Draft Cover Letter and Proclamation for National Arab American Heritage Month
COVER LETTER
Re: April is National Arab American Heritage Month
Dear Mayor/Superintendent/Representative (insert last name here),
I am writing you as a resident of (insert your city name here) and a proud ambassador for National Arab American Heritage Month awareness.
Arab Americans have been embedded in the fabric of our community for over a century. They are small business owners, educators, leaders, and residents, who are proud of their heritage and identity. Now more than ever, it is important that our Arab American neighbors enjoy a celebration of their accomplishments, as we do for other ethnic groups year-round.
I would appreciate if you and the City Council would issue a proclamation proclaiming April as Arab American Heritage Month. I have attached a sample proclamation for you to review and/or sign. You may also choose to have a small ceremony with members of the community to celebrate the observance.
Please let me know if you and the City Council will consider signing this proclamation. Thank you for you time and consideration.
Sincerely,
(Your Name)
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, For over a century, Arab Americans have been making valuable contributions to virtually every aspect of American society: in medicine, law, business, technology, government, and culture; and
WHEREAS, since migrating to America, men and women of Arab descent have shared their rich culture and traditions with neighbors and friends, while also setting fine examples of model citizens and public servants; and
WHEREAS, they brought with them to America their resilient family values, strong work ethic, dedication to education, and diversity in faith and creed that have added strength to our great democracy; and
WHEREAS, Arab Americans have also enriched our society by sharing in the opportunistic American spirit that makes our nation free and prosperous; and
WHEREAS, the history of Arab Americans in American life often remains neglected or defaced by misunderstanding, bigotry, and anti-Arab hate in the forms of crimes and speech; and
WHEREAS, Arab American issues, such as civil rights abuses, harmful stereotyping, and bullying must be combatted in the forms of education and awareness; and
WHEREAS, they join all Americans in the desire to see a peaceful and diverse society, where every individual is treated equally and feels safe; and
WHEREAS, the incredible contributions and heritage of Arab Americans have helped us build a better nation; and
NOW, THEREFORE I, (insert your name), Mayor/Superintendent/Representative of (insert your city here), celebrate the contributions Arab Americans have made to society, and do hereby claim April 2017 to be National Arab American Heritage Month in (insert your city here), and encourage all residents to join me in this special observance.