April 29, 2023

In Honor of National Arab American Heritage Month

Dear CSSW Community,

 

In 2017, when National Arab American Heritage Month (NAAHM) was created, co-founder Dr. Amal David said the month of April was chosen because it marked the beginning of the Spring season. Springtime embodies the idea of “hope, growth, color, and new beginnings,” and the founders wanted to ensure that NAAHM is a time for us to educate ourselves on the many contributions of Arab Americans in the United States. It is a time to celebrate and uplift the vibrant culture of this community and this commemoration serves as a reminder of the richness of the Arab community’s diversity.

 

As April comes to a close, let us continue to do our part in learning about the deep and dynamic history of the Arab American community in the United States, and right here at CSSW. Let us learn about their contributions to our country and our world, and reject stereotypes that plague mass media and beyond. And let us center the idea of hope, growth, and new beginnings as a way to foster greater engagement and understanding.

 

In community,

 

Melissa Begg

Dean & Professor

 

Karma Lowe

Senior Associate Dean for DEI, Enrollment & Community Engagement