Hamid Kantara was born in Tripoli, Lebanon and grew up in Jounieh during the so called Civil War. He moved and has lived in Houston Texas since 1985. He worked as a Paramedic for many years before pursuing an education in Chiropractic medicine and acupuncture treatments. He was adjunct faculty at a community college as well as a private postgraduate college. He currently works as a Scientist in Johnson Space Center / NASA complex. Dr. Kantara has been named one of "The 300 most prominent Lebanese Americans" in the country.

Dr. Kantara is no stranger to leadership and politics. His father, Claude, was a politician back in Lebanon for over 30 years. Following the footsteps of his father, Dr Kantara ran for and was elected to City Council in a suburban town of Houston, population of 50,000. He also served as Mayor Pro-Tem. Dr. Kantara believes in working the system from within. He became very active with the Republican Party of Texas. He co-founded a County Young Republican Club and served as vice president and president for nearly three years. He introduced a Constitutional Amendment to the Texas Young Republican Federation to create a Cultural Outreach position to bridge the gap between the Republican Party and the minority voters. He also introduced a Resolution to make Cultural Outreach a part of the platform. As a result, he was appointed and served as the first Director of Cultural Outreach for three years.

Dr. Kantara has met many prominent figures along the way of his involvement in Politics; Lebanese Americans like presidential candidate Ralph Nader, Congressman Darrel Issa of California, Congressman Chris John of Louisiana and Council member John Akouri of Michigan were few on his list. Dr. Kantara also worked on numerous campaigns for candidates for State positions in Texas.

His love for Lebanon could not keep him away. After numerous visits to Lebanon between 1991 and 1999, he realized Lebanon is in desperate need of hope and healing. He understood that the political and religious differences continue to divide our country. He created an internet based listserv to bring as many Lebanese together under one place and to promote genuine friendships irrespective of political or religious affiliations. He called it LebaneseFriends. Last year, he responded to an invitation to create a Lebanese organization that is ready to offer healing and unity and that is committed to put political and religious differences aside and to bring people of one country into one community. ALNM was born.
"Today, we find ourselves in a cross road that leads us into two different futures. One path will ensure that history will undoubtedly repeat itself. The second path will, if nothing else, gives us hope and tools to secure freedom, independence, equality, justice, opportunities and sound social and economical presence in Lebanon. We work, not for us, but for our children. The Cedars of Lebanon are a symbol of strength and courage. Their roots grow deep into the ground. Those roots represent our history; a history that gave us a future. Cut the roots off, the tree will immediately collapse. Without one, you can not secure the other. We should not deny our history; but learn from it. Thirty years of war have created deep roots in our hearts. We should embrace them so we can build and create a better future, a new opportunity, and a new country of peace and independence. I am much honored to be part of the American Lebanese National Movement (ALNM). And Today, I am even more so honored to serve as the Chairman of ALNM. We may not save the world; but for sure, we will do our small part in rebuilding our country. When the first astronaut landed on the moon, he said "a small step for man, a giant leap for mankind." Be a part of ALNM's small step for man, so together we can create a giant leap for our people. Those who dwell on the past are not interested in the future. We are interested in our future and hope that you are too.

Dr. Hamid Kantara's focus and strength of determination brought ALNM to a more internationally recognized organization. His experience in politics and leaderships came handy in shaping the foundation of ALNM. Last September, He and Dr. Mazin Moufarij, co-founder of the organization, led a delegation to Lebanon to meet with over 30 ministers, members of parliament, political leaders, clergy and other leaders of interest.

"Men make history, and not the other way around. In periods where there is no leadership, society stands still. Progress occurs when courageous, skillful leaders seize the opportunity to change things for the better." Harry S Truman