There were two heritage month celebrations to observe in April – Arab American Heritage Month and National Deaf History Month.
Arab American Heritage Month is an opportunity to underscore the contributions Arab Americans have made to our nation and state. Oregon was the first state to elect an Arab American governor – Victor George Atiyeh, who served from 1979 to 1987. Oregon’s Arab American community is one of the fastest growing in the United States. As of 2022, more than 31,000 Arab Americans lived in Oregon, and of those, 10,000 were located in Multnomah County, which means the majority of Arab Americans are spread among 28 of the state’s 36 counties.
Arab Americans are Americans who can trace their ancestry to, or have immigrated from, Arab speaking places in the Middle East (southwestern Asia and northern Africa). Not all people who are born in this area are considered Arab. Most Arab Americans are originally from Lebanon, Syria, and Palestine.
Like many other immigrants, Arab Americans came to the United States looking for a better life. According to the Arab American National Museum, early Arab immigrants worked as peddlers, grocery storeowners, and manual laborers. Later immigrants often arrived with more professional training, such as doctors and engineers. Arab Americans have advanced our nation’s achievements in diplomacy, science, technology, and arts and culture. Entrepreneurialism is an important aspect of Arab American history, as many started their own businesses. Many well-known brands such as Haggar, BioSilk, and Kinko’s have had their roots in small businesses founded by Arab Americans.
There are no distinct Arab physical characteristics. People may have varying eye or hair colors. The United States Census considers Arab American ancestry as “Caucasian” or “white,” though many people see themselves differently. Arabian is an adjective that refers to Saudi Arabia, the Arabian Peninsula, or for things, such as an Arabian horse. When ethnicity or nationality is relevant, it is more precise and accurate to specify the country (e.g., Algerian, Lebanese, or Syrian).
Arab Americans are religiously diverse, although most who identify as Arab Americans are predominantly Muslim. Even though Arab Americans are connected by culture, they may have different faiths. Culture and religion are different. In Oregon, Arab American culture is felt through active community centers, festivals, popular restaurants, and other social and educational events. If you’d like to learn more, check out:
April is also National Deaf History
Month (celebrated March 13
through April 15). It is critical
to highlight the importance
of inclusivity and equitable
accessibility for those who
are deaf, hard of hearing, or
experiencing hearing loss. The
Deaf community is not based on a
geographical location, but rather
a shared experience of using sign
language to communicate. Sign
language is not universal; there
are several types of sign language
based on geographical location
or culture. Sign language is
important because it brings people
together for a shared experience – a conversation,
an expression
of emotion,
and shared
comprehension.
Every cultural group
has its own way of
seeing and expressing how
they interpret and interact with the
world around them. Deaf people
are no exception. An art movement
called De’VIA was formed in 1989
by Deaf artists to express their
unique experience. The term
stands for Deaf View/Image Art.
The colors used
are generally bold
with contrasting
textures that
involve metaphors.
The subject matter
often includes hands
and faces.
De’VIA workshops are held for
youth and adults around the United
States. As recently as 2021, the
University of Oregon had an art
exhibit featuring De’VIA art called
“Deaf Resistance and Affirmation,”
which focused on the art of David
Call.
For more information about Deaf
culture, check out: