Arab American Heritage Month
During the early '90s, Arab American heritage month was celebrated sporadically in various states, primarily in school districts. It wasn't until 2017 when Arab American communities began a national initiative to coordinate all states under National Arab American Heritage Month (NAAHM). In 2017, those same communities petitioned for U.S. Congresswoman, Debbie Dingell (D-MI) and Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), to issue a congressional resolution proclaiming National Arab American Heritage Month. It was then introduced to the house on April 30th, 2019, and then referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Reform.
Although Congress informally recognizes April as National Arab American Heritage Month, there is a national effort to recognize the diversity within the region and Arab communities. The DEI Team celebrates Arab American Heritage Month, which includes both Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) communities in this observance.
-WPI's Diversity Equity and Inclusion Team
The Office of Multicultural Affairs shares STEM Scholar highlights and additional resources for Arab American Heritage Month at https://www.wpi.edu/news/announcements/wpi-celebrates-arab-american-heritage-month-2022.