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Identity

Pathbreakers of Arab America—Ernest Hamwi

This is the sixty-seventh of Arab America’s series on American pathbreakers of Arab descent. The series includes personalities from entertainment, business, sports, science, arts, academia, journalism, and politics, among other areas. Our sixty-seventh pathbreaker is Ernest Hamwi, a Syrian born Arab American businessman and entrepreneur. Born on November 18, 1883, in Damascus, Syria he is considered by some as the creator of the ice cream cone, which he purportedly conceived of while working as a concessionaire at the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis. Contributing writer, John Mason, informs us that there is much more information available on the ice cream cone than exists on Ernest himself. Nevertheless, this is his brief but eventful story.

Artists and Filmmakers Redefining Identity and Modernity

By: Fedal Hanoun / Arab America Contributing Writer The globe has historically benefited greatly from the intellectual, artistic, and cultural contributions made by the Middle East. A thriving generation of artists and filmmakers from the area has surfaced in recent decades, drawing attention from all over the world with their examinations of modernity, identity, and … Continued

The Ultimate Guide: 46 Children’s Books that Celebrate Arab Heritage

By: Arwa Almasaari / Arab America Contributing Writer Are you searching for the perfect gift for the young readers in your life? This curated list of children’s books celebrates Arab heritage and identity, offering stories that highlight the richness of Arab cultures and traditions. Whether you want to educate, inspire, or simply share a meaningful … Continued

6 Educational Organizations to Support This Thanksgiving Season

By: Arwa Almasaari / Arab America Contributing Writer At the Connect Summit, organized by Arab America, a panel titled Countering Misrepresentations of Arabs in America: Media, Civil Rights, and Beyond explored practical strategies to tackle the misrepresentation of Arabs. Dr. Rosina Hassoun discussed the invisibility of Arabs in academia, highlighting their underrepresentation and the persistence … Continued

You’ll Never Believe What’s Happening in Saudi Arabia

By Yara Marei / Arab America contributing writer. The lights of Riyadh sparkled like never before, casting a golden glow over the bustling city as crowds gathered to witness a season unlike any other. From the grand stages of youth innovation to the red carpets of global fashion, Riyadh Season 2024 transformed the Saudi capital … Continued

Rizk’s Enduring Message: Lessons from 1943 for the 2024 Election

By: Arwa Almasaari / Arab America Contributing Writer As the 2024 presidential election draws near, it’s more important than ever for the Arab American community to make their voices heard. The message of Salom Rizk, a mid-20th-century Arab American author, remains strikingly relevant today—particularly in discussions around immigration and civic duty. In his 1943 autobiography, … Continued

RECAP: CONNECT Arab America Empowerment Summit 2024 Welcomes Over 480 Guests from 26 States on October 25-26, Making a Significant Impact on the Arab American Community

The Arab America Empowerment Summit drew a remarkable crowd this past weekend, with over 480 attendees from over 26 states across the U.S. and abroad. Organized by the Arab America Foundation, the event made a lasting impact, uniting and inspiring the community during challenging times. “This summit was a pivotal step in fulfilling our mission … Continued

Sponsors: Connect Arab America: Empowerment Summit, October 2024

Connect Arab America: Empowerment Summit Sponsors A big THANK YOU to all of our sponsors. This event wouldn’t be possible without them. From local businesses to national organizations, we’re incredibly grateful for their support and look forward to seeing them at our event. If you want to become a sponsor or need more information, please … Continued

Why Are Arab Americans Classified as White?

By: Arwa Almasaari / Arab America Contributing Writer The history of Arab American racialization is complex. It has changed over the decades to facilitate different agendas. The Arab identity is primarily linguistic and includes people of all skin tones. Early Arab immigrants to the U.S. faced a new classification system that determined their legal status. … Continued

The Value of Traditional Arabic Music in the U.S.

By: Sami Abu Shumays / Arab America Contributing Writer I’ll never forget a conversation I had around 15 or 16 years ago when flying cross-country to perform. A chatty middle-aged white woman sat next to me on the first leg of my flight, engaging me in small talk.  Eventually she asked what I did for … Continued

​​Salom Rizk’s Syrian Yankee: A Misfit in Arab American Literature?

By: Arwa Almasaari / Arab America Contributing Writer Salom Rizk’s Syrian Yankee (1943) has largely been avoided in Arab American literary discussions, not only due to its assimilationist rhetoric but also because of its promotion of problematic views, such as anti-Arab racism and Islamophobic tropes. However, understanding Rizk’s personal history and the historical context in … Continued

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