April recognized as National Arab American Heritage Month
The month of April has been recognized as National Arab American Heritage Month by at least 8 U.S. States and the District of Columbia.
The effort needs to be expanded to include every U.S. State not only where Arab Americans live but in states where Arab Americans may or may not be sizable populations. The fact is that Arab Americans do live in every U.S. State an territory and their heritage deserves to be recognized as the heritage of other ethnic and racial groups are recognized such as African American Heritage Month, Hispanic Heritage Month and more.
Here is an overview of U.S. States that recognize April officially as Arab American Heritage Month.
The campaign was spearheaded by Warren and Amal David of ArabAmerica.com based in Washington D.C. several years ago, and with the support of Ray Hanania and TheArabDailyNews.com.
Inside the Tent at the Arabesque Festival in June 2010 when Richard M. Daley was mayor. Photos by Ray Hanania
Many states had inconsistent and different designated month celebrations, like in Illinois where for many years since the 1980s, November was recognized as Arab American Heritage month first in Chicago and then later expanded to Illinois by Governors Jim Edgar and George Ryan.
But since the election of Gov. Bruce Rauner, and because of anti-Arab policies embraced by Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Illinois and Chicago Arab Heritage month celebrations in November were suspended. Rauner and Emanuel have taken very aggressive anti-Arab stands including with Rauner backing and signing an illegal state law that violates the U.S. Constitution punishing any American who criticizes Israel or supports a boycott of Israel by denying them state contracts or funding.
Emanuel, whose father was a member of the terrorist Irgun Tzai Leuhmi in the 1940s, has refused to meet with Arab Americans in part because of his desire to avoid raising the issues of his father’s past and his own anti-Arab policies.
Emanuel’s first act as Mayor of Chicago after being elected Mayor in April 2011 was to withdraw support and funding for the annual Arabesque Festival which was held at Daley Plaza under the supervision of Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley for some 4 years. Emanuel also dismantled the Human Relations Commission in a direct effort to dissolve the Advisory Commission on Arab American Affairs, the only agency in Illinois that addressed racism and discrimination against Arab Americans.
ArabAmerica.com leads a national effort to establish April as National Arab American Heritage Month in all 50 states. Image courtesy of ArabAmerica.com
The commission was targeted by extremist Jewish American organizations that support Israel complaining that the commission served as a base for the influence of Palestinian Americans, who make up more than 75 percent of the Arabs who live in Chicagoland (Chicago and the surrounding suburbs).
This year, Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan has introduced a law that would officially designate April as Arab American Heritage Month, joining seven states that already recognize April as Arab American Heritage Month. The law was announced during the annual Brunch & Forum hosted by the Arab American Democratic Club on Sunday Oct. 21, 2018 at Niko’s Banquet Hall.
There is a campaign to get President Donald Trump to also recognize April as Arab American heritage month, too.
Here is an overview of the States and territories that officially recognize and celebrate Arab American Heritage Month in April each year.
Illinois will join 7 US States and 1 US District that recognize APRIL as Arab Heritage Month in America. The current April Arab American Heritage Month celebrations are:
Arizona. Click here for more details.
California. Click here for more details.
Virginia: Declared by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors
Maryland. Click here for more details.
Texas. Click here for more details. Celebrated since 2013
Georgia. Celebrates every April Arab Heritage events
Washington DC. Celebrated since 2008
Michigan. Click here for resolution introduced by Congresswoman Debbie Dingell. Or read the resolution in full below:
A resolution recognizing April as Arab American Heritage Month was introduced to the U.S. Congress by Congresswoman Debbie Dingell on April 5, 2017. Click here for more details.
Congressional Record
HON. DEBBIE DINGELL OF MICHIGAN IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Friday, April 13, 2018 Mrs. DINGELL.
“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize April as National Arab American Heritage Month. Arab Americans throughout southeast Michigan and the entire country embody the best of America through their work ethic and contributions to our communities. It is always an honor to recognize April as National Arab American Heritage Month and celebrate the community’s diversity of creed, values and faith that strengthen America’s democracy. With almost four million Arab Americans living in the United States, it is important that we take the time to honor the momentous contributions made by these individuals. Arab Americans have greatly impacted the American way of life across a variety of fields, including education, business and government. Those of us in southeast Michigan know that whether they are a business owner, lawyer or factory worker, these individuals make our community a better place to live and raise a family. Michigan’s 12th District contains Dearborn, Michigan, which is home to the largest population of Arab Americans in the country, and it is a distinct privilege to represent this community in Congress. Dearborn is a vibrant city that is home to people from all walks of life and backgrounds who have a common desire to foster a community in which families can thrive. Arab American community members are attributed to meaningful and lasting positive change in southeast Michigan. Notable contributions include the creation of the Center for Arab American studies at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, which teaches the history and experiences of Arab Americans in a fast growing facility and the opening of the Arab American National Museum, which is the world’s first museum devoted to Arab history and culture. These hardworking individuals make our communities strong and exemplify the values that make America great. During Arab American Heritage Month, it is my hope that the contributions of Arab Americans throughout our country’s history will be recognized and celebrated. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing April as National Arab American History Month. Their meaningful contributions to the United States are deserving of acclaim.”
Palestinian American Community Center: 71 Years of the Nakba
Commemorate the 71st year of the Nakba which resulted in the creation of a religious state that denied the rights of all of its citizens.
We support Palestine and statehood for Palestinians. Join us as we are inspired by speakers and entertainers who speak to the truth of the conflict.
The banquet will be held on Saturday, April 6, 2019 at the Oak Lawn Hilton Hotel, 9333 S. Cicero Avenue, Oak Lawn, Illinois. Doors open at 6 pm
LAHC 31st Annual Awards Gala, Dearborn
LAHC- Leaders Advancing and Helping Communities will hold its 31st Annual Awards Gala on April 10, 2019 at the Henry Hotel, Fairlane Plaza, 300 Town Center Dr, Dearborn, MI 48126, Michigan from 6 PM until 11 PM.
LAHC is a 501 ( c) (3) Not for profit human services organization, committed to the development of the Community, in all aspects of its economic and cultural life. To fulfill this goal, the LAHC provides a wide range of human and cultural services as well as advocacy work. Our staff and volunteers have joined forces to meet the needs of low income families by empowering and enabling people to lead more informed, productive and fulfilling lives. The LAHC provides comprehensive and holistic services to all people in need, regardless of their ethnicity, gender, race, religion, age or sexual orientation.
Services include:
- Social Services: Emergency Services, Food, Clothing and Shelter, Career Services, Translation and Advocacy.
- Youth and Education Department: provides academic enrichment, leadership development, diversity training, scholarship & Internship opportunities and college access education.
- Community Health Awareness: Healthy Living Program, HIV Awareness, Blood Drives & Hope for the Cure
LAHC- Leaders Advancing and Helping Communities is an organization dedicated to providing quality programs and projects, and through the economic downturn, we have remained steadfast in accomplishing our goals and fulfilling our vision to further our initiatives and increase our activities to meet the needs of the communities we serve. Our commitment and love for the residents of our great State has allowed for us to continue moving forward and our organization has been able to grow to become one of America’s most prestigious and well respected organizations; and is not only nationally, but internationally recognized for its success and achievements.
I Heart Halal Convention, Chicago
The second annual “I Heart Halal” convention will be held at Navy Pier this year from Friday April 12 through Sunday April 13.
I Heart Halal celebrates all the things that nourish you. At the first Halal lifestyle festival in the United States you’ll experience food, fashion, fitness, beauty, entertainment and education. Celebrate with friends and family and explore the broad and beautiful spectrum of what nourishes you.
I Heart Halal delivers three packed days of entertainment, education, food, fashion and fun all under Navy Pier’s iconic domed roof.
I Heart Halal bazaar 2018
Among the events:
- A grand bazaar, featuring Halal products in every category: food, fashion, beauty, health/wellness, sports/fitness, banking/finance and travel
- Exclusive Events and VIP guests
- Incredible speakers, celebrity appearances, concerts, comedy shows, fashion shows, beauty demonstrations and chef presentations
Here is the schedule and the times:
Friday, April 12
11am-10pm
Saturday, April 13
11am-10pm
Sunday, April 14
11am-6pm
The “I Heart Hala” festival will be held at Chicago’s historic Navy Pier, Festival Hall A & B (Indoors), 600 E. Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611.
For more information, visit the I Heart Halal website by clicking here.
Like the I Heart Halal Facebook Page by clicking here.
AHRC “Spirit of Humanity” Awards and Dinner Gala Friday, April 26
The American Human Rights Council (AHRC-USA) will host its 2019 Annual “Spirit of Humanity” Awards and Dinner Gala Friday, April 26, 2019 beginning at 6:00 p.m.
The American Human Rights Council (AHRC-USA) is pleased to announce the date for its Annual “Spirit of Humanity” Awards & Gala Dinner that will be held on Friday, April 26, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. at the Greenfield Manor Banquet Hall in Dearborn.
The Gala is expected to be remarkable and a memorable event celebrating human rights and human dignity. AHRC-USA welcomes early commitment and advanced sponsorship for its 2019 Gala. For sponsorship information please visit our website at: www.ahrcusa.org or call 313-914-3251 or email: Imad@ahrcusa.org.
Further information regarding the Gala and its anticipated program will be announced in the future. This anticipated “Spirit of Humanity” Gala is promised to be spectacular and memorable.
AHRC Executive Director Imad Hamad
Midwest Federation of American Syrian & Lebanese Clubs convention 2019
The conference will be held in Chicago at the Swissôtel Chicago, 323 E Upper Wacker Dr, Chicago, Illinois 60601 from July 4 through July 7, 2019. This would be the Federation’s 83rd Annual Convention.
The Midwest Federation of American Syrian & Lebanese Clubs are a nonprofit organization. We are a non-political, social and fraternal organization which was organized to promote and preserve the ethnic heritage of its members, to advance the scholarship of its youth, and to support humanitarian causes.
Click here to visit their Facebook page for more information. Midwest Federation of American Syrian Lebanese Clubs, Inc.
Annual Bethlehem Association Convention
The Bethlehem Association will host its annual convention July 25 through July 28, 2019 at the Renaissance Long Beach Hotel, 111 East Ocean Boulevard, Long Beach, California 90802.
Adult registration is $299 and registration for children is $199.
The dinner Friday night features singer Jamal Kassab, and the Saturday night banquet features singer Farah Ibrahim.
Christian Procession at Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, Palestine
Here’s the preliminary conference schedule:
