WE Rock! 107 Proclamations and Resolutions in 26 States!
History was made last night when over 300 people attended our National Arab American Heritage Month (NAAHM) commemorative event in Washington DC with several members of Congress attending including; Rep. Rashida Tlaib, Senator Debbie Stabenow, Democratic Majority Whip Rep. Jim Clyburn, Rep. Debbie Dingell, Rep.Yvette Clark, Rep. Judy Chu, Progressive Caucus Deputy Whip, Rep. Debra Haaland, the Ambassador of the Arab League, Salah Sarhan, and the Mayor of Washington DC, Muriel Bowser. We’ll present to you pictures, a video, and have more details in our recap next week.
The Arab American community reached yet another milestone yesterday when Arab America, received its 107th proclamation, commemorating National Arab American Heritage Month. This new milestone is the result of Arab America’s grassroots effort during the month of April, with over eighty national advisory committee members from twenty-eight states gathering proclamations and citations.
“When we began this initiative two months ago, we thought 30 proclamations, resolutions, citations from a hand-full of states would be an accomplishment.” said Warren David, president of Arab America, “through the efforts of Arab America’s grass-roots committee, we have reached 107 from state legislatures, governors, counties, mayors, city councils, school districts, and public officials from 26 states including the District of Columbia and inclusion in the Congressional Record last week.”
One National Advisory Committee member, Maher Abdelqader of New York added: “This is not only a commemoration of Arab American Heritage Month, but it’s a movement that is growing to make a huge impact on our society in America.”
During the month of April, Arab America received proclamations from the following states: California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Massachusets, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin. If you don’t see your state, contact Dr. Amal David at info@arabamerica.com
Proclamations and Resolutions to Date:
U.S. Congressional Record
1. California
Anaheim, California
Anaheim School District, Anaheim, California
Fullerton, California
Rashad Dabbaugh receives the proclamation Fullerton Mayor, Jesus Silver.Moorpark, California
Amani Barakat receives a proclamation from Moorpark Mayor Janice ParvinCalifornia Senate Resolution
Orange County, California
Rashad Dabbaugh with members of the Arab American community holding proclamation issued by Orange County, CA.
San Diego, California
Grossmont-Cuyamca Schools San Diego, California
2. Colorado
Colorado Governor
3. Connecticut
Letter from Senator Chris Murphy
4. District of Columbia
Washington, DC
DC Public Schools
5. Florida
Gainesville, Florida
Proclamation, presented by the City of Gainesville, Florida from Arab America on Vimeo.
Young Arab American adults from the Gainesville area proudly display National Arab American Heritage Month proclamation issued by the city.Orlando, Florida
Port Charlotte, Florida
Samar Jarrar with Port Charlotte Proclamation proclaiming National Arab American Heritage Month6. Georgia
Georgia, House of Representatives
From left, State Senator Zahra Karinshak, Rev. Fahed Abu-Akel, Mike Sabbagh, Wally Yazbak, and State House Rep Becky EvansGeorgia Senate
Loganville, Georgia
From Left with Loganville proclamation proclaiming National Arab American Heritage Month, Wally Yazbak, Rita Sabbagh, and Rev. Fahd Abu-AkelSnelleville, Georgia
Snellville Mayor Barbara Bender holding proclamation, receiving it to her right, Wally Yazbak, to her left, Rev. Fahd Abu-Akel, absent from the picture, Mike Sabbagh.
7. Illinois
Illinois Arab American Heritage Month Act
Metropolitan Water District, Chicago
Cook County, Illinois
From left: Hyatt Magazine Editor Tasneem Abuzir and publisher Mazen Barakat, columnist Ray Hanania, Cook County Commissioner Deborah Sims, activist Sam Odeh, Cook County Commissioner Sean Morrison and Our Lady of Lebanon Pastor Pierre El at the Cook County Board Meeting Wednesday, March 20, 20198. Indiana
Wayne, Indiana
Amar-Almasri receives a proclamation from the city of Wayne, Indiana.9. Iowa
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
The city of Cedar Rapids, Iowa recognized April as National Arab American Arab Heritage. Here the Mayor and Council members with Joe and Bill Aossey and Newman AbuIssa.
Linn County, Iowa
Bill-Aossey at the Linn-County, Iowa, Supervisor’s Commission with the proclamation.
10. Maryland
Maryland Governor
Baltimore County, Maryland
Howard County, Maryland
Indian Head, Maryland
Montgomery County, Maryland
Montgomery County Public Schools, Maryland
Prince George’s County, Maryland
Jamileh Mogin (in red), Dr. Amal David (in blue), and Warren David (with the blue tie in rear) from Arab America accept the proclamation from Prince George’s County, Maryland.Talbot County, Maryland
11. Massachusetts
Worcester, Massachusetts
Pictured, Naim Raheb, Mayor Joseph Petty, Salah Asfoura. Not pictured, Wajdi Hamza.12. Michigan
Michigan House
Birmingham Public Schools, Michigan
BPS Board Member, Lori Ajlouny holds the proclamation with members of the Arab American community.Bloomfield Hills Schools, Michigan
Canton Township, Michigan
Dearborn, Michigan
City of Dearborn proclamation issued by Mayor O’Reilly at City Council meeting. (In the picture Council President Susan Debaja, Hana Mahmoud (representing Arab America), Mayor O’Reilly).
Dearborn Heights, Michigan
Dearborn Public Schools, Dearborn, Michigan
Detroit, Michigan
Detroit Public Schools, Michigan
Livonia, Michigan
Farmington Hills Public Schools, Michigan
Warren Consolidated Schools, Michigan
13. Minnesota
Rochester, Minnesota
Representing Arab America, Samir Jubran with a proclamation from the city council of Rochester, Minnesota.14. Nevada
Washoe County, Nevada
15. New Jersey
Clifton, New Jersey
Maher Abdelqader receives a proclamation from Clifton, New Jersey Mayor James Anzaldi with Mony Lofti (second from right).
Passaic County, New Jersey
Proclamation ceremony for the city of Passaic County, New Jersey
Patterson, New Jersey
Prospect Park, New Jersey
Mony Lofti (representing Arab America) receives a proclamation from Prospect Park Mayor Mohamed T. Khairullah.
16. New York
New York State Assembly
New York Senate (Majority Leader)
New York City Council Citation
New York City Council Citation
Brooklyn, New York
Maher Abdelqader, second from right poses with the proclamation from the borough of Brooklyn, NY President Eric Adams commemorating National Arab American Heritage MonthCongresswoman Yvette Clarke, New York
Lackawanna School District, New York
Queens, New York
Westchester County, New York
Yonkers, New York
17. New Mexico
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Santa Fe, New Mexico
18. North Carolina
Morristown, North Carolina
Raleigh, North Carolina
Fatma Wasel (of Arab America) receives proclamation declaring National Arab American Heritage Month from the Clerk on behalf of Mayor Nancy McFarlane
Smithfield, North Carolina
Fatma Wasel with a proclamation from Smithfield, North Carolina19. North Dakota
North Dakota Governor
20. Ohio
Ohio Governor
Cleveland, Ohio
Cleveland City Council, Ohio
Dayton, Ohio
Lucas County, Ohio
Linda Mansour receives the proclamation from Lucas County at Wishah Music event in Toledo, Ohio, celebrating National Arab American Heritage Month.Parma, Ohio
21. Oregon
Oregon Governor
Portland, Oregon
Portland, Oregon mayor Ted Wheeler presents a proclamation to Hala Gores (to his right), Samar Fakih (right), Said Fakih and Said Fakih (left).
22. Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Governor
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
23. Rhode Island
Rhode Island Senate
Tom Lazieh (representing Arab America) receives State Senate Resolution from Sen. Thomas Paolino ( of Syrian Heritage) and from Senate President Dominick J. Ruggerio on Arab American contributions to our community in the State of Rhode Island, R.I. and Proclaiming April as National Arab American Heritage Month in the State of Rhode Island.Rhode Island House of Representatives
Hon. Tom Lazieh is presented a State House of Representatives Resolution from Rep. Joseph Solomon ( of Lebanese Heritage) on Arab American contributions to our community in the State of Rhode Island, R.I. and Proclaiming April as National Arab American Heritage Month in the State of Rhode Island.Central Falls, Rhode Island
Hon. Tom Lazieh (representing Arab America) spoke before the Central Falls City Council on Arab American contributions to the City of Central Falls, R.I. A proclamation was presented to Lazieh by Council President L. Maria Rivera, State Representative James McLaughlin and City Councilor Augusto Silva all declaring April as National Arab American Heritage Month in Central Falls, R.I.
Cumberland, Rhode Island
Mayor Jeffrey J. Mutter declaring April as National Arab American Heritage Month in Cumberland, R.I. presented to Tom Lazieh (representing Arab America).Cumberland, Rhode Island (City Council)
Cumberland, R.I. Town Council presents a proclamation to Tom Lazieh (representing Arab America).Cranston, Rhode Island
Hon. Tom Lazieh receives from the City of Cranston, R.I. a Mayoral Proclamation from Mayor Allan Fung presented by his Director of Constituent Services Leanne C. Zarrella, J.D.East Providence, Rhode Island
Tom Lazieh (representing Arab America) proclamation from Mayoral Aide Marc Furtado of the City of East Providence, R.I. on behalf of Mayor Roberto L. DaSilva declaring April as National Arab American Heritage Month.
Johnston, Rhode Island
Lincoln, Rhode Island
Lincoln, R.I.Town Administrator T. Joseph Almond (middle), Town Council President Keith Macksoud (Syrian Heritage, left) and Town Councilor Pamela M. Azar (Syrian Heritage, right)with Tom Lazieh (representing Arab America), all declaring April as National Arab American Heritage Month.
Newport, Rhode Island
North Providence, Rhode Island
Hon. Tom Lazieh receives a Mayoral Proclamation from the Town of North Providence from the Hon. Charles Lombardi and presented by the former Mayor Richard FossPawtucket, Rhode Island
Hon. Tom Lazieh (on behalf of Arab America) receives Mayoral Proclamation from Syrian-American City Council Member-At-Large, Hon. Albert J. Vitali, Jr. (Hajjar Family) on behalf of Mayor Donald Grebien.
Pawtucket, Rhode Island (City Council)
Providence, Rhode Island
Hon. Tom Lazieh (representing Arab America) receives Mayoral Proclamation from Lebanese-American former City Council President and candidate for Mayor, Michael Solomon on behalf of Mayor Jorge Elorza.Warwick, Rhode Island
Hon. Tom Lazieh representing (Arab America) receives a Mayoral Proclamation from the Lebanese-American Mayor Joseph J. Solomon of the City of Warwick, R.I. declaring April as National Arab American Heritage MonthWoonsocket, Rhode Island
Woonsocket RI Mayor, Lisa-Baldelli Hunt (of Syrian heritage from her maternal grandmother, “Koury”) presents the proclamation to Hon. Tom Lazieh (representing Arab America).
24. Texas
Houston, Texas
Houston Independent School District
Fort Bend County Commissioner, Texas
Fort Bend County Judge, Texas
25. Virginia
Virginia Governor
Alexandria, Virginia
Arlington County, Virginia
From left, Hazem Samahy (in blue shirt), Christian Dorsey, Arlington County Commissioner, and Chairman, Nizar Farasakh (holding proclamation), Lamia Elfar, and Fred Shwaery (all representing Arab America), receive the proclamation.Fairfax County, Virginia
Representing Arab America, Fred Shwaery (sixth from left) at the Fairfax County Board of Commissioners26. Wisconsin
Wisconsin Governor
Media Contact:
Haider Umar
humar@arabamerica.com
877-272-2944