Just this past week, a historic first occurred when Vice President Kamala Harris and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff opened up their home to host the first ever Eid Al-Adha celebration in collaboration with the El-Hibri Foundation. Our very own ASACA board member, Reem Akkad from Reem Akkad Design out of Birmingham, Michigan was selected among numerous interior designers across the country to create the design for the event and infuse the mansion with a thoughtful representation of Islamic art and culture.
In approaching this project, Reem wanted to tie in historical references and tell the story of religious diversity in America. And then she found it, the spark that started it all: It was the Mezuzah, a Hebrew scroll mounted by the Second Gentleman at the entrance of the residence which speaks of peace, reconciliation, and oneness of God. Struck by the commonalities across all faiths, Reem decided to highlight their shared values and showcase the idea that the beauty of all creative fields, whether it is design, music, or cuisine, transcends boundaries and unites us.
Ms. Akkad worked with her amazing team, which includes Usama Baalbaki of UB Design, Emad Nader of Trust Construction, and Lena Akkad to realize the design vision. Together, their diverse expertise played a vital role in turning the design into a tangible reality that exceeded expectations.
Thank you to Vice President Kamala Harris and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff for hosting the first ever Eid Celebration! It serves as a testament to the value of art, culture, and representation, showcasing the diversity and talent that exists within our country.
