Tlaib, Dingell Introduce Resolution Recognizing Arab American Heritage Month 2026

posted on: Apr 15, 2026

Washington DC–April 15, 2026

Today, Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib (MI-12) and Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06) reintroduced a resolution recognizing April as Arab American Heritage Month to honor the history, culture, and achievements of Arab Americans in the United States.

“Arab Americans have made profound and lasting contributions to our nation,” said Congresswoman Tlaib. “As a proud and unapologetic Arab American woman serving in Congress, representing one of the largest Arab American communities in our country, I understand how vital it is that our community is seen, supported, and celebrated. I’m honored to amplify Arab American voices and introduce this resolution recognizing April as Arab American Heritage Month.”

“Arab Americans are part of the fabric of our country and are integral to our communities in Southeast Michigan and across America,” said Congresswoman Dingell. “They have helped shape Michigan’s identity, sharing their culture and traditions with us. They are doctors, teachers, business owners, service members, and most importantly, our neighbors and friends. Every day, Arab Americans help make our state and country better. I’m proud to recognize April as Arab American Heritage Month to honor the continued accomplishments and impact of this community.”

“This resolution reflects the continued growth of a movement that began with a simple idea—to ensure Arab Americans are recognized, understood, and included,” said Warren David, President of Arab America and Co-Founder of the Arab America Foundation. “National Arab American Heritage Month not only celebrates our past and present contributions, but also strengthens our collective voice for the future. We thank Congresswomen Tlaib and Dingell for helping advance this important effort on a national stage.”

An estimated 3.7 million Americans have Arab roots, with ancestries traced to 22 countries in the Middle East and North Africa, including Lebanon, Syria, Egypt, Palestine, Morocco, Iraq, Jordan, Yemen, Bahrain, Tunisia, Algeria, Sudan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and others.
 
As a historically marginalized community, Arab Americans—and the Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) community at large—continue to face discrimination in all sectors of our society, including at the federal level. Despite this, Arab Americans have profoundly shaped the culture, history, and economy of the United States and deserve to be recognized and celebrated as an essential part of our country.
 
This legislation is cosponsored by Reps. André Carson (IN-07), Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), Jonathon Jackson (IL-01), Stephen Lynch (MA-08), Betty McCollum (MN-04), Jim McGovern (MA-02), Gwen Moore (WI-04), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), and Shri Thanedar (MI-13).
 
This legislation is endorsed by Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture, American Friends Service Committee, American Muslim Health Professionals, American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC), Arab America Foundation, Arab American Association of New York, Arab American Civic Council, Arab American Heritage Council, Arab Caucus of the North Carolina Democratic Party, Arab Resource & Organizing Center (AROC), Bridging Cultures Group Inc., CAIR Action, Center for Civil Society and Democracy, Council on American-Islamic Relations, Emgage MI, Majdal: Arab Community Center of San Diego, MPower Change Action Fund, Muslim Civic Coalition, Muslims United PAC, National Network for Arab American Communities (NNAAC), Philadelphia Arab-American Development Corp, Ramallah Club of Metro Detroit, Syrian Community Network, Yemen Relief and Reconstruction Foundation, and Yemeni American Merchants Association.
 
The full text of the resolution is available here.
 

Compiled by Arab America

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