Arab Heritage celebrated in April since 2017

Posted June 7, 2022

By Huda Aden

Staff Reporter

Arab Heritage Month has been observed during the month of April since 2017, and cultural institutions, school districts, municipalities, state legislatures, public servants, and non-profit organizations across the country issued proclamations and held special events to honor the community's rich history and numerous contributions to society.

In honor of Nationwide Arab American Heritage Month, the Arab America Foundation conducts a national event in Washington, DC. Members of Congress, state and municipal politicians, and members of the Arab American community are expected to attend. The event features arts, cuisine, music, and dance to celebrate Arab ancestry and culture.

Arab Heritage Month honors the accomplishments of Arab Americans and Arabic-speaking Americans by celebrating their heritage and culture. Arab Americans are religiously diverse. The Arab American community is made up of Christians, Muslims, Druze, Jews, Mandaean, and other faiths.

While Arab Americans still confront bias, respecting their quest for recognition and equality—and becoming better supporters—is something all Americans can contribute to. There are approximately 3.5 million Arabs in the United States. Arab American Heritage Month is a time in schools and classrooms to learn about the rich history and culture of Arab Americans, as well as the bias and discrimination they face. It's crucial not to restrict investigation of Arab American history and culture to one month of the year, as it is with other comparable themed months. Arab American history is American history, and historians agree that it should be taught throughout the school year.