Arab American Heritage Month
In honor of Arab American Heritage Month, I want to share some information with you. I hope to surprise, educate, and increase your awareness of our Arab neighbors here in the U.S.
This feels especially important right now, given Israel’s genocide against Palestinians. I am an Ashkenazi Jew who stands with Palestine against their colonizers. (Want the TLDR?)
Demographics
- Arab Americans comprise just under 4 million of the 342 million Americans
- Roughly 75% of them are citizens (most native-born, some naturalized)
- Most of them are immigrants from Arab-speaking countries in the Middle East, North Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa (primarily Lebanon, Egypt, Syria, Palestine, and Iraq)
- They can identify with any racial group
- Their culture stems from 22 Arab countries, including Palestine, Yemen, Sudan, and Morocco
- Their biggest communities are in California and Michigan
- They are not terrorists because of the color of their skin (this shouldn’t need to be said, but 🤷🏻♂️)
Source: American Arab Institute
Prominent Arab-American Figures
There are many recognizable members of the Arab American community:
- Alia Shawkat: actress, singer
- Rami Malek: film/voice actor
- Casey Kasem: radio presenter, actor, animal-rights activist
- Tony Shalhoub: actor
- Ilhan Omar: congresswoman, author
- William Peter Blatty: writer, director, producer
- Salma Hayek: actress, producer
There are others who are known in Arab communities, but unfamiliar to the rest of us:
- Naomi Shihab Nye: novelist, songwriter, poet
- Dave Serio: museum curator
- Huwaida Arraf: activist, attorney
Make Use of What You Learn
Spend some time this month learning about Arab heritage and culture. Then use that information to help Arab Americans thrive here.
Get Involved
Follow and get involved with legislation that impacts them, of course. But community is vital for them right now. Especially in a climate of Muslim hate (even though not all Arabs are Muslims).
Be an Advocate
Stand up for them in public if they’re being harassed. Refute slurs and tropes that you hear. Educate yourself about what it means to be Muslim, and relearn the demonization that has become commonplace.
Create Awareness for Children
Teaching equality and inclusiveness should begin with children. And books are a great way to facilitate that. Arab America has compiled a list of 46 children’s books about Arab heritage. Grab a bunch from your local library so you can gain knowledge and support your community information-heroes all at once!
Be a Friend
At a bare minimum, offer your support. Just reach out and let them know they’re not alone. And if you know something about their culture, you’ll have more to talk about. 😉
For example. In 2017 my kids and I joined a protest at the airport against the Muslim travel ban. I was co-interviewed with a Syrian American by a TV news reporter. Later that week I went to the Muslim Education Trust (a Muslim cultural center in my area) just to say hello and let them know they weren’t alone. I brought them oranges. One woman recognized me from the news and we talked. Now we’re connected on social media and are part of each other’s communities. That’s all it takes.
TLDR
- Take a minute to learn about Arab heritage and culture
- Pay attention to and get involved with legislation that impacts Muslims and people of color
- Educate children about Arab inclusion/equality
- Build community with Arab neighbors
- Stand with Palestine
