SXU Celebrates Arab American Heritage Month
Saint Xavier University (SXU) is proudly celebrating Arab American Heritage Month during the month of April, reflecting on the diverse group of people who make up the nation's Middle Eastern population and the many contributions Arab Americans have made to the United States.
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. SXU promotes and recognizes the importance behind celebrating diversity amongst its students, faculty and staff.
"The importance of diversity, acceptance and understanding amongst all cultures and ethnicities on campus strengthens SXU's community, academic, social and extracurricular programs, which equip and empower students to work together in respectful and global environments," said Manal Kanaan, Ed.D.
All month long, the community celebrated with a variety of events and activities. The Robert and Mary Rita Murphy Stump Library hosted a display of books, film and performance art collected in recognition of Arab American Heritage Month, featuring authors from the Arab diaspora.
A beautiful exhibit of Palestinian embroidery and traditional Arab wear and head scarves was proudly displayed by the Office of Inclusive Excellence and Arab student leaders. Imelda Macias, Ed.D., and her husband impressively built the displays for the delicate wear. In December 2021, the art of traditional Palestinian embroidery was inscribed on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of the United Nations cultural agency (UNESCO).
On April 5, the Muslim Student Association (MSA) hosted a Ramadan iftar prayer and dinner in the Butler Reception Room. The SXU community participated with a traditional Ramadan iftar (breaking of the fast dinner) prayer and discussion featuring guest speakers Sheik Ali Masshour from The Mosque Foundation of Chicago and Lena Sulieman, a humanitarian and community leader active in the civic and social sector.
On April 11, students, faculty and staff had an opportunity to write their names in Arabic while learning about the artistic and decorative form of Arabic calligraphy, led by staff members Tatiana Alaraj and Layla Barakat. Later that day, Arab students hosted Celebrating Arab Artists, highlighting the artistic pieces of SXU students. Audiences delighted in poetry, art, music and calligraphy.
On April 14, Dr. Nina Shoman Dajani led a discussion on the importance of keeping Arab culture alive and known at her event, Beyond Exposure and Profiling: Cultivating Strong and Vibrant Arab American Communities in Chicagoland.
On April 15, MSA students volunteered for Meals for Muslims and provided nutritious meals for underprivileged communities in the downtown Chicago area. In addition to this charitable event, the SXU Student Government Association (SGA) also raised funds during their Music Game Fundraiser and Patio Party Fundraiser events for the local Arab Family Services Domestic Violence Awareness Program.
The SXU community also spent the month savoring culinary delights of the Arab world. On April 24, SXU enjoyed Arab cuisine at the Ahlan Wa Sahlan: Taste of Arab Heritage food truck event.
Arab Heritage Month will culminate with the inaugural Arab Achievement Awards on April 26 at 5 p.m. in Butler Reception Room, where the achievements of Arab students, faculty and staff will be honored and celebrated.
SXU continues to celebrate Arab Americans every day through the Middle Eastern Studies (MES) program, which presents valuable opportunities for the SXU community to learn about the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, both through the minor and through participation in events and activities organized both on and off campus.
To learn more about the MES program and minor, MES-related student organizations and other activities, visit SXU's MES page.
The community is grateful to MSA student leaders Azmi Daineh, Majid Matariyeh, Lilian Fariz, Elian Fariz, Dania Abidrabbu, faculty co-advisors Kanaan and Rola Othman, Ed.D., and director of Campus Life, Ashley Jackson, for a month of educational, spiritual and fun-filled events.