May 1, 2025

On April 9, 2025, students packed the auditorium at Copley High School. The energy was different: excitement, pride–and a sense of history being made. 

For Senior Yasmeen Al-Maflehi, president and founder of Arab Americans United (AAU), this wasn’t just another school event. It was the moment the student-led cultural group had been working toward all year. Akron Mayor Shammas Malik was on stage to speak to the students about diversity, identity and vulnerability. 

 April is Arab American Heritage month, and AAU planned a full calendar of events for the month. Malik’s visit was the highlight. The event was organized entirely by AAU students under the guidance of French teacher Michelle Scavdis, the group’s faculty adviser. 

Once on stage, Malik did not hold back. When asked by Drumbeat writer Maria Kramer about D.E.I. being under fire, as in the recent Ohio House Bill 8 (legislation many see as hostile to equity in education) the mayor responded with conviction. 

“We take this very seriously,” Malik said. “So what we’re doing is trying to react immediately. We will not stop using words like diversity, equity and inclusion. If someone is going to force us to stop using those words, frankly, it’s going to have to be forcing us in court of law.” 

The words drew applause from the crowd, especially among students who have worked hard to create inclusive spaces in school. Malik also spoke about the importance of civic engagement and how young people can make a difference in their communities. 

For Palestinian junior Maryam Omar, the visit was deeply meaningful.

“Seeing someone who shares my background and religion speak on our behalf genuinely made me feel like I now have a place at Copley High School,” Omar said. 

One moment that stood out to her was when Malik referenced Gaza after his speech with the AAU team. 

“It genuinely made me feel more included,” Omar said. “Our club gained the recognition it truly deserves after this visit.”

Shammas Malik was born and raised in northwest Akron. His mother, Dr. Helen Qammar, taught chemical engineering at the University of Akron and inspired Malik’s drive to give back to his community through public service. She gifted him her stubbornness as well. 

Malik graduated from Firestone High School’s International Baccalaureate Program, earned his undergraduate degree from The Ohio State University, and then attended Harvard Law School. 

In 2023, Malik became Akron’s 63rd mayor—the youngest in the city’s history and its first mayor of color. His platform centers on safe neighborhoods, strong schools, affordable housing and equitable economic opportunity.

Malik’s visit marked a turning point for AAU, a group that was founded in April 2024 but has quickly gained traction at Copley High School. AAU hosted a virtual discussion with scholar Iman Abdulkarim as a compliment to the mayor’s visit, and also organized a cookout and led fundraisers to support future events. 

“To younger Arab American students, I want to say that you do have a place here and your voice matters,” Omar said. “You are definitely not alone. Don’t be afraid to embrace who you are.”

Malik’s visit was more than a guest appearance; it was a statement that culture matters, inclusion matters and students have the power to shape their destinies.