In honor of Arab American Heritage Month, I want to share some information with you. I hope to surprise, educate, and increase your awareness of our Arab neighbors here in the U.S.

This feels especially important right now, given Israel’s genocide against Palestinians. I am an Ashkenazi Jew who stands with Palestine against their colonizers. (Want the TLDR?)

Demographics

• Arab Americans comprise just under 4 million of the 342 million Americans
• Roughly 75% of them are citizens (most native-born, some naturalized)
• Most of them are immigrants from Arab-speaking countries in the Middle East, North Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa (primarily Lebanon, Egypt, Syria, Palestine, and Iraq)
• They can identify with any racial group
• Their culture stems from 22 Arab countries, including Palestine, Yemen, Sudan, and Morocco
• Their biggest communities are in California and Michigan
• They are not terrorists because of the color of their skin (this shouldn’t need to be said, but 🤷🏻‍♂️)

Source: American Arab Institute

Prominent Arab-American Figures

There are many recognizable members of the Arab American community. Most of whom are known in Arab communities, but relatively unknown to the rest of us. People like:

Naomi Shihab Nye

Native born to a Palestinian father (a refugee) and American mother. She wrote her first poem at age six. She was encouraged, and continued on to become a novelist, songwriter, and award-winning poet.

Dave Serio

Native born to Lebanese immigrants. He is the curator of education at the Arab American National Museum. After witnessing and being the victim of xenophobia following 9/11, he was inspired to learn more and edify people about his culture.

Huwaida Arraf

Native born to Palestinian immigrants from the West Bank. She is an activist and attorney with a focus on war crimes prosecution. She co-founded the International Solidarity Movement, which uses non-violence to support Palestinians.

There are also a number of Arab Americans who have made big names of themselves in film. Some of whom you maybe didn’t know were of Arab descent:

Rami Malek

Native born to Egyptian parents. He is most well-known for his role in the series *Mr. Robot*, which he absolutely nailed. But his performance as Freddie Mercury in *Bohemian Rhapsody* is also epic.

Tony Shalhoub

One of ten children in a Lebanese family in Wisconsin. Tony has a very long list of prominent roles in film and television. My absolute favorite being *The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel*.

Casey Kasem

Yeah. Casey was born in Michigan to Lebanese immigrants. If you grew up in the middle-to-late 20th century, his voice was a staple on the radio. Most notably on American Top 40. He hosted the show for 30 years (10 years being renamed Casey’s Top 40).

Ilhan Omar

Somalian born, her family sought asylum in the United States when she was 13. She became a citizen when she was 17. At 34 she became the first Somalian American legislator in the U.S., winning a seat in the Minnesota House of Representatives. 2 years later was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in Minnesota, as the first Somalian American to serve in Congress. Last year she won her incumbent race by a landslide, securing at least a decade of tenure in the U.S. government. She is a powerhouse in our government, working for the voiceless and championing for those who need it most.

William Peter Blatty

Native-born to Lebanese parents in NYC. If you don’t know his name, you definitely know his most prominent works: the novel and screenplay for *The Exorcist*.

Alia Shawkat

You may or may not know this native-born American of Iraqi descent. I’m a huge fan. She won me over with her role as Angela/Emily/Parwana in the series *The Old Man*, co-starring with Jeff Bridges. Interestingly, in that role she portrays an American character of Arab descent. She also appears in the series Severance.

Tom Shadyac

Native-born of Lebanese descent. Tom is a director, producer, and writer. He has worked on a number of films with Jim Carrey. But he was also the youngest-ever joke writer for Bob Hope.

Salma Hayek

While she is considered by most as simply Latina, Salma is actually Mexican born with a Lebanese father. In an interview she self-described herself as “fifty-percent Lebanese and fifty-percent Spanish.” My favorite of her films are *Desperado* and *From Dusk till Dawn*.

Make Use of What You Learn

Spend some time this month learning about Arab heritage and culture. Then use that information to help Arab Americans thrive here.

Get Involved

Follow and get involved with legislation that impacts them, of course. But community is vital for them right now. Especially in a climate of Muslim hate (even though not all Arabs are Muslims).

Be an Advocate

Stand up for them in public if they’re being harassed. Refute slurs and tropes that you hear. Educate yourself about what it means to be Muslim, and relearn the demonization that has become commonplace.

Create Awareness for Children

Teaching equality and inclusiveness should begin with children. And books are a great way to facilitate that. Arab America has compiled a list of 46 children’s books about Arab heritage. Grab a bunch from your local library so you can gain knowledge and support your community information-heroes all at once!

Be a Friend

At a bare minimum, offer your support. Just reach out and let them know they’re not alone. And if you know something about their culture, you’ll have more to talk about. 😉

For example. In 2017 my kids and I joined a protest at the airport against the Muslim travel ban. I was co-interviewed with a Syrian American by a TV news reporter. Later that week I went to the Muslim Education Trust (a Muslim cultural center in my area) just to say hello and let them know they weren’t alone. I brought them oranges. One woman recognized me from the news and we talked. Now we’re connected on social media and are part of each other’s communities. That’s all it takes.

TLDR

1. Take a minute to learn about Arab heritage and culture
2. Pay attention to and get involved with legislation that impacts Muslims and people of color
3. Educate children about Arab inclusion/equality
4. Build community with Arab neighbors
5. Stand with Palestine

#Inclusivity #Equality #ArabAmericanHeritageMonth #Arab #Muslim #Culture #Heritage

Like this? Find out when I publish new work.

I’m Mark Wyner, an activist, dad, husband, Designer, writer, public speaker, and Mastodon moderator. If you want me to write for you or speak at your event please say hello.

Like this? Find out when I publish new work.

I’m Mark Wyner, an activist, dad, husband, Designer, writer, public speaker, and Mastodon moderator. If you want me to write for you or speak at your event please say hello.