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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
COMMEMORATING ARAB AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH IN COOK COUNTY
WHEREAS, April is National Arab American Heritage Month, which celebrates the history, culture, and diverse population and the many contributions Arab Americans have made to our country; and
WHEREAS, Arab America and the Arab America Foundation launched the National Arab American Heritage Month initiative in 2017; and
WHEREAS, an estimated 3.7 million Americans have Arab roots, according to the Arab American Institute, with ancestries traced to 22 countries in the Middle East and North Africa; and
WHEREAS, Arab Americans have diverse backgrounds and faiths, vibrant traditions, bold innovation, hard work, and a commitment to community and country; and
WHEREAS, Arab Americans, both Muslim and Christian, are proud veterans of wars from the American Revolution to the Civil War to World War I and II to the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq; and
WHEREAS, Arab Americans are serving proudly throughout different levels of government, bringing a diversity of expertise that helps make this country stronger, more prosperous, and more just; and
WHEREAS, Arab immigration to the United States began as early as the 1800s, with Arab Christians fleeing the Ottoman Empire; and
WHEREAS, today Arab Americans live in all U.S. states, with two-thirds residing in 10 states: California, Florida, Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas and Virginia; and
WHEREAS, the State of Illinois is home to more than 450,000 citizens who are of Arab heritage, originating from Palestine, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, Syria, Iraq, Yemen and 15 other Arab World countries, with the largest concentration living in Cook County; and
WHEREAS, in 2022, Illinois passed permanent legislation designating April as National Arab American Heritage Month, and President Biden became the first U.S. President to declare April as National Arab American Heritage Month eloquently proclaiming, “Ours is a Nation shaped by the immigrant’s heart, and generations of brave and hopeful people from across all countries, including from the Arab world, have woven their unique heritages, customs, and talents into the tapestry of America”; and
WHEREAS, Cook County is a diverse county, which is one of our greatest strengths, and it is essential that we continue celebrating, promoting, and educating others about the myriad ways that the Arab people have advanced human civilization and contributed to the well-being of our county, state and nation; and
WHEREAS, Arab Americans have advanced the nation’s achievements in business, diplomacy, science, technology, as well as in art and culture, and have also been at the forefront of the fight for civil rights and social justice; and
WHEREAS, the members of the Cook County Board of Commissioners are pleased to celebrate Arab American Heritage Month and affirms our commitment to advance equity and opportunity for all people;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the President and Members of the Cook County Board of Commissioners hereby commemorate April 2024 as Arab American Heritage Month in Cook County; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this text be spread upon the official proceedings of this Honorable Body.
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