#United States #Washington #ADC #Johnny Simon #Cheryl Faris

Strengthening Leadership in Civil Rights

On May 14, 2026, the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) made headlines with the announcement that two distinguished individuals have been appointed to its Board of Directors. This initiative underscores the organization’s commitment to civil rights and its mission to serve the Arab American community. The new board members, Johnny Simon and Cheryl Faris, embody exceptional legal expertise combined with a rich history of advocacy.

The New Board Members

Johnny Simon

Johnny Simon stands out as a highly regarded trial attorney with a national reputation for attaining success in complex legal cases. His extensive experience includes representing high-stakes clients such as Fortune 500 companies, national insurance firms, and hospital systems in both state and federal courts. Simon’s noteworthy accomplishments have been acknowledged in numerous media outlets, showcasing the impact of his legal work and the pivotal changes it has instigated.

Cheryl Faris

Cheryl Faris brings to the ADC Board a wealth of experience in civil rights advocacy, having spent 25 years practicing law at an international telecommunications corporation. Following her corporate career, she transitioned to education, teaching law and psychology at a college-prep high school in West Los Angeles. Faris is not only an established attorney but also an educator who founded a nationally recognized mock trial program.

Faris has been actively involved in civil rights initiatives for decades. She served on the Executive Committee of the Southern Christian Leadership Council in Los Angeles and was the first woman to lead the Arab-American Lawyers’ Association. Her relationship with the ADC began in 1982 and has continued to flourish since.

Commitment to ADC’s Mission

Dr. Safa Rifka, the National Chairman of ADC, highlighted the necessity of having board members who not only possess strong legal skills but also resonate with the organization’s core values during a critical time for civil rights in the Arab American community. He expressed, “At a time when our community faces some of the most serious civil rights challenges in a generation, it is essential that ADC's Board reflect the very best in legal talent, lived experience, and unwavering dedication to our mission.”

Both Simon and Faris are set to serve on the board for one-year terms, as permitted by the ADC's bylaws. Their involvement is viewed as a strategic move to strengthen ADC's leadership at a pivotal moment for civil and human rights advocacy within the Arab American population.

A Legacy of Advocacy

Established in 1980 by former U.S. Senator James Abourezk, ADC is recognized as the largest grassroots Arab American organization in the United States. Its mission is to protect and promote the civil rights and liberties of the over 3.7 million Arab Americans living nationwide. Through various strategies, including legal representation, public education, rapid-response interventions, and community organizing, the ADC dedicates itself to confronting discrimination and enriching public knowledge regarding Arab history and culture.

The organization also seeks to foster collaborative alliances with marginalized populations globally to advance social justice.

For those seeking legal assistance, ADC provides a hotline, reachable at 844-ADC-9955. For more information on their missions and initiatives, individuals can visit their website at adc.org.

In welcoming Johnny Simon and Cheryl Faris to the board, the ADC demonstrates its ongoing commitment to employing top-tier talent to navigate the complexities of civil rights issues, thereby reinforcing its long-standing legacy as a defender of civil rights for Arab Americans. With their wealth of experience and dedication, both board members have the potential to drive significant advancements in the organization's goals and initiatives.

As ADC embarks on this new chapter under the guidance of its restructured Board of Directors, its members and supporters eagerly anticipate the positive changes that will follow. The commitment to civil rights advocacy remains steadfast, and with welcoming new leaders, the ADC is positioned to tackle the challenges that lie ahead.