las Vegas hotel, called supporters at a party at west Dearborn’s La pita restaurant. She spelled out Detroit as though she were chanting a cheer before her promoter took her off speaker phone. The new Miss USA will have to get new protocols, one of which includes no unauthorized contact with the media.

Rami Haddad, the promoter, sad her win is motivation for all young people. She’s American first, he said, but she broke the stereotype about Arabs, about Dearborn.

Caroline Sitto came from Bloomfield Hills to La pita to celebrate Fakih’s win.

Many believed she’d never win. It’s good for her breaking all barriers, Sitto said, comparing it to President Barack Obama’s barrier-breaking win.

Hamad said he never wavered, I really though this young woman was going to make it, he said, despite what some may have seen as the cultural challenge of bridging Arab-Americans conservatism, especially among Dearborn Muslims ,and beauty pageants.

AS a result of her win, Fakih won a spot representing the United States in the 2010 Miss Universe pageant. She also gets a one-year lease in a New York apartment with living expenses, an undisclosed salary, and various health, professional and beauty services.

A graduate of St. John’s Preparatory Catholic High School, Rima attended the University of Michigan Dearborn, where she earned her bachelor of arts degree in economics with a minor in business administration, according to the Miss Michigan USA website.

I write about this topic from Detroit news.

Aboud Muhsson

May17,2010