Arab American Heritage Month

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Arab American Heritage Month

Honoring the Contributions and Heritage of Arab Americans
Each April, we celebrate National Arab American Heritage Month to recognize and honor the rich cultural heritage, achievements, and contributions of Arab Americans. Immigrants from the Arab world have been part of the United States’ story for centuries, contributing to advancements in science, business, technology, foreign policy, national security, education, arts, and more.
Across the country, cultural institutions, school districts, municipalities, state legislatures, and nonprofit organizations host special events, issue proclamations, and celebrate the vibrant history and impact of Arab Americans on our communities.

Who Are Arab Americans?

Arab Americans are individuals in the United States who trace their heritage to the 22 Arabic-speaking countries of the Arab world. Arabs are a culturally diverse group, united by the Arabic language rather than a specific race, ethnicity, or religion.
Where is the Arab World?
The Arab world consists of 22 countries spanning Western Asia, Northern Africa, and parts of Eastern and Western Africa. These nations are members of the Arab League, and Arabic is the dominant language in most of them. The region is ethnically and religiously diverse, with Islam as the primary religion, but also home to significant Christian and other religious communities.

The 22 Arab Countries:
Algeria, Bahrain, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.

• Total Population: 423 million
• Geographical Area: 13.1 million km² (5 million sq. mi)

Fascinating Facts About Arab Culture
• Arab is not a race but a shared cultural and linguistic identity.
• Not all Arabs are Muslim—there are significant numbers of Arab Christians and other religious groups.
• Family is central to Arab culture and is a key social structure.
• Honor and hospitality are fundamental values.
• Relationships first, business second—personal connections are highly valued.
• Hygiene is deeply important, both spiritually and practically.

Common Misconceptions About Arabs

Not all Arabs are Muslim, and not all Muslims are Arab.
• Arabs make up only 15-18% of the global Muslim population and include significant numbers of Arab Christians in countries such as Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, Palestine, Jordan, and Iraq.
• The Arab world is not a monolithic desert.
• The region is geographically diverse, featuring mountains, rivers, forests, and modern urban centers alongside ancient cities.
Arab men are not all “oil-rich sheiks” or dictators.
• The Arab world has diverse economic classes, professions, and political systems. The overwhelming majority of Arabs are law-abiding citizens with families, careers, and businesses.
Arab women are not all oppressed or veiled.
• Women in many Arab countries, such as Lebanon, Syria, and Egypt, have the freedom to choose whether to wear a veil. While some countries enforce dress codes, the assumption that all Arab women are veiled or oppressed is a misconception.

Arab Immigration to the United States

Arab immigration to the U.S. began in the late 1800s, with many Arab Christians fleeing religious persecution and seeking economic opportunities. The major waves of Arab immigration to the U.S. include:
• Late 1800s – Early 1900s: Mostly Arab Christians from the Ottoman Empire (modern-day Syria, Lebanon, and Palestine) settled in the Northeast and Midwest, working in sales and as grocers.
• 1948–1966: Due to conflicts such as the Arab-Israeli War, immigration resumed, with many settling in Detroit during the auto industry boom.
• Post-1965: The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 ended immigration quotas and allowed more Arab immigrants to enter the U.S., contributing to a growing and diverse Arab American population.
Today, Arab Americans live in every U.S. state, with the largest populations in California, Florida, Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Virginia. Dearborn, Michigan, has the highest concentration of Arab Americans in the country, particularly Lebanese Americans, who make up nearly one-third of the Arab American population.

Celebrating Arab American Heritage Month

Arab American Heritage Month is an opportunity to:
-Recognize the diverse cultures, traditions, and contributions of Arab Americans.
-Educate communities about the rich history and diversity within the Arab world.
-Challenge stereotypes and misconceptions about Arab Americans.
- Celebrate the achievements and resilience of Arab American communities.
Join us this April in honoring Arab American Heritage Month and celebrating the strength, history, and impact of Arab Americans in our communities!

THPRD Events

Educational Resources

• • Arab American History Museum: Coming to America
• ▫ https://arabamericanmuseum.org/coming-to-america/
• • Arab American Institute
• ▫ https://www.aaiusa.org/arab-american-heritage-month
• • Middle Easter and North African Immigrants in the US
• • Arab America
• ▫ https://www.arabamerica.com/resources/
• • Smithsonian
• ▫ https://www.si.edu/spotlight/arab-american
• • Videos
• ▫ Why Arabs and Muslims Aren't Exotic
• ▫ Cartoonist Huda Fahmy on Being Arab American
• ▫ PBS Arab American Heritage Month Playlist
• ▫ Why We Need Arab American Heritage Month
• ▫ How You See Me
• ▫ PBS Arab Americans
• • Book Recommendations
• ▫ https://www.penguinrandomhouseretail.com/2024/03/12/books-to-celebrate-arab-american-heritage-month/
• • Podcasts
• ▫ https://podcasts.feedspot.com/arab_american_podcasts/
• • Arab Americans to Follow on Social Media
• ▫ https://www.uaemoments.com/11-arab-americans-you-need-to-follow-on-instagram-right-now-623626.html
• • Arab American Artists
• ▫ Celebrating Arab-American artists’ contribution to culture | Arab News
•  

Community Resources
▫ Arab American Institute: https://www.aaiusa.org/
▫ American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee: https://adc.org/
▫ Arab American Cultural Center of Oregon: https://araboregon.org/
▫ Arab Resource and Organizing Center: https://www.araborganizing.org/

Local Businesses
• Nour Jewelers
• Sarah M Jewelry
• Royal Jewelry
• Abu Rasheed Express
• Gyro Spot
• Gyro House Mediterranean Grill Beaverton
• Oasis Lebanese Cuisine
• Salam Restaurant
• Al Hawr Restaurant
• Karam Lebanese Restaurant
• Marrakesh Restaurant
• Nicholas Restaurant
• El Masry Egyptian Cuisine
• Rehana Restaurant
• Ya Hala Lebanese Cuisine
• Arz Café
• Family Café
• Ur Mitterrandian Restaurant
• Karam Lebanese Deli & Catering
• Dot Sugar PDX
• Sheesh Shawarma
• Dar Salam Restaurant
• Abu Omar Gyros & Shawarma
• Mamma Khouri's
• Lami Golden House
• Aloha Halal Grocery Store
• Cedar Halal Market
• And many more!
These are just a few suggested businesses—we fully acknowledge that there are many more. We encourage the community to explore and support Arab-owned businesses. If you know of additional Arab-owned businesses to include, please email equity@thprd.org
 

During the month of April, we recognize the National Arab American Heritage Month and honor the contributions of this diverse community to America. Immigrants with origins from the Arab world have been arriving to the United States since before our country’s independence and have contributed to our nation’s advancements in science, business, technology, foreign policy, and national security.

Across the country, cultural institutions, school districts, municipalities, state legislatures, and non-profit organizations issue proclamations and engage in special events that celebrate our community’s rich heritage and numerous contributions to society.

• Read more about the history of Arab Americans by clicking here (pdf). 
• Learn about notable Arab American Figures by clicking here (pdf). 

Events:

• Eid al-Fitr at the Tualatin Hills Athletic Center (in partnership with Cool Islam and partner organizations)
• Marhaba Arab Celebration at Garden Home Recreation Center in partnership with Arabic House,
  Lutheran Community Services Northwest, Portland Refugee Support Group, and the Garden Home Community Library
• Women-only swim (in partnership with Lutheran Community Services Northwest, Arabic House and Cool Islam)
• Eid ul-Adha Celebration at Cedar Hills Park (in partnership with Cool Islam and partner organizations)