On Monday, November 25, Clarkston City Hall was filled with pride and excitement as Sharifa Adde took the oath of office as the City of Clarkston’s first Muslim woman on the City Council. This groundbreaking achievement is a powerful symbol of progress for a city recognized as one of the most diverse communities in the country. Chief Judge Fatima A. El-Amin of the DeKalb County Juvenile Court administered the oath in a moving ceremony that highlighted the importance of inclusion and representation in local government.
Councilwoman Adde stood surrounded by her family, city officials, and community members as she addressed the significance of the moment. “I feel deeply honored to serve on the City Council,” Adde said. “This moment reflects the strides we are making toward inclusivity in spaces where traditionally underrepresented groups, such as Muslims, have not had much visibility. I hope this achievement not only amplifies the voices of the Muslim community but also inspires other women from minority backgrounds to step into leadership roles. It’s a moment of breaking barriers and advancing representation, a testament to what is possible when we embrace diversity in its truest form.”
Sharifa Adde’s historic election is a milestone for Clarkston’s ongoing narrative of multiculturalism and inclusivity. Mayor Beverly H. Burks underscored the significance of this event by sharing, “This historic moment reflects the essence of Clarkston, a community that celebrates diversity, inclusion, and progress. The swearing-in of Councilwoman Sharifa Adde by Judge Fatima A. El-Amin is a testament to the strides we are making toward greater representation and equity in leadership. Together, we are shaping a future where everyone’s voice is heard and valued.”
Judge El-Amin, the first Muslim judge in DeKalb County, expressed her pride in officiating this milestone. “Historically, Muslim women have endured frequent misrepresentations and unfounded limitations,” she said. “Nevertheless, Muslim women continually stand and excel as proud matriarchs, community leaders, advocates, and business professionals. It was my profound honor to swear in Clarkston’s first Muslim Councilwoman, Sharifa Adde, alongside three generations of Adde women. I join the City of Clarkston in congratulating Councilwoman Adde and in welcoming a new era of servant leadership.”
Adde brings a rich multicultural perspective to her role, shaped by her experiences growing up in Somalia and living in Russia, Kenya, and the United States. Fluent in six languages, she has called Clarkston home for over a decade and has dedicated herself to serving the community. As a retired social worker, active member of the Clarkston Senior Connection, and board member of the Amani Women Center, Adde’s career has been marked by her commitment to empowering others and building bridges across cultures.
As the newest member of the City Council, Adde steps into this role with a collaborative spirit and a determination to create a more inclusive and equitable Clarkston. Her appointment, filling the unexpired term of former Councilmember Awet Eyasu, is not just a personal achievement but a collective victory for the entire community. Adde represents what is possible when diversity is embraced, and leadership is redefined to reflect the people it serves. Her election is a reminder that when communities come together to celebrate their differences and amplify every voice, they build a future that is strong, unified, and full of opportunity.
