Dear neighbor,
I hope this message finds you well as we enjoy April. I want to share some updates and highlight significant events shaping our community. With the arrival of spring, we’re greeted with blooming flowers, warmer weather, and a renewed sense of energy. As we witness the changing of seasons, let us embrace this time for growth. April holds significance for many, marked by Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Arab American Heritage Month, Autism Acceptance Month, the start of baseball season, and Eid al-Fitr.
April Highlights
Sexual Assault Awareness Prevention
April marks Sexual Assault Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness and promote prevention efforts in our community. It’s crucial that we come together to support survivors, educate ourselves on consent and boundaries, and work toward creating a culture of safety and respect for all. As your representative, I am proud to have cosponsored House Bill 4488, which aims to strengthen support for survivors of sexual assault in our community. HB 4488 grants survivors the right to have a support person and an attorney present during investigatory interviews, as well as the right to consult with a sexual assault counselor and an attorney when undergoing a sexual assault evidence kit examination. By advocating for this bill, we are taking significant steps toward improving the support and resources available to survivors of sexual assault in our state.
Arab American Heritage
Throughout April, let us celebrate Arab American Heritage Month, honoring the rich contributions and diverse cultural heritage of Arab Americans in our community. Michigan is home to the largest concentration of Arab Americans in the country, with the population predominantly located in Southeast Michigan. Let’s take this opportunity to recognize and celebrate the significant contributions to academia, business, medicine, law, technology, government, science, and social justice Arab Americans make in our state. Check out the Arab American Foundation and the Arab American National Museum for ongoing news and activities during April.
Autism Acceptance Month
April is also recognized as Autism Acceptance Month, a time to celebrate neurodiversity and promote acceptance, inclusion, and understanding for individuals on the autism spectrum. Autism spectrum disorder is the fastest growing developmental disability in the United States. Let’s embrace the unique perspectives and talents of autistic individuals and strive to create a more inclusive community. Discover different resources and ways to support individuals with autism by connecting with the Autism Alliance of Michigan or visiting MDE’s Special Educations website, or Michigan.gov/Autism.
Detroit Tigers
As the baseball season gets underway, I want to take a moment to celebrate our team’s efforts on the field. Go Tigers!
Eid al-Fitr
May all who are celebrating enjoy a blessed Eid!
I am proud to be your voice in Lansing. Please do not hesitate to reach out to my office if I can ever be of service to you.
In Service,
Mike McFall
State Representative, House District 8
Serving Hazel Park, Highland Park, Madison Heights, Part of Detroit, and Part of Ferndale