By Maureen McKinney
The process to proclaim this month as National Arab American Heritage Month (NAAHM) began in 2017 when an initiative was presented by Arab America and the Arab America Foundation. April was chosen as it symbolizes spring, hope, growth, color, and new beginnings and did not interfere with others, such as Women’s History and Black History months. President Biden formally recognized this heritage month in 2021, and 45 states issued proclamations and resolutions. During this month, the culture, dance, music, food, contributions, and accomplishments of Arab Americans are displayed and celebrated.
Warren David, Co-Founder of the Arab American Foundation said, “National Arab American Heritage Mongh is a time to recognize the remarkable contributions of Arab Americans in all facets of society – business, government, education, science and the arts. In today’s climate, fostering understanding and appreciation of Arab heritage is more important than ever”.
The first Arab people began to arrive in the US in the late 1880’s – the same timeframe as so many other immigrant communities, and the majority first settled in Michigan. There are 3.5 million Arab Americans living in our country today. Michigan holds the highest percentage of Arab Americans at 2.9 percent of their total population or almost 213.000 people. California is home to the highest total at over 330,000 or .83 percent of their total population. By comparison, Washington State has about 390,000 Arab Americans living here, or .48 percent of our total population.
Arab Americans originate from 22 different countries located in Southwest Asia and Africa, often referred to as the Arab World or the Middle East. Even though they follow different linguistic, political, and cultural differences, they remain a connected ethnic group. They embrace many different religions, including Christianity, Islam and Judaism. As a community, their focus is on family and NAAHM’s goal is to allow young Arab American children to be proud of their identity and culture.
The Arab American culture has brought us things like coffee, hummus, baba ghanoush, falafel and other culinary delights. They represent the USA in government at many levels and 40 percent have at least a bachelor’s degree. Famous Americans of Arab descent includes Steve Jobs of Apple, activist Ralph Nadar, Astronaut Christa McAuliffe, singer Shakira, Rami Malek who played Freddy Mercury in “Bohemian Rhapsody”, writer Khalil Gibran, singer Paula Abdul, and actors Danny Thomas, Selma Hayek, Jamie Farr, Kathy Najimy, Tony Shaloub and others.
This month we celebrate Arab Americans and their contributions that help build and enrich our country. It is important, now more than ever, that we recognize and respect all the diversity in America. We truly are a mosaic of cultures, which only adds to our strength and makes us who we truly are. It’s America’s super power!
This post was co-published by Ellensburg Daily Record Newspaper in April 2025. Maureen McKinney is a member of LWV Kittitas County. She is retired and lives in the Manastash Canyon with her dog Belle. Living with wildlife in our beautiful county is her happy place.