WE Rock! 107 Proclamations and Resolutions in 26 States!
posted on: May 1, 2019
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
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.
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, 2019
8. Indiana
Wayne, Indiana
Amar-Almasri receives a proclamation from the city of Wayne, Indiana.
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.
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.
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).
Maher Abdelqader, second from right poses with the proclamation from the borough of Brooklyn, NY President Eric Adams commemorating National Arab American Heritage Month
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Foss
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.
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 Month
Woonsocket RI Mayor, Lisa-Baldelli Hunt (of Syrian heritage from her maternal grandmother, “Koury”) presents the proclamation to Hon. Tom Lazieh (representing Arab America).
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 Commissioners
Rashad Dabbaugh with members of the Arab American community holding proclamation issued by Orange County, CA.
