LANSING — State Rep. Darrin Camilleri (D-Brownstown) hosted the 3rd Annual Maltese American Heritage Day celebration at the state Capitol today, drawing over 50 attendees to recognize the many rich cultural and economic contributions of Michigan’s Maltese Americans to the state and their local communities. Camilleri, the first state representative of Maltese descent in Michigan’s history, was joined by special guests Michigan Supreme Court Justice Brian Zahra and Judge Rosemarie Aquilina for the event.

“Generations of Maltese Americans have chosen to make Michigan their home, and I am so proud to be one of them,” said Camilleri. “As the first Maltese American elected to Michigan’s state house, this event is so important to me, and I’m honored to be joined by so many incredible visitors from across our state as we celebrate our heritage and what the future holds for our growing community.”

Camilleri also introduced House Resolution 163 to declare Sept. 19, 2019 as Maltese American Heritage Day in Michigan and presented a tribute honoring Lou Grech-Cumbo as Maltese American of the Year. Grech-Cumbo has long served as a powerful advocate for Michigan’s Maltese community and created the Grech-Cumbo Foundation Scholarship to aid outstanding members of the Maltese American Benevolent Society in Detroit who choose to attend college or trade school.

 

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