A Guide to Celebrating National Arab American Heritage Month
By: Salma Heram / Arab America Contributing Writer
April is National Arab American Heritage Month (NAAHM). During this month, we honor the Arab Americans who came before us and fought for our community. We celebrate our culture, take pride in our heritage, and learn about our history. As such, everyone celebrates NAAHM differently. Read on as we detail all the different ways to celebrate Arab American culture and heritage; there’s something for everyone!
Online Educational Resources
You can access a wealth of information about Arab culture and heritage through various online portals, covering topics such as history, language, cuisine, and music. One of the most extensive providers of digital media on Arab and Arab American identity in the United States is Arab America. To explore a broad range of resources on these subjects, you can visit both Arab America and Arab America Foundation.
Visit Arab Art and History Museums and Exhibits
If you happen to be near Dearborn, Michigan, consider planning a trip to the Arab American National Museum, the first and only of its kind devoted to Arab American history and culture. In New York, visit the Metropoltation Museum of Art’s Islamic Art collection as well as its Ancient Near Eastern Art and Egyptian Art collections. In Washington, DC, be sure to visit the Museum of the Palestinian People, as well as the Arts of the Islamic World collection at the Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art. If these are not accessible to you, visit your local art or history museum, and seek out Arab art in the various exhibits, which are often found in the “Middle East” or “Near East” portions of a Museum. Also, indulge in this online collection about early Arab American immigrants curated by the Smithsonian Museums, and informed by oral histories.
Dine at an Arab-owned Restaurant
Enjoying authentic Arabic cuisine is a great way to appreciate Arab culture. Not only are you enjoying delicious, flavorful food, but you’re also supporting Arab-American business owners by patronizing their restaurants. Arab cuisine is vastly diverse, so if one country’s dishes don’t speak to you, another one certainly will. In virtually every state, you will find many options for Arab-owned restaurants, whose owners hail from all over the Arab world; from Yemen and Morocco to Egypt and Syria, you’ll have many options to choose from. A tip for the amateur Arab restaurant connoisseur, however: make sure the restaurant is owned by Arabs to truly support our community. Some restaurants that serve “Middle-Eastern” cuisine can be Israeli, Greek, or Turkish-owned, thus making them not authentically Arab! To confirm, never hesitate to call the restaurant ahead; Arabs are amazing hosts and will make you feel right at home.
Listen to Music by Arab and Arab American Artists
Another way to enjoy and appreciate Arab culture is by listening to the works of vastly talented Arab and Arab American singers and songwriters. Both Spotify and Apple Music have specially curated playlists that highlight Arabic music in every genre and from every country in the Arab world. Whether you’re into hip-hop, classical music, indie, pop, tarab, metal, or ballads, you’ll find something for you within the lyrical and artistic genius of Arab and Arab American artists. If you prefer orchestral music, attend one of the National Arab Orchestra’s performances, or enjoy their performances online. Some Arab American pop artists that are quickly exploding in popularity include Elyanna, Felukah, Bayou, Saint Levant, Anees, and Nemahsis.
Read Books and Stories by Arab and Arab American Authors
Arab and Arab American authors’ works grace the shelves of almost every bookstore in the country, no matter the genre. From poetry and short stories to fiction and nonfiction novels, you’ll be sure to find something you love by a Arab writer. See some of our recommendations below:
For Adults and Young Adults
- Orientalism, by Edward Said
- Kahlil Gibran Collection: The Madman, The Forerunner, The Prophet, by Khalil Gibran
- Palace Walk, by Naguib Mahfouz
- The Final Strife, by Saara El-Arifi
- The Other Americans, by Laila Lalami
- Other Words for Home, by Jasmine Warga
- As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow, by Zoulfa Katouh; Also check out our article on the story behind the novel!
For Children and Young Adults-
- Our article on 14 children’s books with Arab representation
- A Kid’s Guide to Arab American History, by Yvonne Wakim Dennis and Maha Addasi
- The Great Labne Trade, by Eman Saleh
Watch Arab and Arab American Shows and Films
Another great way to learn about the Arab American experience is through film, as you get a front row seat to our world through our own perspectives, via the work of incredible Arab and Arab American directors. Check out our recommendations below:
- Farha (Netflix)
- For Sama (Prime and PBS)
- Mo (Netflix)
- Ramy (Hulu)
- 3000 Nights (Netflix)
- Born in Gaza (Netflix)
- The Present (Netflix)
- Salt of this Sea (Nextflix)
- AlRawabi School for Girls (Netflix)
- Fauda (Netflix)
- Amreeka (Hulu)
Also check out these short films featured at our “Taking Back our Narrative Event” at the Kennedy Center, sponsored by the Arab Film and Media Insitute.
- Coming Home
- The Ocean Duck
- In the Long Run
- Ave Maria
- Dunya’s Day
- Space Woman
- The Shadows of the Butterflies
Attend a Show by a Arab American Comedian
For some light-hearted fun and a good time, attend a comedy show by an Arab American comedian! Not only will you be cracking up, but you’ll also learn more about the Arab American experience and become emersed in the community. Here are some comedians we recommend:
- Amer Zahr
- Bassem Youssef
- Mohammed “Mo” Amer
- Ramy Youssef
- Maysoon Zayid
- Said Durrah
- Majdy Fares
- Nina Kharoufeh
- Dina Hashem
Support Arab American Activists and Organizations
Showing your support, whether financially through donations or just by being vocal about your support and sharing on social media, can make a huge difference for the advancement of the Arab American community. By supporting Arab American organizations and activists that are already immersed in these spaces and have access to the community, your impact can be even greater than your own individual capacity! Below are some activists and organizations to follow and support:
- Arab America Foundation
- Arab American Institute (AAI)
- American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC)
- Palestine Foundation
- Afikra
- Arab American National Museum
- National Arab American Women’s Association (NAAWA)
Throughout this month, we hope you immerse yourself in Arab American culture and community, celebrate our heritage, and take pride in our identity!
Check out Arab America’s blog here!