April: The History of Arab American Heritage Month

April is Arab American Heritage Month. Arab American heritage has been celebrated in the month of April sporadically in various states since the 1990s.  In 2017, the organization Arab America began a national initiative to coordinate all states under National Arab American Heritage Month, and asked U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-MI) to issue a congressional resolution proclaiming National Arab American Heritage Month. Since then, as a result of this effort, more than 100 proclamations across the country have been issued by state legislatures, municipalities, counties, and school districts. California’s formal proclamation of Arab American Heritage Month was adopted in 2018 and encourages all residents of California to join in this special observance.

On April 1st of this year, in a video statement, the U.S. State Department designated April as Arab American Heritage Month.  As the State Department spokesperson stated: “The United States is home to more than 3.5 million Arab Americans representing a diverse array of cultures and traditions. Like their fellow citizens, Americans of Arab heritage are very much a part of the fabric of this nation and Arab Americans have contributed in every field and profession, many of them, in fact, serve here at the State Department and throughout the interagency.”

AALASC Members Making Headlines

Rasha Gerges Shields (AALASC President) was appointed by the UCLA Chancellor to Co-Chair Public Safety, and was featured in Los Angeles County Bar Association’s newsletter in honor of Women’s History Month.

Brahim Baytieh (AALASC member) launched his campaign to run for Orange County Superior Court judge in June 2022.  Brahim, who is currently a Senior Assistant District Attorney in the Orange County District Attorney, is enthusiastically endorsed by AALASC and a diverse coalition of supporters from, Justices of the Court of Appeal, Superior Court judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, law enforcement, public safety, and community leaders. 

Rudy Salo (AALASC Incoming Vice President) was recently featured in Forbes.com, with his latest post entitled, "The Dark Side Of Electrification Part 2: Suburbs 2.0?"

 Kristal Haddad (AALASC Immediate Past President) was elevated to principal at Jackson Lewis P.C.

Hannah Sweiss (AALASC Incoming President) was featured in Los Angeles County Bar Association’s newsletter in honor of Arab American Heritage Month.

AALASC & Police Reform

AALASC is proud to announce that AALASC President, Rasha Gerges Shields, has been selected to serve on the newly-created LAPD Police Commission’s Advisory Committee on Building Trust and Equity.  The Advisory Committee consists of a collection of policy specialists, legal experts, and community leaders who will assist the Police Commission in conducting a comprehensive review of LAPD policies and procedures, and deliver recommendations for additional reforms.  The Press Release has more information about the Advisory Committee and recognizes Rasha’s involvement in the AALASC. 

AALASC’s Statement of Solidarity

AALASC stands in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in the Black community.  As we all watched the protests break out across the nation following the senseless killing of George Floyd, we are unfortunately reminded that this country has a long way to go in combatting racism and excessive force against communities of color. George Floyd’s death comes during a time of other recent disturbing events, including the shooting of Breonna Taylor in her own home following a no-knock search warrant, Ahmaud Arbery’s shooting while jogging in his own neighborhood, the killing of Rayshard Brooks outside of a Wendy’s, and numerous other racially-motivated incidents of discrimination and violence being perpetrated against Black people. During these troubling times, the AALASC Board emphasizes its dedication and commitment to diversity and inclusion. We encourage each of our members to educate themselves, commit to being anti-racist, and continue having these important discussions with colleagues, family members, and friends to further this dialogue.