SXU Celebrates Arab American Heritage Month
Saint Xavier University (SXU) proudly celebrates Arab American Heritage Month during the month of April. While campus celebrations weren't possible due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the community can celebrate by virtually visiting the library to view a display of books, films and performance art collected in recognition of Arab American Heritage Month, all written and created by authors from the Arab diaspora.
Throughout the month of April, the SXU community is taking the time to reflect on the history of Arab American heritage, the many contributions Arab Americans have made to the United States and the diverse group of people who make up the nation's Middle Eastern population.
The community is also spending time considering the valuable contributions Arab Americans have made to virtually every aspect of American society: in medicine, law, education, business, technology, government, culture and more.
Arab American Heritage Month was established to help eliminate discrimination, bigotry and racism against people of Arab descent by educating the public about their culture, civilization and contributions to society, and SXU promotes and recognizes the importance behind celebrating diversity amongst its students, faculty and staff. Diversity helps to strengthen SXU's academic programs and educational environment by preparing students to live and work in an international society and global economy. It is a concept that has remained at the heart of SXU's history and will continue to grow alongside the institution.
SXU continues to celebrate Arab-Americans every day through our Middle Eastern Studies (MES) program. To learn more about the MES program and minor, MES-related student organizations and other activities, visit SXU's MES page.
Iman Saca, Ph.D., director of the MES program, encourages the SXU community to participate in other virtual events going on around Chicago, including #FalasteenFilmFridays, part of an Arab American film festival, a celebratory event including education and music by the Arab America Foundation, the Chicago Public Library collection and the Arab America Empowerment Summit.