According to Wikipedia, “Beginning in the ’90s, Arab American heritage was celebrated sporadically in various states, primarily in school districts. It wasn’t until 2017 when Arab America began a national initiative to coordinate all states under National Arab American Heritage Month. In 2017, Arab America asked U.S. Congresswoman, Debbie Dingell (D-MI), to issue a congressional resolution proclaiming National Arab American Heritage Month. Also in 2017, Arab America invited over 200 dignitaries and opinion leaders from the Arab American community to a commemorative reception in Washington DC at which Congresswoman Debbie Dingell and the Mayor of Washington DC, Muriel Bowser, attended.
“In 2019, as a result of Arab America’s national advisory committee, 109 proclamations from 26 states were issued by state legislatures, municipalities, counties, and school districts.”
According to the Arab America website, “For over a century, Arab Americans have made valuable contributions to virtually every aspect of American society: in medicine, law, education, business, technology, government, and culture. Additionally, Arab Americans have shared their rich culture and traditions with their fellow Americans–while also setting fine examples of model citizens and public servants.”
The Park HS Library celebrates with social media posts of information about Arab American history, links to articles about Arab American people who have made a difference, and poems by Arac American authors on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Usually, we have displays of books by & about Arab Americans displayed around the library, but while the school building is closed, you can see those titles and other links in this collection of resources for Arab American Heritage Month. You can look for ebooks of those titles to borrow online at the Washington County Public Library.
