Chicago: April has been designated as Arab American Heritage Month by US President Joe Biden, who also noted on Friday that "the Arab American story is the American story" and that all Americans should formally recognize it.
As with all of the nation's ethnic groups, Arab Americans, according to Biden, have helped to define America as a nation that welcomes immigrants and the cultures they brought with them by serving in the US military and in every profession.
However, despite their contributions to the country, many Arabs still experience racism and discrimination, according to Biden.
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During a briefing on March 31, Biden said, "This month, we join together to celebrate the immeasurable contributions of Arab Americans to our nation and to recommit ourselves to the timeless work of ensuring that all people have the opportunity to achieve the American Dream.
Sadly, we also acknowledge that despite the fact that Arab Americans contribute greatly to our country, many still experience prejudice, bigotry, and violence, which is a stain on our collective conscience. Hatred must not have a safe haven in this nation. We need to keep repeating that sentiment.
That is why I issued the proclamation on ending discriminatory entry bans to the United States on my first day in office, which hurt the Arab American community.
I also put my signature on an executive order directing the federal government to promote equity for historically marginalized groups, such as Arab Americans. I was honored to host the inaugural United We Stand Summit at the White House and to present new initiatives aimed at assisting communities in preventing and combating threats, bullying, and harassment motivated by hatred.
In addition to exploring ways to include Arabs in the 2030 US Census drive, Biden established an interagency group to "coordinate" federal efforts to combat antisemitism and Islamophobia. Biden is leaning toward replacing the word "Arab" on the census questionnaire with the phrase "MENA" (Middle East and North Africa).
For many years, Arabs only celebrated Arab American Heritage Month separately and during various months of the year in a select few states, including Michigan, Illinois, California, Washington, D.C., Arizona, and Texas.
That changed in 2017 when leaders of the Arab American community organized a coordinated campaign to declare April as Arab American Heritage Month. The first state to enact legislation designating April as Arab American Heritage Month was Illinois in 2018.
Since then, proclamations recognizing April as Arab American Heritage Month and the contributions of Arabs to American society have been approved by 44 additional states.
When Biden became the first US president to declare April as Arab American Heritage Month in 2022, it significantly increased the month's recognition as a national holiday.
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Hassan Nijem, president of the American Arab Chamber of Commerce of Illinois, who played a key role in securing the law's passage in 2018, said, "We have seen a steady progression, first to bring Arab Americans together to recognize one month to celebrate our rich cultural heritage, and we have seen many Americans and elected officials support this important designation."
President Biden established April as National Arab Heritage Month last year, and since then, 45 state legislatures, governors, and members of Congress have proclaimed it as such. Even though there is still much to be done, Arab Americans have unquestionably contributed to the wealth of this nation.
April will be recognized as Arab American Heritage Month, according to statements made by a number of Biden administration officials and department heads. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced Arab American Heritage Month on April 1 on behalf of the Biden administration.
"Last year, President Biden made history by designating April as National Arab American Heritage Month, the first US president to do so in honor of the contributions made by Arab Americans to the country that predate the founding of the country. According to Blinken, Americans of Arab descent have advanced the country's accomplishments in art, culture, science, and technology.
"The struggle for social justice and civil rights has also been led by Arab Americans. As part of National Arab American Heritage Month, we proudly recognize the contributions made by Arab Americans to this nation and celebrate their rich culture and heritage.
In a statement honoring Arab culture during April's Arab American Heritage Month, Democratic National Committee Chairman Jaime Harrison joined DNC Ethnic Council Chairman James Zogby, who is also the president of the Arab American Institute.
"We honor the culture, contributions, and accomplishments of Arab Americans across our nation during this Arab American Heritage Month. The DNC said in a statement on Saturday that "this vibrant and diverse community, with roots in 22 countries in the Middle East and North Africa and numerous cultural and religious traditions, represents the best of who we are.
The Biden-Harris administration designated April as National Arab American Heritage Month for the first time in 2021 because President Biden is aware of this. The Democratic Party is proud to recognize and support Arab Americans for the enormous contribution they have made to our nation and party.
Americans are honoring Arab American Heritage Month in public and governmental institutions as well as educational institutions. For instance, the New York City Public Schools provided a list of various ways that classrooms and students can learn more about the history of Arab Americans.
The Dearborn, Michigan-based Arab American National Museum provides a "virtual tour" of the history of the Arab people.
In order to help pique young people's interest in science and promote diversity and inclusion in their own online exhibition, Google Classrooms and "1001 Inventions" have partnered to provide digital access to interactive stories about lesser-known pioneer men and women, primarily from the Arab world.
According to a number of Arab American leaders, the festivities were somewhat subdued in recognition of Ramadan, an important Islamic religious holiday that Muslims observe during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar by fasting from sunrise to sunset, praying, and engaging in communal reflection.
Many Christian-owned restaurants restrict their business hours until after the iftar meal and moderate public celebrations as a sign of solidarity with Muslims.
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Nijem noted that Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas, who annually honors the accomplishments of the region's ethnic groups, will host a special Arab American Heritage gathering on May 1 at her offices in Chicago. "In Illinois, we will be hosting events at the end of the month of April Arab American Heritage Month as an act of respect," Nijem said.
After Ramadan, the Arab Chamber also has a number of events scheduled for the last week of April, according to Nijem.