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National Arab American Heritage Month
In April, we celebrate National Arab American Heritage Month! Americans whose heritage is linked to one or more of the 22 Arab countries have history in the U.S. dating back to 1527. National Arab American Heritage Month has been observed during the month of April since 2017. The initiative to formally designate the month was led by the organizations, Arab American Foundation and Arab America, and began to gain support from a few states.
In 2019, U.S. Representatives Dingell and Tlaib introduced a resolution to Congress to proclaim April as National Arab American Heritage month. In 2022, Illinois, Oregon and Virginia passed permanent legislation; and similar legislation was proposed and is pending in Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, New York, Ohio and Rhode Island.
Here are some ways that you can celebrate Arab American Heritage Month outside of the office and all year long!
- Make an Arab dish. There are several Arab American chefs and food bloggers where you can explore new dishes. Visit Chef Tariq: #1 Resource for Middle Eastern Recipes for authentic Middle Eastern recipes.
- Learn history. Arab American people are often overlooked when studying American history. Learn to recognize the difference between people from different Arab countries. Each country has its own cuisine, language, and history.
- Arab American Heritage Month 2023 - Commemoration, Traditions & Populations—HISTORY
- Arab American History and Culture | Smithsonian Institution
- Arab American Heritage Month Resource Guide—TeachMideast
- Watch films and documentaries by and about Arab Americans. Celebrate the diversity and history of Arab American communities.
- Explore the Arab American National Museum. The AANM museum, located in Dearborn, MI, is amid the largest concentration of Arab Americans in the United States. The museum presents original exhibitions, cutting-edge art, film screenings and performances in Michigan and in major cities across the U.S., and continually documents the history and experiences of Arab Americans.