April marks Arab American Heritage Month in Michigan, a time to honor the cultures and contributions of Michigan’s Arab American communities.
Michigan is home to over 300,000 residents of Middle Eastern descent, according to recent U.S. Census data. The MENA (Middle Eastern and North African) category was used for the first time by the U.S. Census Bureau in 2020; it includes people with roots in Arabic-speaking countries, as well as Iranians, Israelis, and ethnic identities such as Chaldean, Assyrian and Kurdish, among others.
In a proclamation issued Tuesday, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer declared April 2025 as Arab American Heritage Month in Michigan.
“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,” the proclamation read,” and, whereas, since migrating to America, people of Arab descent have shared their rich culture and traditions with neighbors and friends, while also serving as model citizens and public servants …”
Here’s what to know.
What is Arab American Heritage Month?
Arab American Heritage Month marks a time to recognize the achievements of Arab Americans, Arab America says. This is also a month to address anti-Arab discrimination, per Whitmer’s proclamation.
“Whereas, the history of Arab Americans in the U.S. too often has been tainted with misconceptions, bigotry, and hatred; and, whereas, Arab American issues, such as civil rights, stereotyping, and bullying must be combated through education and awareness …” Whitmer’s proclamation read.
When is Arab American Heritage Month in 2025?
Arab American Heritage Month is held during April 2025.
Where can you learn about Michigan’s Arab American roots?
To learn more about the cultures and rich heritage of Arab Americans, consider a trip to the Arab American National Musuem in Dearborn. The museum features exhibits and events including film screenings and performances highlighting Arab art, cuisine, literature and more.
During April, admission is free in recognition of Arab American Heritage Month, per the museum website. The museum is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays, 12-8 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.
Who are Arab Americans?
Arab Americans are Americans of Arab descent, with origins in over 20 Arabic-speaking nations. The origins of Arab Americans trace back to immigrants to the U.S. as early as the 1880s, per the Arab American National Museum.
Arab Americans are diverse, with varying national origins and religions, spread among rural and metropolitan regions, with a mix of recent immigrants and second-to-third generation or beyond, the museum says.
More: Spring markets welcome the season to Michigan. Where to find arts, crafts, food
Most Arab Americans are U.S.-born and 85% are U.S. citizens, per the Arab American Insititute. Among the diverse faiths of Arab Americans, about 65%-70% are Christian and about 30%-35% are Muslim, according to Arab America.
Nationwide, there are 3.52 million people classified as MENA alone or in combination; 2.54 million of those people classify as MENA alone, according to the new data. The largest groups among them are Lebanese, Iranian and Egyptian.
How did Arab American Heritage Month get started?
Attempts to recognize Arab Americans began several decades ago, according to the Arab American Institute. This includes a 1989 National Arab-American Day proclamation by President George H.W. Bush.
The National Arab American Heritage Month initiative was started by Arab America and the Arab America Foundation in 2017, gaining growing recognition throughout the U.S. in recent years.
President Joe Biden first declared national Arab American Heritage Month in April 2023, after issuing a celebratory statement for the month in April 2022, per the Arab American Institute.
What is Michigan’s Arab American population?
Michigan has the second largest Middle Eastern and North African population in the U.S. after California, including the Arab-majority city of Dearborn at 54.5% MENA ancestry, mostly Arab.
Across Michigan, there are now 310,087 residents with Middle Eastern or North African ancestry, making up 3.1% of the population, according to 2020 census data. That figure includes groups such as Arabs, Chaldeans, Israelis, Kurds and others.
The largest group among Michigan’s Middle Eastern population are people with roots in Iraq, who number 97,020. That 2020 census figure for Iraqi Americans includes those who identify as Iraqi, Chaldean, Assyrian, or Syriac.
More: Hummingbirds are heading north. How you can prepare for them in Michigan
The second largest group among Middle Eastern people in Michigan are Lebanese, who number 82,085. The third largest group are Yemeni Americans, who number 32,899 in Michigan. In addition, there are 34,504 who identify as just Arab, without specifying a nationality. There are 2,564 Israelis who live in Michigan, among the 310,087 MENA residents.
The Detroit Free Press contributed.
Contact Jenna Prestininzi: jprestininzi@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan celebrates Arab American heritage this month. Here’s what to know
Reporting by Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
