NASPGHAN is proud to recognize April as Arab American Heritage Month and acknowledge the contributions of all our members with Arab heritage regardless of nationality.
The Arab world is made up of 22 countries that span North Africa to West Asia with great diversity. The three most common religions are Islam, Christianity and Judaism. Hospitality, generosity, faith, family and community are key pillars of Arab culture and children often become caretakers for their parents.
It is estimated there are 3.7 million Arab Americans including many health care providers. There are an estimated 1.2 million Arab immigrants in the US, doubled since the year 2000. The Biden administration has proposed the 2030 US census allow people of Middle Eastern or North African descent to be counted (they are currently categorized as white). NAPSGHAN is also working on revising how we collect similar demographic data.
Arab America and the Arab America Foundation launched the National Arab American Heritage Month initiative in 2017. President Biden recognizes the month of April as National Arab American Heritage Month with a special letter each year. Congress, the U.S. Department of State, and 37 state governors issued proclamations commemorating the initiative in 2021.
To learn more, visit the following sources:
Arab America Foundation
National Arab American Medical Association
American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC)
NPR: What Race are Middle Eastern, North African People?
