April offers an opportunity to honor the rich history, culture and contributions of Arab Americans. In recognition of the month, the Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Council is sharing the following selection of books, along with notable film and television figures, to help us explore the diverse traditions, stories and cultural experiences connected to the Arab American community.

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Books

· Arabian Jazz by Diana Abu-Jaber

A heartfelt and often humorous novel exploring family, identity and Arab American experiences through the lives of two Jordanian American sisters.

· The Moon That Turns You Back by Hala Alyan

A moving poetry collection reflecting on identity, displacement, memory and belonging through deeply personal and evocative writing.

· The Scent of Jasmine by Anan Ameri

A thoughtful and engaging collection exploring Arab American culture, identity and lived experiences through personal stories, history and community perspectives.

· The Thirty Names of Night by Zeyn Joukhadar

A beautifully layered novel that explores identity, Arab American heritage and family history through art, mystery and self-discovery.

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Acclaimed Arab American Figures in Film and Television

Cherien Dabis (Director, Writer, Actress)

Cherien wrote and directed Amreeka, an acclaimed film exploring Arab American identity, family and belonging. She has also directed episodes of the television series Only Murders in the Building.

Rami Malek (Actor)

Rami has starred in widely recognized films including Bohemian Rhapsody, Night at the Museum and No Time to Die.

Tony Shalhoub (Actor)

Tony has starred in notable films such as Galaxy Quest and Men in Black and is also known for his acclaimed television roles in Monk and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.

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The resources aim to offer meaningful perspectives, valuable insights and engaging entertainment while supporting our continued commitment to fostering an inclusive environment where every individual feels valued and supported.