20 Years of July Covers
By Sarah Kittle
In July of 2004, the Chaldean News covered Fr. Andrew Younan’s ordination. He is now the host of “FA Blog,” where he regularly discourses on subjects like suffering, parenthood, and calming down.
In 2005, “Who Will Lead?” provided a detailed analysis of the Detroit mayoral election, exploring the candidates and issues shaping the city’s future. The candidates were Kwame Kilpatrick, Freman Hendrix, and Sharon McPhail. Kilpatrick, who was running for a second term, had created some issues for Chaldean business owners who operated in the city of Detroit. He resigned amid scandal in 2008 and ended up serving time in prison.
In 2006, “Champions for Change” highlighted the influential roles of Senator Carl Levin, Senator Debbie Stabenow, attorney Steven Garmo, and Joe Kassab in advocating for change and progress.
In 2007, the world received a “Wake Up Call” when Christians rallied for awareness after Fr. Ragheed Ganni and three deacons were gunned down outside the Church of the Holy Spirit in Mosul, Iraq. This cover story was a poignant reflection on the tragic assassination of the martyrs, a horrific story that caused global Christian communities to raise awareness and advocate for peace.
2008’s cover story, “Bad Bets” investigated the impact of gambling addiction within the Chaldean community, shedding light on the personal and societal consequences.
The 2009 issue featured “Our Canadian Cousins.” This issue explored the varied experiences and challenges faced by Chaldean immigrants across the river and their efforts to create community there. It highlighted their contributions to Canadian society and touched on their cultural adaptation, plus explored our relationship with them.
The cover story published in 2010 delved deeply into the profound humanitarian crisis unfolding as Iraqi immigrants, particularly Chaldeans, faced deportation from various countries.
In 2011, we tackled a poignant and often overlooked subject within the Chaldean community with a cover story titled “Letting Go – Preparing for End-of-Life Issues.” This edition courageously dived into the sensitive topic of end-of-life care, offering profound insights and practical guidance that resonated deeply within the community.
The 2012 Chaldean News cover story celebrating Independence Day prominently featured the Bank of Michigan, heralding its journey towards financial autonomy and its profound impact as the first Chaldean-owned bank. The article laid out the economic achievements that had propelled the bank to stand independently, highlighting its growth trajectory and the pivotal role it played in the community’s financial landscape.
The cover story titled “The Question of Unity – Chaldeans and Assyrians: Are we really one?” in the 2013 issue dug deep into the intricate dynamics shaping the relationship between two closely related yet distinct communities, the Chaldeans and Assyrians. At its core, the article explored the profound historical, cultural, and political factors that both unite and differentiate these groups within the broader Middle Eastern diaspora.
Historically, both Chaldeans and Assyrians trace their origins to ancient Mesopotamia, sharing a rich heritage that includes language, traditions, and a legacy of resilience through centuries of challenges. However, the modern context has seen these communities dispersed across the globe, facing diverse influences that challenge their sense of unity.
The 2014 cover story titled “Iraq in Tears – Will Christians Survive?” provided a poignant and in-depth exploration of the dire situation faced by Christians in Iraq during a period of intense violence and displacement. The article served as a stark reminder of the plight of religious minorities in the region, shedding light on their (still) uncertain future amidst escalating conflict.
The cover story titled “Getting Social in Cyberspace” from the 2015 issue discussed how the Chaldean community embrace and utilize social media platforms as powerful tools of communication, activism, and cultural preservation. It highlights a transformative shift where the medium itself became integral to the message conveyed by Chaldeans worldwide.
The 2016 cover story titled “Super Sidekicks – Slim and Joey with Mojo in the Morning” explored the lives and impact of Slim and Joey, beloved personalities of Chaldean descent, alongside their colleague Mojo from the popular radio show “Mojo in the Morning.” This feature celebrated their significant contributions not only to local media but also to community engagement, making them cultural icons in the Chaldean community and beyond.
The cover story titled “Fighting to Stay” in the 2017 edition highlighted the valiant efforts of community leaders who rallied to prevent the deportation of Chaldean immigrants and championed immigrant rights. At its core, the article delved into the legal battles and hurdles faced by these leaders as they navigated the complex landscape of immigration laws and new policies. It emphasized the resilience and unity of the Chaldean community in the face of adversity, emphasizing solidarity and collective action as vital tools in the fight for justice and human rights.
The cover story in 2018, titled “Votes Count – Know who’s running,” exemplified the publication’s commitment to informing and empowering the Chaldean community during local elections. With comprehensive coverage, the Chaldean News dedicated its pages to spotlighting candidates, issues, and voting logistics crucial to the democratic process.
In 2019, we featured a compelling cover story titled “Chaldean Town 2.0” and subtitled, “The Chaldean community’s historic housing development.” This landmark issue highlighted an ambitious and transformative housing project led by the vibrant Chaldean community in Macomb County. Nestled within the heart of Sterling Heights, this development, internally referred to as “Tigris Tower,” stands as a testament to resilience and community spirit, marking a new chapter in urban revitalization efforts.
In 2020, our cover story titled “Freedom Rider – the Chaldean Flag Kid,” showcased the remarkable journey of a passionate young activist dedicated to preserving Chaldean heritage and identity. By prominently displaying the Iraqi flag in public demonstrations and community events, he symbolically asserted the Iraqi Christian community’s presence and contributed significantly to fostering a sense of unity among Chaldeans.
The cover story in 2021 looked at the profound impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Chaldean businesses and community organizations, displaying their remarkable resilience in the face of unprecedented challenges. As the world grappled with the effects of the pandemic, Chaldean entrepreneurs demonstrated remarkable adaptability, navigating through a landscape fraught with uncertainty.
The article examined the adaptation strategies employed by Chaldean businesses to sustain operations amidst lockdowns and restrictions. From swiftly transitioning to online platforms and implementing robust safety measures to reimagining business models, Chaldean entrepreneurs displayed ingenuity and determination. These adaptations not only enabled businesses to survive but also laid the groundwork for future growth and innovation.
The 2022 cover story titled “New Americans – the Journey to Citizenship” provided an exploration into the lives of immigrants striving to attain U.S. citizenship. Through narratives and interviews, the feature captured the diverse journeys and experiences of individuals navigating the complexities of American immigration laws.
In the 2023 cover story titled “City on Fire – 1967 Riots,” the CN examined the reverberations of the historic 1967 Detroit riots, highlighting their implications for the Chaldean community that worked in the city. The destruction and subsequent rebuilding efforts reshaped neighborhoods where many Chaldeans lived and worked, prompting a reassessment of economic opportunities and community infrastructure.
The story also underscores the resilience of the Chaldean community in the face of adversity. It spotlights personal narratives and collective memories that illuminate the community’s journey from displacement and loss to renewal and empowerment. Many lost everything, but they lived to tell the tale.