April marks the start of National Arab American Heritage Month! While celebrations of Arab American heritage date back past 1980, the Arab America Foundation launched the National Arab American Heritage Month initiative in 2017. In 2024, the President of the United States recognized April as National Arab American Heritage Month with a proclamation! This month long celebration honors Arab American history and empowers future generations to embrace their identity (Arab America Foundation).
April was chosen to as a symbol as it marks the beginning of the Spring season. Spring is associated with hope, growth, color, and new beginnings! This year’s theme, “Arab American Heritage: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future,” reflects on the community’s legacy while recognizing the next generation of leaders making strides in business, government, education, science, and the arts (Arab America Foundation).
Today, Arab Americans have roots in 22 countries located in the Middle East and North Africa! In addition to the many nationalities represented, Arab Americans are also diverse in faith, race, sexual orientation, gender identity, and ability. Arab Americans are connected by their primary language, Arabic, as well as by their shared history and culture (NYC Public Schools).
We hope to aid in encouraging all people to learn about the contributions, cultures, and experiences of the Arab Americans! Below are some of our resources for children and families to utilize and explore!
Janice Fineman is a graduate student at Tufts University studying children's media and the arts! She has always loved to read and she feels so lucky to be an intern with Read Your World.
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