Arab Ame
The month of April has been designated National Arab American Heritage Month. This year’s theme is “Honoring the past, Inspiring the Future”. Arab Americans have brought and continue to bring important traditions, cultures and history that are woven into the tapestry of the United States. Arab Americans are not a monolith, but rather they represent a very diverse group of people whose roots stretch from northern Africa to Southwest Asia (a.k.a. the Middle East), including but not limited to Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Djibouti, Sudan, Somalia, Egypt, Palestine, Bahrain, Oman, Syria, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the U.A.E., Jordan, Lebanon, and Qatar.
“During the month of April, the Arab America Foundation formally recognizes the achievements of Arab Americans through the celebration of National Arab American Heritage Month (NAAHM). Across the country, cultural institutions, school districts, municipalities, state legislatures, public servants, and non-profit organizations issue proclamations and engage in special events that celebrate our community’s rich heritage and numerous contributions to society. Arab America and the Arab America Foundation launched the National Arab American Heritage Month initiative in 2017.” -arabamericafoundation.org
“In 2022, President Biden became the first U.S. president to declare April as National Arab American Heritage Month, in recognition of the contributions of Arab Americans to the United States that are as old as America itself. Americans of Arab heritage have advanced the nation’s achievements in diplomacy, science, technology, as well as in art and culture. Arab Americans have also been at the forefront of the fight for civil rights and social justice. We mark National Arab American Heritage Month by celebrating the rich culture and heritage of Arab Americans and honoring the contributions to this country.” -Dept. of State.gov
As we have seen a rise in acts of discrimination and violence against Arab Americans, we must stand up, denounce, dismantle, and condemn any form or act of racism and hatred toward our Arab American brothers and sisters. We must “combat Anti-Arab bigotry and challenge stereotypes and prejudices.” NYC Public Schools
Some interesting facts include:
- Many groups are pushing for April to be recognized as ‘MENA’ (Middle Eastern, North African) and not ‘Arab’ heritage month.
- President Biden was the first sitting president in U.S. history to recognize the holiday
- The United States is home to approximately 4 million Arab Americans.
- Arab Americans are one of the most educated groups of people in the U.S., with more than 40% having a four-year degree and 17% having a postgraduate degree.
Did you know that Christa McAuliffe, teacher and astronaut was Arab American?
Here are a few more people of note that are Arab American:
Poet Khalil Gibran, author of The Prophet, considered one of the 5 best-selling poets in the world!
Danny Thomas, famous actor and founder of St. Jude’s Research Hospital (known for its free pediatric oncology treatments)
NFL Quarterback Doug Flutie
NBA Star Steve Kerr
Academy Award winning actor, Rami Malek
Salma Hayek, ALMA and Emmy Award winning actress
Cardiothoracic surgeon, activist, comedian Dr. Bassem Youssef
Public interest advocate, Ralph Nader
Actor and comedian, Jamie Farr
Casey Kasem, radio host if America’s Top 40 and tv personality
-from the Arab America Foundation
Here are some informational websites that provide information on demographics, literature, culture and history:
The Arab American Museum has Arab American Book Award Winners. If you scroll down to the bottom of this page, you will see the years 2024 back through 2007. Click on any given year, and you will see the winners of the awards, including children’s books. https://arabamericanmuseum.org/book-awards/
- Some additional great reads:
Books for adults:
“The Prophet” by Khalil Gibran
“1001 Arabian Nights” (Also known as “One Thousand and One Nights”)
“The Stardust Thief” (The Sandsea Trilogy #1) by Chelsea Abdullah
Middle School books:
“The Arabian Nights: Tales of Wonder and Magnificence” by Padraic Colum
“Daughters of the Lamp” by Leda Newwers
“The Map of Salt and Stars” by Zeyn Joukhadar and Jennifer Zeynab Joukhadar
Upper Elementary books:
“Arab Fairy Tale Feasts: A Literary Cookbook” by Karim Alrawi, Nahid Kazemi (Illustrator)
“Kareem Between” Top of FormBottom of Formby Shifa Saltagi Safadi
“The Turtle of Michigan” by Naomi Shihab Nye
Lower Elementary books:
“Amina Banana and the Formula for Friendship” Top of Formby Shifa Saltagi Safadi, Aaliya Jaleel (Illustrator)Bottom of Form
“Hilwa's Gifts” by Safa Suleiman, Anait Semirdzhyan, (Illustrator)
“The Arabic Quilt: An Immigrant Story” Top of Form
Bottom of Form
by Aya Khalil, Anait Semirdzhyan (Illustrator)
- Support Arab American-owned businesses.
Buy from Arab American-owned stores and e-commerce businesses. These Arab American founders create beautiful, high-quality products with social impact at the forefront.
- Mint + Laurel (Founded by a group of Syrian-American women and launched in Los Angeles, CA, these creators believe in clean living with purpose focusing on vegan bar soap made in Syria and zero-waste packaging made in the U.S.)
- Numi Tea (Founded by Iraqi brother and sister Ahmed Rahim and Reem Hassani with a vision to share the transformative, healing power of tea.)
- Norma Kamali (Lebanese Fashion Designer, has a podcast you can access on this site, and designs gender neutral clothes)
- Inspire Me Home Decor Currently being sold on Wayfair, Farah Merhi is the founder and CEO of the Inspire Me! Brand. Farah is a Lebanese American who started the brand as an Instagram page. Her home decor page has over 7 million followers! She is one of my favorite people to follow for her relaxing videos that include cooking, home organizing, and decor!
- Explore Arab American musicians.
Creating a wide variety of music across genres including hip-hop, R&B, and rock, these artists honor their heritage as they infuse it into their music.
- Omar Offendum
- Felukah
- Anees
- Paul Anka
- Watch a movie or show by Arab American filmmakers.
These are critically acclaimed and have helped redefine Arab American representation across the U.S.:
- Ramy (A 3 season drama on Hulu)
- The Feeling of Being Watched (Amazon Prime)
- Try some Middle Eastern recipes:
Arab cuisine is delicious and diverse, with a wide variety of flavorful dishes to choose from. Check out these recipe books and try out a new dish this Arab American Heritage Month:
- “My Lebanese Cookbook” by Tariq Fallous
- “Eat, Habibi, Eat!: Fresh Recipes for Modern Egyptian Cooking” by Shahir Massoud
“We are stronger when we listen and smarter when we share.” – Queen Rania Al Abdullah
“The World is three days: As for yesterday, it has vanished, along with all that was in it. As for tomorrow, you may never see it. As for today, it is yours, so work in it.” – Hasan of Basra
“Keep me away from the wisdom that does not cry, the philosophy that does not laugh, and the greatness that does not bow before children.” – Khalil Gibran
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