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The rich and diverse culture and contributions of Arab Americans are celebrated in April during National Arab American Heritage Month, which was first observed in 2021. More than 3.5 million Americans of Arab heritage are part of the fabric of our nation, contributing in every field and profession.
Large scale Arab immigration to the U.S. began in the late 1800s, and ancestries can be traced to 22 countries in the Middle East and North Africa. Today, Arab Americans live in all U.S. states, with two-thirds residing in 10 states, Virginia included among them. In Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS), there are 530 families who have selected Arabic as their home language and 5% of English Learners at ACPS speak Arabic.
“Having a parent liaison and bilingual specialist who provides support for ACPS’s Arabic speaking families reflects the school division’s commitment to equity for all,” said Nassiba Benghanem, Arabic-speaking bilingual parent liaison for ACPS. “Parents often tell me how grateful they are to have an Arabic-speaking staff member who can provide support and help them connect better with the schools.” In addition to the liaisons, Arabic-speaking staff support the division across departments and at all levels from the classroom to school administration.
In 2017, an initiative for official designation of National Arab American Heritage Month was launched by the nonprofit organization Arab American Foundation and its sister organization Arab America. Two years later, a resolution was introduced before Congress to proclaim April as National Arab American Heritage Month. In April 2021, President Joe Biden, the U.S Department of State, a group of Congressional members and 37 governors issued proclamations in support of the month.
In a letter to Arab America and the Arab America Foundation, President Biden wrote, “The Arab American community exemplifies so much of what our country stands for: hard work, resilience, compassion, and generosity.” He added, “Diversity is one of our greatest strengths, and it is essential that we continue celebrating, promoting, and educating others about the myriad ways that the Arab people have advanced human civilization and contributed to the well-being of our nation.”
Permanent legislation designating April as National Arab American Heritage Month was passed by 2022 in Illinois, Oregon and Virginia. Similar legislation is pending in several other states.