Arab American Heritage Month has been celebrated in April ever since 2017. The non-profit organization known as Arab American Foundation, and its sister organization Arab America, began rallying for the month to be recognized on a national level. In 2021, the month was officially recognized by President Joe Biden, and 37 states issued proclamations in support of the month. By 2022, permanent legislation to recognize the month was passed in multiple states. Arab America states that they want to use the month to learn about and celebrate Arab history, cuisine, music, culture, and more.

A person’s heritage is a big part of who they are. For many people, their heritage and culture heavily affects their lives, ideas, and mindsets. It informs the way they lead their everyday lives.

Sophie Attalla, who recently co-founded the Middle Eastern North African club, is Egyptian. She shared what her heritage means to her. “Most of my friends are Egyptian. It’s just…what I’ve known, mostly,” Freshman Attalla said. “I think it controls my values and the type of people I want to be around.”

Attalla is not the only person to feel that their heritage affects their life in a significant way. Most Arabs feel a lot of pride in their heritage, and the contributions that their fellow Arab Americans have had in society. Arab Americans, like every other culture, have a complex history and many different ways that it can be celebrated and honored. A heritage month is just one way of celebrating the many rich and diverse cultures that fall under the category of “Arab.”

To commemorate the month, the organizations behind the month, Arab American Foundation and Arab America, shared some ideas for how the month can be celebrated. The organizations encourage Arab people to take pride in their culture, and for everyone to show support for the Arab American community however possible. They suggest supporting organizations and foundations that are apart of the Arab community, dining at Arab-owned restaurants, reading up on the history of different Arab cultures, and so much more. The month is meant to be one of celebration and education.

Happy Arab American Heritage Month!