Subject
title
Proclamation Declaring April 2025, as National Arab American Heritage Month in Rockville, Maryland (CM Myles)
end
Department
City Clerk/Director of Council Operations Office
Recommendation
Staff recommends Mayor and Council read and approve the proclamation and present it to Lubna Ghanayem, and Dana Shariff, of the Arab American Foundation.
Discussion
April is National Arab American Heritage Month. The culture and rich diversity of the over 3.5 million Arab Americans, who have been in America since the 1870’s, was not recognized and celebrated.
Throughout April, the Arab America Foundation formally acknowledges the accomplishments of Arab Americans. This celebration is embraced by cultural institutions, school districts, municipalities, state legislatures, public servants, and non-profit organizations nationwide. Special events and proclamations honor our community's rich heritage and contributions to American society.
The National Arab American Heritage Month initiative, launched in 2017 by Arab America and the Arab America Foundation, has gained significant momentum.
Congresswoman Debbie Dingle of Michigan, along with several Arab American organizations, sponsored a resolution in 2017 establishing April as Arab American Heritage Month.
In 2024, the President of the United States recognized April as National Arab American Heritage Month, and Congress and 37 state governors commemorated this initiative. Our grassroots network, comprising over 250 Arab American volunteers in 26 states, secured over 140 proclamations from states, counties, municipalities, and local school districts.
During the month of April, the Arab America Foundation formally recognizes the achievements of Arab Americans through the celebration of National Arab American Heritage Month (NAAHM).
Mayor and Council History
This is the second year that Mayor and Council proclaimed April as National Arab American Heritage Month in Rockville, Maryland.