The Assyrian Democratic Organization
By Martin Manna
USA – Detroit News — Throughout our history, it has been an unfortunate reality to debase the most recent group of immigrants to our nation as evidenced by recent media coverage regarding the lack of major grocery retailers in Detroit.
If it were not for stores independently owned by Chaldean-Americans, Detroit residents would have few options for grocery shopping. These Christian-Iraqi entrepreneurs operate stores and serve communities that major grocery store chains have long ago abandoned with no immediate plans to return.
Recently, Farmer Jack’s two Detroit stores that were slated to close in early July were purchased by Chaldeans. These locations will be remodeled and reopened much to the relief of nearby residents.
In most cases, Chaldean grocers provide exceptional service not found at major chains, even in the suburbs. They offer unsecured personal credit on items as well as jitney service for residents who do not own cars. Additionally, these stores create jobs and employ members of the community.
Recent news stories have painted an inaccurate picture of independent local grocers, many of whom are Chaldean Americans. They cast a misconception that many Chaldean-owned stores are poorly operated and take advantage of less fortunate citizens, which is not true.
The roots of Chaldean-owned grocery stores in Detroit span more than 40 years. A number of these stores remain family owned and operate under the same sense of pride of the original founder. The majority of these stores offer fresher produce than the major chains because they buy from terminals at Eastern Market, and fresher meat by employing old fashioned butchers who hand process steak and hamburger. They offer as competitive prices as possible due to the higher cost of doing business in the city versus the suburbs.
Chaldean-Americans immigrated to the United States with an entrepreneurial spirit that not only lives on, but also helps fuel our local economy. An estimated two out of every three Chaldean American families own businesses, which range from food stores to hotels to professional services firms.
Chaldeans own an estimated 8,000 businesses in Michigan. In addition to entrepreneurial endeavors, Chaldeans have branched out into various professions through higher education, which includes a large number of doctors, lawyers and teachers. Furthermore, Chaldean Americans are becoming more involved in the overall fabric of American society by becoming involved in governmental affairs and contributing to the local economy. Metro Detroit is home to the largest Chaldean community outside of Iraq with an estimated 120,000 people.
Before passing judgment, one must look at the contributions of the Chaldean community objectively.
