Governor Proclaims Arab American Heritage Month 2021

WHEREAS, for over a century, Arab Americans have been making valuable contributions to virtually every aspect of American society, including medicine, law, business, education, technology, government, military service, and culture; and

WHEREAS, according to United States Census data published in 2015, North Carolina’s Arab American population had doubled since 1980; the estimated statewide Arab American population in 2015 was well over 34,000 individuals; and

WHEREAS, the largest number of new Arab immigrants to North Carolina came from Iraq, Egypt, and Morocco and reside in most of the 100 counties that make up our state; and

WHEREAS, since immigrating to North Carolina, people of Arab ancestry have shared their culture and traditions, resilient family values, strong work ethic, dedication to education, and diversity in faith and creed with neighbors and friends, enriching our society and strengthening our great democracy; and

WHEREAS, the history of Arab Americans in the United States remains neglected or defaced by misconceptions, bigotry, and anti-Arab hate in the form of crimes and speech; and 

WHEREAS, Arab American issues, such as civil rights abuses, harmful stereotyping, and bullying must be combatted through thoughtful education and awareness; and

WHEREAS, the State of North Carolina is honored to count Arab Americans among our population and is proud to recognize the incredible contributions and heritage of Arab Americans in our state and throughout the nation;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim April, 2021, as “ARAB AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.