Dynamic Arab American Innovators Inducted Into Permanent Museum Exhibit
Facial-recognition engineer Rana El Kaliouby, comic book icon Geoff Johns and Olympian Sadam Ali among 10 newly featured
Every generation produces special individuals whose character, talent, vision, ambition and determination make them far from ordinary. For them, it’s about making a difference and leaving an enduring legacy. The Arab American National Museum (AANM) pays tribute and recognizes Arab Americans who have had a lasting impact not only on their field of expertise, but have influenced people on a global scale.
To close out the Museum’s 10th Anniversary Year – May 2015 through May 2016 – AANM recently inducted 10 new people into its permanent Making an Impact exhibit. Since opening its doors in 2005, AANM’s Making an Impact exhibit has highlighted significant Arab American figures for their contributions to society.
Renowned Palestinian American comedian and actress Maysoon Zayid joined AANM on May 7, 2016, as she officially became a part of the Making An Impact exhibit. Her visit included a night of two comedy performances in the Museum’s Aliya Hassan Auditorium where more than 200 guests had the opportunity to enjoy an evening filled with laughter and smiles.
The 2016 inductees also feature Egyptian American engineer Rana El Kaliouby, Palestinian American comedian and politician Dean Obeidallah, Egyptian American designer Karim Rashid, Syrian American hip-hop artist Omar Offendum, Jordanian American poet Suheir Hammad, Lebanese American DC Entertainment Chief Creative Officer Geoff Johns, Yemini American boxer Sadam Ali, Syrian American National Hockey League All-Star Brandon Saad and Sudanese American activist Dr. Nawal Nour.
“It’s important to recognize the significant contributions Arab Americans have made throughout the past century that have resonated across so many different industries,” says Devon Akmon, AANM director. “Many of the recent Making Impact inductees are young and still very active. Being inducted at this point in their lives speaks volumes to the hard work and innovativeness of these individuals. There is so much potential and endless possibilities for what the future holds.”
AANM’s interactive Making an Impact exhibit tells the story of Arab Americans whose contributions have influenced not only Arab Americans but the world as a whole. Contributions from politicians, activists, athletes, physicians, labor leaders, scientists, entertainers and other notable fields are highlighted throughout the exhibit. Within the exhibit, visitors can enjoy multimedia displays as well as a plethora of artifacts signifying each individual’s achievements.
Since 2005, the Making an Impact exhibit has spotlighted world-renowned surgeon Dr. Michael DeBakey, consumer advocate and presidential candidate Ralph Nader, White House journalist Helen Thomas, IndyCar racing legend Bobby Rahal, celebrated woodworker Sam Maloof, multi-platinum recording artist Paula Abdul, Pro Football Hall of Famer Bill George and many more.
To read more about the 2016 inductees visit here.
Download photos of the 2016 inductees.
To learn more about AANM’s Making an Impact exhibit visit here.