Arab America Foundation Launches 2023 Lineup: Kennedy Center Historic Event; National Arab American Heritage Month; Rising Leaders; Connect Arab America: Empowerment Summit
WASHINGTON DC–January 4, 2023
The Arab America Foundation announced today four exciting initiatives which will promote the Arab heritage and culture, educate mainstream Americans, and connect Arab Americans across the country.
The four initiatives include: “Taking Back Our Narrative” in collaboration with John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in February; National Arab American Heritage Month in April; Rising Leaders initiatives–40 Under 40, 30 Under 30, and 20 Under 20; and the Connect Arab America: Empowerment Summit in November.
“Arab Americans have been marginalized and denigrated far too long, the time has come to take back our narrative and lead a movement for change. Across the country, Arab Americans are rising to the challenge of seeking equity and inclusion in all facets of the American mosaic,” said Warren David, president of Arab America and co-founder of the Arab America Foundation. He went on to say, “We seek to educate Americans, empower our community, and edify young Arab Americans.”
The Arab America Foundation (AAF) is a non-profit (501c3) educational and cultural organization. The mission of AAF is to promote the Arab heritage, empower and educate others about the Arab identity, connect Arab Americans, empower youth, and build coalitions with diverse organizations across the U.S.
February 2023: “Taking Back Our Heritage” at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
The Arab America Foundation (AAF) and the Kennedy Center, Conflux Programming Initiative, present “Taking Back Our Narrative,” February 17-19, 2023. The initiative will celebrate Arab heritage and highlight the contributions of Arab Americans to America with performances, art, and film screenings.
Presented in collaboration with the Kennedy Center, Conflux Programming Initiative, “Taking Back Our Narrative” speaks to the fullness and diversity of the Arab American experience, values, and cultural landscape throughout the United States.
Artists performing at the event include the National Arab Orchestra on Friday, Arab pop vocalist, Emad Batayeh on Saturday, a short film festival on Sunday sponsored by the Arab Film and Media Institute, and an art exhibition curated by Arab American artist, Helen Zughaib throughout the weekend.
Tickets will be distributed on a first-come-first-serve basis in late January at this link. The reception is by invitation only.
For those traveling from out of town, the State Plaza Hotel has a discounted rate available at $175, Booking Code is 67A6UH. (January 20, 2023, Cut-Off Date)
Event Schedule:
Art Exhibit Curated by Helen Zughaib, All Weekend
Helen Zughaib is a painter and multimedia artist living in working in Washington, D.C. Her themes are centered around hopefulness, healing, and spirituality, using visual arts to shape and foster positive ideas about the Arab World. Her exhibit will be displayed in the Eisenhower Theater Display Case. She has also been selected for the 2021-2023 inaugural social practice residency by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C.
Friday, February 17, 2023
5:30-7:30 pm
Special Kick-Off Reception, Taking Back Our Narrative” Sponsored by the Arab America Foundation
By Invitation Only, Includes Admission to NAO Concert
Join special guests of the Arab America Foundation, government officials, and sponsors, as we kick off this historic collaborative effort with the Kennedy F. Center for the Performing Arts, celebrating the diversity of the Arab American experience, values, and culture.
8:00 PM
The National Arab Orchestra at the Kennedy Center Eisenhower Theater
Featuring vocalists Nai Barghouti, Lubana Al-Quntar, and Usama Baalbaki under the direction of Maestro, Michael Ibrahim
Admission is Free to NAO Concert, First Come First Serve Basis, Tickets are Available Soon at this Link
Founded in 2009, the National Arab Orchestra, (NAO), a nonprofit, is dedicated to elevating and preserving Arab culture and musical traditions in the United States and beyond through performance, education, outreach, and collaboration. Under the leadership of founder and Music Director Michael Ibrahim, the NAO creates memorable, high-quality musical experiences that keep Arab culture alive and thriving. These concerts bring the beauty of Arab music to entirely new and diverse audiences.
Saturday, February 18, 2023
6:00 PM
Arab Pop Vocalist, Emad Batayeh at the Millennium Stage Grand Foyer
Admission is Free, First Come First Serve, Tickets are Available Soon at this Link
Emad Batayeh is one of the leading Arabic vocalists in the United States. Batayeh is also a musician and producer. Born to a Jordanian family in Detroit, Emad inherited his musical talents from his parents who encouraged him from a young age to pursue music as a career. He became known as a musical genius as a kid. He now performs at Arab American cultural events across the U.S.
Sunday, February 19, 2023
3:00 PM
Arab Film & Media Institute Film Screening at the Justice Forum at the REACH
Admission is Free, Tickets are Available Soon at this Link
The Arab Film and Media Institute (AFMI) is a non-profit organization founded by the team behind the largest and oldest Arab Film Festival in North America. AFMI aims to be a complete ecosystem to find, nurture, and showcase Arab talent in the United States. Starting with organizing school screenings, and growing into offering filmmaker services and original programming, AFMI is the place for Arab cinema and its fans, and the home of the Arab Film Festival.
Admission is Free, Tickets are Available Soon at this Link
Winter/Spring 2023: Rising Leaders Initiatives
The Rising Leaders initiative launches in Winter/Spring 2023 with 40 Under 40, 30 Under 30, and 20 Under 20. The 40 Under 40 and 30 Under 30 programs spotlight professionals in all fields, including but not limited to: education, law, public service/politics, non-profit, business, engineers, medical professionals, artists, entertainers, writers, and media representatives. The 20 Under 20 program spotlights young students who achieved spectacular success in academics, work/internships, community service, and extra-curricular activities, and achievements demonstrating, but not limited to, outstanding leadership, dedication to a career path, new initiatives, and commitment to Arab American heritage and culture.
The competition is open to all professionals who live and/or work in the United States and from Arab descent.
April 2023: National Arab American Heritage Month
This April, the Arab America Foundation will recognize 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, with just a handful of states recognizing the initiative. Each year, our grass-roots network of over 250 Arab American volunteers in 28 states gathers hundreds of proclamations from their states, counties, municipalities, and local school districts.
The President of the United States recognized the month of April as National Arab American Heritage Month with a special commemorative letter to our organization. In 2022, Congress, the U.S. Department of State, and 45 state governors issued proclamations commemorating the initiative. Additionally, the following states have passed permanent legislation designating the month of April as NAAHM: Illinois; Oregon; Virginia; and Indiana (Senate).
At the end of April, the Arab America Foundation will host a national event in Washington DC commemorating National Arab American Heritage Month. The event is attended by members of Congress, state and local leaders, and members of the Arab American community. The event will highlight the Arab heritage and culture featuring: arts, cuisine, music, and dance.
If you would like to join a state team please contact Dr. Amal David.
November 2023: Connect Arab America Empowerment Summit
In November, Arab America Foundation again presents Connect Arab America: Empowerment Summit. The event will feature an exciting array of speakers in public service, women’s activism, identity, community advocacy, and leadership. Moreover, participants will have many networking opportunities and will celebrate Arab heritage through music, entertainment, and cuisine, cultural and informational exhibits.
The location of 2023 Connect Arab America: Empowerment Summit will be announced soon. Previous locations include Dearborn, Michigan, and Falls Church, Virginia.
For Press Inquiries: Claire Boyle: cboyle@arabamerica.com
For sponsorship opportunities: Contact Warren David wdavid@arabamerica.com
For more information about the Arab America Foundation, please visit: Arab America Foundation
Check out Arab America’s blog here!
