Arab America Foundation Announces Speakers and Performers for National Arab American Heritage Month Signature Event, April 16, 2026

posted on: Mar 4, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(WASHINGTON, DC) March 4, 2026 — On Thursday, April 16, 2026, the Arab America Foundation (AAF) will present its Ninth Annual National Arab American Heritage Month Signature Event at Belle Haven Country Club, 6023 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria, VA. This year’s theme, “Many Voices, One Community,” celebrates the diversity of Arab American identities while affirming the shared values that unite us.

Since launching National Arab American Heritage Month (NAAHM) in 2017, AAF has hosted this annual signature gathering to honor the invaluable contributions of Arab Americans through culture, leadership, and community celebration. The evening brings together civic leaders, professionals, artists, and advocates for an elegant black-tie celebration featuring authentic Arab cuisine, music, dance, and storytelling.

This year’s program features Yasmin Elhady — comedian, attorney, and host of Hulu’s Muslim Matchmaker — known for connecting hearts through humor and authenticity. The evening will be emceed by Emmy Award-winning journalist Ameera David, with musical performances by renowned vocalists Usama Baalbaki and Nibal Malshi. Guests will also enjoy music by DJ Basbousa, a DC-based Arab pop culture curator, and traditional folkloric performances by the Faris El-Layl Dance Troupe.

A highlight of the evening will be “The Golden Era of Arab Music: An Evening of Timeless Arab Classics,” a curated 45-minute tribute to the luminous sounds of the Arab world from the 1950s through the 1970s. Through beloved melodies and orchestral elegance, the program honors legends including Abdel Halim Hafez, Farid Al-Atrache, Warda Al-Jazairia, Mohammed Abdel Wahab, Sherifa Fadel, Fairuz, Sabah Fakhri, Wadih El Safi, and Sabah — voices that shaped a cultural renaissance and defined a generation.

“National Arab American Heritage Month is about celebrating the richness of who we are — our diversity, our resilience, and our shared future,” said Warren David, President of Arab America. “At a time when misunderstanding and exclusion persist, this gathering affirms our place in the American story and strengthens our collective voice as one community.”

As Arab Americans face exclusion from diversity initiatives and discriminatory rhetoric, this event serves as an important platform to affirm identity, celebrate contributions, and counter harmful narratives. It is an opportunity to promote inclusion, challenge misconceptions, and elevate Arab American voices nationwide.

For Tickets and Information, CLICK HERE

National Arab American Heritage Month Signature Event Program

Speakers and Performers

Usama Baalbaki

Usama Baalbaki is a Lebanese American vocalist, composer, and cultural leader dedicated to preserving and promoting Arab musical heritage. Born in Kuwait, he began studying music at age eight, learning the oud and accordion, and by twelve was performing on the Kuwaiti children’s television program Mamma Anisa. After moving to the United States in 1987, Baalbaki built a distinguished career performing across the country and sharing the stage with renowned artists, including Tony Bennett. He portrayed composer Mohamed Abdel Wahab in Tawfik Hakim’s play Rasasa fi al Qalb and received the AMAL Award for Best Arab American Vocalist. He is co-founder and Chairman of the National Arab Orchestra.

Nibal Malshi

Nibal Malshi is an extraordinary Palestinian artist born in the vibrant city of Haifa. Since age five, Nibal has enchanted audiences worldwide, drawing inspiration from revered Arab artists and gracing prestigious stages across her homeland, Europe, and the USA, including the renowned Institut de Monte Arab in Paris. A proud Academy of Music and Dance graduate in Jerusalem, Nibal’s artistry knows no bounds. From captivating dance workshops in Ramallah to inspiring collaborations in Germany to numerous concert performances in the U.S., she spreads harmony and unity through her music.

Yasmeen Elhady

Yasmin Elhady is a comedian, attorney, and host of Hulu’s Muslim Matchmaker, where she connects hearts with humor and authenticity. Born in Egypt and raised in Alabama, she brings a sharp, insightful comedic voice to conversations about faith, culture, identity, and motherhood. Yasmin has toured internationally, performed at The Kennedy Center, and appeared on NBC’s True Story with Ed Helms and Randall Park, Netflix Is a Joke Radio, NPR, and The Washington Post Live. A finalist in the “Yes, And… Laughter Lab,” she is also a passionate advocate for refugees and women’s empowerment. Yasmin holds a J.D. from UCLA and an M.P.A. from Princeton.

Ameera David

Ameera David is an Emmy Award-winning journalist and former television anchor who has reported on national and international issues for major media outlets, including Sinclair Media in Washington, DC and WXYZ-TV in Detroit. Known for her thoughtful reporting and engaging storytelling, Ameera has covered politics, global affairs, and economic developments with clarity and depth. Her work has earned recognition for bringing complex issues to broad audiences. A proud Arab American, Ameera is committed to elevating diverse perspectives and fostering understanding through journalism. She frequently moderates discussions and public events, bringing insight, professionalism, and a strong voice for dialogue and community engagement.

DJ Basbousa

​DJ Basbousa is a Washington, D.C.-based Egyptian DJ, cultural anthropologist, feminist activist, designer, and curator of community events. She founded DJ Basbousa LLC, a brand that hosts dance parties, provides DJ services for private and corporate events in the DMV, and sells merchandise celebrating modern Arab pop culture. Her mission is to create safe spaces for the Arab diaspora, fostering community through music, art, and cultural events.

Faris El-Layl Folkloric Dance Troupe

The Faris El-Layl group is known for its traditional Arab line dance in many Arab countries. It’s typically performed at weddings and other festive occasions. The Faris El-Layl group has been performing across the United States and is renowned in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. The group brings a taste of Arab folklore and time-honored culture with every stomp in their performance. The mission of Faris El-Layl is to inform its audience that the Arab World is more than just twenty-two Arab countries in the Middle East; it is also a culturally vibrant and art-enriched society that is proud of being united by its heritage that includes history, language, food, and, of course, music and dance.

For Tickets and Information, CLICKHERE

About National Arab American Heritage Month 2026

Throughout April, the Arab America Foundation leads national celebrations of National Arab American Heritage Month (NAAHM), recognizing the achievements, culture, and contributions of Arab Americans. In 2017, Arab America launched a national movement to unify recognition of NAAHM. Since then, participation has expanded across the country, with state and local governments, corporations, schools, and institutions issuing proclamations and hosting events. More than 250 volunteers across 26 states help organize proclamations and community programs each year.

Get Involved

Community members, educators, institutions, and organizations interested in mobilizing for NAAHM—requesting proclamations or planning events—are encouraged to contact Dr. Amal David or call 877-272-2944.

Proclamations

Arab America Foundation state teams are actively securing proclamations from governors, state legislators, mayors, and county executives nationwide. New proclamations for 2026 will be announced in the coming months. For a list of 2025 proclamations, click here.

Sponsorship Opportunities and Cultural Training Workshops

The Arab America Foundation welcomes corporate and institutional partners to sponsor National Arab American Heritage Month. Sponsorship opportunities include access to the Foundation’s Cultural Training Workshops, designed to help organizations educate their workforces about Arab American history, immigration, culture, traditions, and contemporary issues, fostering greater cultural competency and inclusion.

For information about national sponsorships and cultural training workshops, click here
or call 877-272-2944 or email info@arabamerica.com.

For Sponsorship Opportunities–Click Here

Educator’s Curriculum Kit

The Arab America Foundation offers an Educator’s Curriculum Kit for schools, highlighting:

• Arab migration to the United States
• Geography of the Arab world
• Diversity in faith, language, and culture
• Customs and traditions
• Issues affecting Arab Americans
• Contributions in business, politics, education, science, and the arts

For more information, please contact Dr. Amal David.

Resources & Storytelling

Throughout April, Arab America Foundation will amplify community stories and events through ArabAmerica.com and social media. Weekly features will highlight cultural events across the U.S. and compelling stories of Arab American achievement. A comprehensive resource guide is also available, offering curated content on Arab and Arab American identity and culture.

For NAAHM resources, Click Here

For resources on Arab Americans, Click Here

About the Arab America Foundation

The Arab America Foundation (www.arabamericafoundation.org) is a nonprofit educational and cultural organization dedicated to promoting Arab heritage in the United States, educating Americans about Arab identity, and connecting and empowering Arab Americans nationwide.

For Media Inquiries

Rita Yelda / Yelda Media
ryelda@gmail.com
Mobile: 732-979-0655 / Office: 877-272-2944

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