April marks the celebration of National Arab American Heritage Month. We continue to celebrate the strength and diversity of our industry and organization.
The federal government officially recognizes it as a time to honor and spotlight the contributions of Arab Americans in our society and democracy. “…Arab Americans represent a diverse array of backgrounds, cultures, and traditions. Like their fellow citizens, Americans of Arab heritage are very much a part of the fabric of this nation, and Arab Americans have contributed in every field and profession,” says the State Department. As we commemorate the Arabian heritage across our city and country, here are some resources to help you learn more and commemorate.
A TIMELINE OF ARAB AMERICAN IMMIGRATION
Arabs began immigrating to America in the 1880s when the Ottoman Empire began to experience political conflict. When immigration quotas were put in place in the 1920s, Arab immigration slowed, and then picked up in the 1960s when the quotas were removed. Since then, we’ve seen a consistent increase in Arab immigration. Click here for a detailed timeline of Arab immigration from History.com.
THE ARAB AMERICAN EXPERIENCE
Learn About The ARab American Community in Illinois
According to the U.S. Census, the Illinois Arab American community grew by more than 41% between 2000 and 2008. It has tripled since 1980.
It’s important to know, however, that Arab Americans are not officially recognized as a federal class. Because of this, reporting numbers are rarely exact. Reports of the population of Arab Americans in Chicago range from 50,000 to 160,000 based on Ancestry Reported Census 2000 and Zogby International Estimates. However, estimates have gone as high as 220,000 according to the Arab-American Institute and 170,000 in the city of Chicago itself.
According to the Arab American Institute, Illinois is home to an estimated population of 150,000 Arabs, the fifth largest in the country – with the majority living in the Chicagoland area. The largest number of new Arab immigrants to Illinois come from Iraq, Jordan and Syria, respectively.
Meet our Arab American Leaders
Linda Hattar
Board of Directors
DL3 Realty
Ways To Celebrate Arab American Heritage Month
Did you know there is a museum dedicated to Arab Americans in Michigan? The Arab American National Museum (AANM) is the first and only museum in the United States devoted to documenting and sharing Arab American contributions that shaped the economic, political and cultural landscapes of American life. Learn more about the museum, here.
If you’re interested in reading books by Arab Americans, exploring Arab American art and more, check out GoodGoodGood’s article to explore ways to celebrate.
NOTABLE ARAB AMERICAN FIGURES
From Air Force colonels to astronauts and actors, there are many Arab American figures who have made history and broken barriers. Click here for a list of notable Arab American history makers from Women’s Day, or check out a list of famous Arab American in politics and pop culture from liveaboutdotcom.