Honoring Arab American Heritage
What is Arab American Heritage Month?
In the United States, we designate the month of April as Arab American Heritage Month. It is a time for us to learn about and celebrate Arab culture and the contributions of Arabs and Arab Americans past and present. The Arab America Foundation and Arab America started the idea of Arab American Heritage Month, and some states began recognizing it in 2017. In 2021, President Joe Biden made the first national official proclamation to designate the month of April as Arab American Heritage Month. There is a bill pending in congress that would make a more permanent designation. Several states, Illinois, Oregon and Virginia, have permanent statewide designations for the heritage month.
What does it mean to be Arab or Arab American?
Approximately 3.7 million Americans identify as Arab American. Arabs are a group defined by a common language – Arabic. Arabic heritage can be traced across the Middle East, Western Asia, and Africa. In the U.S. Census, this includes individuals who identify their heritage as Lebanese, Syrian, Egyptian, Iraqi, Jordanian, Palestinian, Moroccan, Arab or Arabic, and Other Arab (Algeria, Bahrain, Djibouti, Kuwait, Libya, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.) In Washington State, the category also includes Arab-speaking individuals who identify as Assyrian/Chaldean, and Somali, or Sudanese. In Washington, the largest communities of Arab Americans identify as having Somali or Lebanese ancestry.
How can we learn more about Arabic Culture?
Arabic culture is diverse in traditions, religion, race, and nationality. You can learn more about this rich cultural heritage through books, movies, food, and experiences. Here are some places to start your cultural adventures:
Books
Children’s Books by Arab American Authors and Illustrators
6 Great Kids Books to Read for Arab American Heritage Month
Children’s Literature: Arab/Arab-American
Middle Grade Books for Arab American Heritage Month
A Reading List for Arab American Heritage Month 2022 (Adults)
Films
4 Films to Watch during Arab-American Heritage Month
9 Independent Films by Arab American Directors
Food
Tasty Traditional Arab Food You Must Try
Best Middle Eastern Restaurants in Seattle
7 terrific spots for tasty Lebanese food in Seattle
Museums and Events
Arab American Heritage Month at the Burke Museum
Journey to Nubia: The Land of Gold at Highline Heritage Museum (Burien)
Arab American Festival at Seattle Center (August)
Learn more about Arabic culture at this open source learning website