ARAB AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH APRIL 2021

During the month of April, Arab America formally
recognizes the achievements of Arab Americans through
the celebration of National Arab American Heritage
Month (NAAHM).
Across the country, cultural institutions, school districts,
municipalities, state legislatures, public servants, and
Arab Americans will engage in special events that
celebrate the community’s rich heritage and numerous
contributions to society.

Arab Americans have roots in 22
countries located in the Middle
East and North African regions:
Algeria, Bahrain, the Comoros
Islands, Djibouti, Egypt, Iraq,
Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya,
Morocco, Mauritania, Oman,
Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia,
Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia,
the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. And within all those countries, there are various languages, religions, traditions that are now part of our
American story.

There are nearly 3.5 million Arab Americans in the United States, according to the Arab American Institute. Establishing Arab American Heritage
Month was critical in combatting post-9/11 anti-Arab sentiments, and while Arab Americans still face prejudice regularly, acknowledging their
fight for recognition and equality – and becoming better allies – is something we can all contribute toward.

MSN suggests “Reading Arab American literature is the best way to recognize Arab American Heritage Month. Getting into the minds and
hearts of Arab American people allows non-Arab people to get a glimpse of what it means to be Arab American today. Check out writers like
poet Naomi Shihab Nye and novelist Etaf Rum. Research where to find Arab American literature that accurately depicts the Arab American
experience. Look into reading more than one book about Arab Americans to avoid stereotyping the group as a whole based on one author’s
experience. Share the literature you have read with family and friends during Arab American Heritage Month.

Tell family and friends about Arab
American Heritage Month and why it matters. Remind non-Arab people to read Arab American literature to support minority communities. If you
are in a book club or know anyone who is involved in a book club, encourage members to pick a book that focuses on Arab Americans. Go on
social media and post about the book you chose to read and tag the author. One post could lead to several friends deciding to learn more about
Arab American culture.”