This week we continue to learn about and celebrate Arab American Heritage. A great place to start is the Arab American National Museum and its virtual exhibits:

• Listen to Arab Instruments and make your own drum
• Follow the waves of Arab American immigration to the United States
• Learn about Arab American religions, entrepreneurship, food, and activism
• Celebrate the achievements of Arab American entertainers, athletes, scientists, and politicians 

Challenge: How many notable people of Arab descent can you name? 

Did you know…

• The Arab world is made up of 22 countries that share the Arabic language and similar customs
• The Arabic language is composed of 28 letters and written from left to right
• “Hello” in Arabic is “Marhaba”
• Not all Arabs are Muslim. Many practice Judaism and Christianity. 

Find out more facts about Arab American culture from Arab America.

The Arab American Experience

If you are interested in hearing from Arab Americans across the county, watch Arab American Stories, a series of short documentaries featuring 39 Arab Americans across the country. 

For a local perspective, here is a conversation between four Arab Americans from Colorado: facilitator Neda Kikhia, Colorado State Representative Iman Jodeh, Story-Telling Activist & Spoken-Word Poet Amal Kassir, and Professor Kareen El Damanhoury. 

More Ways to Explore Arab American Culture

• Check out the virtual Arab American Film Fest Collab April 7-17
• Watch a TV show or documentary featuring Arab American stories and characters
• Try out a recipe
• View virtual gallery tours of artwork at the Middle East Institute 
• Dive into some poetry by great poets like Naomi Shihab Nye or Kahlil Gibran

ABAR Actions to Support Arab Americans

• Support the Arab American National Museum to help share and preserve Arab American history 
• Learn about and support local organizations that help immigrants and refugees
• Fight against anti-Muslim discrimination that many Arab Americans experience
• Pay attention to human rights issues in Arab countries

EVENT REMINDER: ABAR Book Club & Discussion Group

This Spring, the ABAR Book Club will be reading the book How to be an Anti-Racist by Ibram X. Kendi. If you are interested in joining us, please complete this form to be added to the email list. There is no expectation that you will attend every meeting. In fact, we encourage you to join the email list even if you are busy and unsure whether you’ll make every meeting. The book club discussion will be held via Zoom.

The Longmont Library has multiple copies available, as well an excellent audiobook version available on the Libby or OverDrive apps. Join us to learn, discuss questions, and share insights!