Recognizing and Celebrating Arab Heritage Month Year-Round and Increasing Cultural Appreciation

DEI Prof-spectives Events
  • Patricia Fortunato
  • 17 April 2024

Rowan University DEI Arab Heritage Month 2024 Graphic (Website Version)

Image Alternative Text: Depicted are symbolic mosque dome figures illustrated with loop-like and flower patterns, in shades of gold. The text at the center of the graphic reads, "Celebrating Arab Heritage Month Year-Round;" "Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow;" "Together we recognize and celebrate the immense diversity of Arab people at Rowan University and among the world;" and "Thank you for helping to shape our University and world." The Rowan University Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) logo is positioned towards the bottom right corner of the graphic.

Click here to download the graphic.

 

This article was written by Patricia Fortunato (fortun83@rowan.edu) as part of the Rowan University Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) team.

With gratitude to the Arabic Culture Club (ACC) student-run organization at Rowan University, for offering a special celebration event on our Glassboro campus, on Tuesday, April 23, 2024. Learn more at this link.

The Rowan University Division of DEI social media campaign of past and present figures, "Celebrating Women/Womyn/Womxn's History," continues this month and celebrates Arab women/womyn/womxn. Please follow the series on the Division of DEI Instagram at @rowandei.

Contents are developed and produced with gratitude to all students, academic faculty, and staff; and the Division of DEI team and DEI Council. Thank you all for helping to foster an inclusive Rowan University community.

 

During the month of April, the United States celebrates Arab Heritage Month, recognizing the histories, diverse cultures, and achievements of Arabs, Arab Americans, and people who trace their ethnic lineage to the Arab world.* During an era of increased hatred and violence affecting minoritized and marginalized communities,1,2 it is critically important to keep apprised of and share accurate information, recognize and celebrate diverse cultures, overcome stereotypes, and empower future generations.

*The Arab world is comprised of 22 countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA),3 spanning Algeria, Bahrain, the Comoros Islands, Djibouti, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Mauritania, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Yemen. Iran and Turkey are frequently attributed to the Arab world; however, they are not Arab countries and their primary languages are Farsi and Turkish, respectively. Arab countries are incredibly diverse regarding linguistic, ethnic, and religious communities, and include Berbers, Kurds, and Yazidis. "Arab" is a linguistic and cultural term, and refers to individuals who may be native speakers of the Arabic language.4

 

Below, we offer a brief history of the inception of the observance; terms and guidance for inclusive communications; ways to better center and support Arabs and Arab Americans; supportive resources; and educational resources for continued learning.

 

Follow the Rowan University Division of DEI:

 

Recognizing Arab Heritage Month

On April 17, 2024, Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib and Congresswoman Debbie Dingell re-introduced a congressional resolution honoring Arab American Heritage Month.

"As a proud and unapologetic Arab American woman serving in Congress, and the Congresswoman representing one of the largest Arab American communities in our country, I know how important it is that our community feels seen by our federal government. Arab Americans have made invaluable contributions to our nation. I look forward to getting April permanently designated as Arab American Heritage Month and ensuring that the Middle Eastern and North African community finally receives the recognition and resources they deserve."  —Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib5

The full text of the resolution can be read here.

 

Terms and Guidance for Inclusive Communications

  • Arab: The term "Arab" is both linguistic and cultural. It references individuals who may be native speakers of the Arabic language. Arab is not a race; people who are Arab are united by history and culture. Many Arabs identify with the Muslim religion, and there are also Jewish Arabs and Christian Arabs throughout the world.
  • Arab Americans: Arab Americans are Americans of Arab descent. There are many Arab Americans with ethnic roots in each Arab country; and many originate from Egypt, Iraq, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, and Yemen.6 The first Arab American immigrants arrived in the late 19th century;7 a second wave of immigration began post-World War II and continues today.8 The largest Arab American communities reside in Detroit and Dearborn, Michigan.9
  • Arab World: The Arab world is comprised of 22 countries in the Middle East and North Africa, spanning Algeria, Bahrain, the Comoros Islands, Djibouti, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Mauritania, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. Iran and Turkey are frequently attributed to the Arab world; however, they are not Arab countries and their primary languages are Farsi and Turkish, respectively.3
  • Cultural Appropriation: This term centers on taking and benefiting from the expression, ideas, artifacts, etc. of another culture without permission, often done by the dominant culture. This is not a cultural exchange, which requires mutual consent and respect.
  • Immigrant: An immigrant is an individual who moves to another country, usually for permanent residence. They may or may not be citizens. Regardless of citizenship, all individuals who identify as such are immigrants. The terms "alien," "foreigner," and "illegal immigrant" are offensive and should not be used as synonyms.
  • Institutional Racism: Institutional racism is the ways in which structures, systems, policies, and procedures of institutions are founded upon and then promote, reproduce, and perpetuate advantages for the dominant group and the oppression of disadvantaged and underrepresented groups.
  • International: This is the appropriate term to use for students who obtain a non-immigrant visa, such as a student visa or an exchange visitor visa.
  • Intersectionality: Intersectionality is a theoretical concept describing the interconnection of oppressive institutions and identities. The term was conceived in 1989 by Kimberlé Crenshaw, civil rights advocate and scholar of critical race theory.10
  • Islamophobia: Islamophobia is fear or hatred of the Islamic faith or individuals who identify as Muslim, generally.
  • Middle East: "Middle East" is a term used loosely, and not necessarily to describe one territory. It typically includes the Arab countries spanning Egypt to the Persian Gulf, and Iran, Palestine, and Israel.11 Turkey is often regarded as part of the Middle East; in some instances, it is regarded as part of Europe. The countries of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan are described as part of South Asia.
  • Muslim: An individual who identifies as Muslim identifies with the religion of Islam. There are Sunni Muslims, Shia Muslims, and Druze Muslims. Not all Arabs and Arab Americans are Muslim, and not all Muslims are Arab. It is critically important to note that Arabs and Arab Americans are a religiously diverse culture.
  • Muslim World: There are an estimated 1.9 billion individuals who identify as Muslim in the world, per projections via the Pew Research Center.12 Indonesia is home to the world's largest Muslim population, with an estimated 87% of the country identifying as Muslim.13
  • People of Color, or Person of Color: These terms are umbrella terms for any individuals who are not white. The term "colored" is offensive and should not be used as a synonym. the terms "ethnic" and "urban" also have offensive undertones and are not synonymous.
  • Racism: Racism is prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism directed toward someone of a different race based on the belief that one's own race is superior. Racism involves one group having the power to carry out systematic discrimination through the institutional policies and practices of society, and by shaping the cultural beliefs and values that support those racist policies and practices.
  • Refugee: A refugee is a person forced to flee their country due to persecution and/or violence. The term "migrant" may be offensive in some contexts.
  • Xenophobia: Xenophobia is a fear or hatred of foreign-born individuals.

 

Ways to Better Center and Support Arabs and Arab Americans

 

Strive to recognize the immense diversity of Arabs and Arab Americans.

Arabs and Arab Americans are incredibly diverse people, spanning countries of origin; dialects and indigenous languages, religions, food, and traditions; race and ethnicity; and immigration status. They are connected by a shared history and cultural heritage.

The United States Census has historically categorized all people of Arab or Middle Eastern descent as white;14 however, many Arabs and Arab Americans see themselves very differently, and racial and ethnic classifications do not account for the immense diversity, such as those who identify as Afro–Arab. As such, they have advocated for and obtained changes to the Census classification,15 recognizing that the former designations did not account for their diversity and experiences.

Arabs and Arab Americans have historically experienced discrimination—including stereotyping by law enforcement16 and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA),17 travel bans,18 and hate crimes.19

 

Strive to build relationships with people whose backgrounds, traditions, and perspectives differ from yours.

Our connections with others and authentic relationships that we build, foster, and nurture can spur introspection and advocacy for others. In order to develop as a whole person, it is important to build relationships with others—and with those whose backgrounds, traditions, and perspectives differ from our personal identities and lived experiences. These relationships can be key in demonstrating and fostering authentic, diverse, equitable, and inclusive environments. However, it is important to avoid tokenizing.20 We should strive to learn about and understand one another, celebrate differences, and recognize our peers' full humanity and strive to develop strengths-based approaches with all people.

To build such relationships, strive to begin by exploring your personal identities, cultures, and lived experiences, and reflect on your races, ethnicities, nationality, gender, sexual identity, religious/spiritual affiliations, age, education and professional experiences, and area in which you reside. Reflect on your experiences, perspectives, and biases. Examining personal biases can be a scary experience; however, it is critical to understanding our shortcomings and learning where we can strive to continually improve in order to help build authentic relationships and create more equitable and inclusive environments.

Strive to seek, read, listen to, and learn about Arab histories, cultures, and issues. The Rowan University Libraries is a helpful starting point for accessing such information. Consider utilizing the databases for environmental scanning and gathering evidence-based literature and media for review.

Finally, consider self-reflection questions, examples provided below:

  • How did your parent(s)/caregiver(s) express their feelings about different racial, ethnic, and/or religious groups, and immigrants, including those experiencing undocumentation?
  • What did your parent(s)/caregiver(s), family members/loved ones, educators, and peers communicate about different racial, ethnic, and/or religious groups and immigrants with their words and/or actions?
  • What are some assumptions about racial, ethnic, and religious groups and immigrants that you learned while as a student? Was there a lack of information? Whose history was the predominant content focus?

 

Strive to advocate against anti-Arabism and Islamophobia.

Islamophobia is fear or hatred of the Islamic faith or individuals who identify as Muslim, generally. As aforementioned, Arabs and Arab Americans are immensely diverse, yet are racialized within the social stratification, which contributes to over-generalizing, stereotyping, stigmatizing, invisibilizing, and discrimination. The widespread assumption that both Arabs and Muslims are a singular group contributes to these harmful behaviors.

Defined by the Council on American–Islamic Relations (CAIR), "Islamophobia is closed-minded prejudice against or hatred of Islam and Muslims. An Islamophobe is an individual who holds a closed-minded view of Islam and promotes prejudice against or hatred of Muslims."21

There are many stereotypes that Arab and Arab American individuals experience in their every day lives, that are reinforced by harmful political and public disourse. We must strive to speak up against such stereotypes and support our Arab and Arab American students and colleagues. Finally, consider some action steps towards advocacy, allyship, and advancing social justice and human rights, provided below.

  • Strive to educate others about the harmful anti-Arabism and Islamophobia that pervades society—by discussing the issues with others; sharing accurate information; and organizing awareness and advocacy initiatives. We help advance social justice and human rights by serving as allies.
  • Strive to continue learning about biases experienced by those who identify as Arab and/or Muslim, and intentially reflect on your personal biases and self-strategize ways to overcome.
  • Strive to recognize, engage, and promote intersectionality. Authentic solidarity means centering minoritized and marginalized communities who are affected by systemic stigma, barriers, and oppression.

 

Promote Inclusive Communications

Rowan University DEI Language of Identity Guide Promotional Infographic

The Division of DEI encourages all Rowan University community members to review and support dissemination of the Language of Identity Guide. It was originally developed in 2020; contents were updated and expanded by the Division of DEI leadership team in April of 2024 and will continue to expand over time. The terminology shared is intended to educate, enlighten, and help guide all people towards inclusive communications, and overall, a more inclusive Rowan University community and world.

We encourage all to share the promotional infographic with students, academic faculty, clinical faculty, staff, and alumni and external networks. Please click here for a PNG file version, best for sharing via social media; and click here for a PDF version, best for printing. For inquiries and/or comments in regard to contents, please email dei@rowan.edu.

 

Arab Heritage Month 2024 Events at Rowan University

Please join the Arabic Culture Club (ACC) on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 at 12:30pm at the Discovery Hall Amphitheater on the Glassboro campus for an event featuring food, music, and lawn games. Entry tickets are $5 apiece, and the event is open to all students, academic faculty, and staff.

 

Rowan University Community of Support for Students

Student-run groups at Rowan University that may be of interest include:

  • APAMSA at Cooper Medical School of Rowan University (CMSRU)

*Please click here for a selection of Rowan University Wellness Center resources and additional supportive resources that our communities may find helpful.

 

Resources for Continued Learning

Educational Websites and Tools:

  • Teach MidEast is an educational outreach initiative developed to provide educators a foundation in teaching critical, complex subject matter. It is part of the Middle East Policy Council.

  • The Qatar Foundation International offers classroom-ready interactive tools, lesson plans, and activities focused on the history and culture of the Arabic world, and the Arabic language. Resources are available in the language of English, Arabic, Portuguese (Brazilian), and German.

  • The Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services is a human services organization dedicated to the Arab American community. Its National Outreach Department includes the Arab American National Museum, offering virtual tours for educators focused on immigration, debunking stereotypes, and identity, and trainings and presentations on cultural competency.

  • The American–Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee is a civil rights organization dedicated to defending the rights of people of Arab descent. The organization welcomes the participation of all people, from all racial, ethnic, and religious backgrounds.

 

Research Literature:

 

Books:

  • Nye, N. S. (2020). Never in a Hurry: Essays on People and Places. University of South Carolina Press.
  • Lalami, L. (2020). Conditional Citizens: Belonging in America. Pantheon Books.
  • Kalla, J. (2019). Palestine on a Plate: Memories from My Mother's Kitchen. White Lion Publishing.
  • Foda, O. D. (2019). Egypt's Beer: Stella, Identity, and the Modern State. University of Texas Press.
  • Hayoun, M. (2019). When We Were Arabs: A Jewish Family's Forgotten History. The New Press.
  • Hankir, Z. (Ed.). (2019). Our Women on the Ground: Essays by Arab Women Reporting from the Arab World. Penguin Books.
  • Mooro, A. (2019). The Greater Freedom: Life as a Middle Eastern Woman Outside the Stereotypes. Amazon Publishing.
  • Daulatzai, S., & Rana, J. (Eds.). (2018). With Stones in Our Hands: Writings on Muslims, Racism, and Empire. University of Minnesota Press.
  • El Saadawi, N. (2015). Woman at Point Zero. Bloomsbury Academic.
  • Handel, N. (Ed.). (2015). The Poetry of Arab Women: A Contemporary Anthology. Interlink Publishing Group, Incorporated.
  • Abu-Lughod, L. (2015). Do Muslim Women Need Saving?. Harvard University Press.
  • Lagnado, L. (2012). The Arrogant Years: One Girl's Search for Her Lost Youth, from Cairo to Brooklyn. HarperCollins Publishers.
  • Adnan, E. (2005). In the Heart of Another Country. City Lights Publishers.
  • Said, E. (1999). Out of Place. Random House Inc.

 

Multimedia:

 

References

  1. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). (2023). FBI Releases 2022 Crime in the Nation Statistics. United States Department of Justice (DOJ). Retrieved from fbi.gov/news/press-releases/fbi-releases-2022-crime-in-the-nation-statistics on April 1, 2024.
  2. Pandith, F., & Ware, J. (2023). Antisemitism and Anti-Muslim Hate are Surging. Here's How to Curb the Worst American Tradition. Renewing America, Council on Foreign Relations (CFR). Retrieved from cfr.org/blog/antisemitism-and-anti-muslim-hate-are-surging-heres-how-curb-worst-american-tradition on April 1, 2024.
  3. Arab World Newspapers at the Library of Congress (LOC). Arab World: Countries and Publications. LOC. Retrieved from guides.loc.gov/arab-world-newspapers/country on April 1, 2024.
  4. Tlaib, R., & Dingell, D. Tlaib, Dingell Introduce Resolution Recognizing Arab American Heritage Month. Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib. Retrieved from tlaib.house.gov/posts/tlaib-dingell-introduce-resolution-recognizing-arab-american-heritage-month-3 on April 1, 2024.
  5. Teach Mideast. (2023). Arab, Middle Eastern, and Muslim? What's the Difference?!. Teach Mideast. Retrieved from teachmideast.org/arab-middle-eastern-and-muslim-whats-the-difference on April 1, 2024.
  6. Arab American Institute (AAI). National Arab American Demographics. AAI. Retrieved from aaiusa.org/demographics on April 1, 2024.
  7. Stephan, R. (2021). The Story of Arab Americans' Beginning in America — and the Quest for Fair Representation. United States Department of State. Retrieved from state.gov/dipnote-u-s-department-of-state-official-blog/the-story-of-arab-americans-beginning-in-america-and-the-quest-for-fair-representation on April 1, 2024.
  8. Little, B. (2024). Arab Immigration to the United States: Timeline. History. Retrieved from history.com/news/arab-american-immigration-timeline on April 1, 2024.
  9. Teach Mideast. (2023). Arab–American Community Highlights. Teach Mideast. Retrieved from teachmideast.org/arab-american-community-highlights on April 1, 2024.
  10. Crenshaw, K. (1989). Demarginalizing the Intersection of Race and Sex: A Black Feminist Critique of Antidiscrimination Doctrine, Feminist Theory and Antiracist Politics. University of Chicago Legal Forum: Volume 1989: Issue 1, Article 8. Retrieved from chicagounbound.uchicago.edu/uclf/vol1989/iss1/8 on April 1, 2024.
  11. World Bank. Countries in Middle East and North Africa. World Integrated Trade Solution (WITS). Retrieved from wits.worldbank.org/chatbot/SearchItem.aspx?RegionId=MEA on April 1, 2024.
  12. Lugo, L., Cooperman, A., O'Connell, E., & Stencel, S. (2011). The Future of the Global Muslim Population. Pew Research Center, USA, 1-209. Retrieved from pewresearch.org/religion/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2011/01/FutureGlobalMuslimPopulation-WebPDF-Feb10.pdf on April 1, 2024.
  13. Office of International Religious Freedom (IRF). (2021). 2020 Report on International Religious Freedom: Indonesia. United States Department of State. Retrieved from state.gov/reports/2020-report-on-international-religious-freedom/indonesia on April 1, 2024.
  14. Alshammari, Y. (2020). Why is There No MENA Category on the 2020 US Census?. Al Jazeera English. Retrieved from aljazeera.com/news/2020/4/1/why-is-there-no-mena-category-on-the-2020-us-census on April 1, 2024.
  15. Marks, R., Jones, N., & Battle, K. (2024). What Updates to OMB's Race/Ethnicity Standards Mean for the Census Bureau. United States Census Bureau. Retrieved from census.gov/newsroom/blogs/random-samplings/2024/04/updates-race-ethnicity-standards.html on April 1, 2024.
  16. Muslim Advocates. Law Enforcement Bias Resources. Muslim Advocates. Retrieved from muslimadvocates.org/issue/law-enforcement-bias on April 1, 2024.
  17. American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). (2017). ACLU v. TSA. ACLU. Retrieved from aclu.org/cases/aclu-v-tsa on April 1, 2024.
  18. American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). Living with the Muslim Ban. ACLU. Retrieved from aclu.org/issues/immigrants-rights/living-muslim-ban on April 1, 2024.
  19. Yousef, O. For Years, the FBI Quietly Stopped Tracking Anti-Arab Violence and Hate Crimes. National Public Radio (NPR). Retrieved from npr.org/2023/12/01/1215840101/for-years-the-fbi-quietly-stopped-tracking-anti-arab-violence-and-hate-crimes on April 1, 2024.
  20. Rowan University Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Language of Identity (LOI) Guide. (2024). Rowan University. Retrieved from sites.rowan.edu/diversity-equity-inclusion/language-guide.html on April 1, 2024.
  21. Council on American–Islamic Relations (CAIR). Anti-Prejudice Tools: Combating Islamophobia. (2023). CAIR. Retrieved from islamophobia.org/anti-prejudice-tools/defining-islamophobia on April 1, 2024.