The United States gears up to celebrate Arab American Heritage Month this April, recognizing the rich heritage and notable contributions of Arab Americans. It's a national nod to a vibrant community hailing from 22 Arab nations, whose roots in America stretch back to the 16th century, according to the City of Santa Monica.
A mosaic of different religions, races, and creeds, Arab Americans will be at the forefront through various events and activities designed to promote a deeper understanding of their diverse culture. In 2023, President Joe Biden officially acknowledged April as Arab American Heritage Month, decades after local celebrations began painting the town in the hues of Arabic culture starting in the 1980s. Representing it all is California's Little Arabia in Anaheim, touted as one of the maiden Arab American districts in the country, home to the largest Arab American population, a sper the Santa Monica government.
For those looking to dive into the month-long celebration, the Santa Monica Public Library has lined up a slew of cultural pickings. A standout event is the "Breaking Fast" screening, a comedic flick delicately weaving romance with nightly Ramadan iftars, accompanied by a panel including director Mike Mosallam and actor Amin El Gamal on April 11. Additionally, embracing the craft of Moroccan mosaics, the library invites patrons to a hands-on Zellij Bookmark Coloring Workshop on April 17 and 18, equipping crafters with supplies and inspiration.
The library further beckons bibliophiles with "Yalla Read! Arab American Book Tasting," an event slated for April 24, serving a spread of literature from Arab American authors spanning genres from science fiction to memoirs. Not to be left out from the festivities, the library's staff are on standby, ready to feed the curious and assist across various channels, be it via phone at (310) 458-8600, email, or in person, as mentioned in the Santa Monica announcement. Book lovers can savor bites of fiction, getting their hands on their next prized read, and maybe checking it out.
