Ismael Ahmed’s life was rooted in community and guided by the belief that people are stronger when brought together. Born in 1947 to a working-class Arab immigrant family, he grew up in Dearborn’s South End, shaped by factory work, public education, and a commitment to justice that defined his life’s work.

He co-founded the Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services (ACCESS), helped establish the Arab American National Museum, and later served as Michigan’s first Arab American cabinet member. Music was central to his activism. Through founding the Concert of Colors and hosting This Island Earth on WDET, Ahmed used music to break down barriers and connect people across cultures.

Ismael Ahmed died January 31, 2026. He was 78 years old.