Commemorating National Arab American Heritage Month 2020
Arab America invites you to commemorate National Arab American Heritage Month in April.
National Arab American Heritage Month
Each year during the month of April, the Arab America Foundation (through Arab America) and organizations across the country formally recognize the contributions of Arab Americans.
For over a century, Arab Americans have made valuable contributions to virtually every aspect of American society: in medicine, law, education, business, technology, government, and culture. Additionally, Arab Americans have shared their rich culture and traditions with their fellow Americans–while also setting fine examples of model citizens and public servants.
This April, we find ourselves amidst the Coronavirus Crisis and highlighting the contributions of Arab Americans, especially in the fields of public service, medicine, law enforcement, and restaurants and grocery businesses and how they are making a difference during the coronavirus crisis.
The Arab America Foundation has formed a national advisory committee of over seventy Arab Americans from over twenty-five states to coordinate NAAHM, gathering proclamations, distributing educator curriculum kits, identifying Arab American organizations, medical professionals, law enforcement personnel, restaurants, and grocery suppliers who are making a difference during the current crisis.
Proclamations Received from State Governors
The following proclamations have been issued by State Governors in commemoration of National Arab American Heritage Month for April 2020.
Proclamations Received (Updated Daily)
April 26th Commemorative Event will be Streamed Online
Be a part of history as we commemorate the Arab American heritage and identity, meet notable Arab Americans, and public officials.
On Sunday, April 26th, 5-6pm ET, join us for this special online event as we commemorate National Arab American Heritage Month (NAAHM ) from the nation’s capital. The admission to this event is at no cost; however any donations received will be directed to the United Way COVID-19 Community Response and Recovery Fund.
Each year during the month of April, the Arab America Foundation and organizations across the country formally recognize the contributions of Arab Americans. However, this April, we find ourselves amidst the Coronavirus crisis; therefore, during this event we will honor Arab Americans on the frontlines in the fields of public service, medicine, law enforcement, restaurants, and grocery businesses. (Please send us your recommendations of such individuals and organizations to info@arabamerica.com)
The Arab America Foundation has formed a national advisory committee of over seventy Arab Americans from over twenty-five states to coordinate NAAHM. The committee is currently identifying Arab Americans who are on the frontlines during the pandemic. In addition, they provide content, gather proclamations, and disseminate online educational and cultural materials.
Confirmed Guests to Date:
Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib (MI-13)
Senator Debbie Stabenow (MI)
Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12)
Congresswoman Brenda L. Lawrence (MI-14)
Congresswoman Deb Haaland (NM-1)
Congressman Jamie Raskin (MD-8)
Congressman J. Luis Correa (CA-46)
Ambassador Edward Gabriel, Representing Vice President Joe Biden
Ghida Dagher, Representing MI Governor Gretchen Whitmer
Ralph Nader, Author, Lecturer, Political Activist from Washington DC
Blanche Shaheen, Food Writer, Journalist, and Author, “Feast in the Middle East”
Dalal Abu Amneh, Palestinian Vocalist from Nazareth
Ashley Nemeh, Syrian American Pop Music Artist
Usama Baalbaki, Lebanese American Vocalist, Musician from Michigan
At this online event you will:
- Hear from Members of Congress and Arab American opinion leaders
- Meet Arab Americans who are on the frontlines of the Coronavirus pandemic
- Listen to live traditional Arab music reflecting the Arab culture
About the Arab America Foundation
Arab America Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit, non-sectarian, educational organization that promotes: the Arab American heritage in the U.S., educates Americans about the Arab American identity and culture, and connects Arab Americans on a professional and social level. The organization is sustained by Donors and through its Cousins membership initiative. To become a Donor or a Cousin, click here.
See the proclamations received from State Governors for National Arab American Heritage Month in April 2020:
Proclamations Received to Date
See video from last year’s event:
Arab America encourages members of the community, their friends, the media, educators, and public servants to join us online in our formal recognition of April as National Arab American Heritage Month on Sunday, April 26th.
With most school students at home, the Arab America Foundation has developed an Educator’s Curriculum Kit which highlights the history of Arab migration to America, geographic understanding of the Arab world, Arab American diversity in faith and language, interesting customs and traditions, issues affecting our community, and our many achievements in business, politics, education, and more. This kit will be available online for teachers and parents during this critical time. A smaller version Understanding the Arab American Community is also available for presentation purposes.
Arab America is committed to promoting an accurate narrative through the website and social media platforms during the month of April. Arab America will share compelling stories of Arab Americans who are giving back to their communities during the coronavirus crisis on our blog page. Additionally, Arab America has compiled a resource guide listing resources and content regarding Arab American identity and culture.
Arab America Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit, non-sectarian, educational organization that: promotes the Arab American heritage in the U.S.; educates Americans about the Arab American identity and culture; and connects Arab Americans on a professional and social level. The organization is sustained by Donors and through its Cousins membership initiative. To make a donation or become a Cousin, click here.
National Arab American Heritage Month Sponsors
SIGNATURE CIRCLE
LEADERSHIP CIRCLE
