Support your local PBS station in our mission to inspire, enrich, and educate.
Donate
Stream the best of PBS.
Anytime, anywhere.
Celebrate Arab American Heritage Month
April 1, 2021
By Beatrice Alvarez
April is here and that means we are celebrating Arab American Heritage Month (AAHM). While not recognized by the federal government, AAHM is celebrated in many U.S. schools, cities, and states. Of course, around here we acknowledge the contributions of our diverse communities 24/7/365, but we like to take special note of heritage months to learn more and uplift the stories of people’s rich heritage.
For starters, it is important to understand what it means to be of Arab descent. Simply put, Arab Americans have roots in 22 countries located in the Middle East and North African regions: Algeria, Bahrain, the Comoros Islands, Djibouti, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Mauritania, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. And within all those countries, there are various languages, religions, traditions that are now part of our American story.
These films featured here represent some of the millions of voices and diverse experiences of Arab Americans.
Writing an American Story | Borders & Heritage
Borders & Heritage
Writing an American Story: Playwright Yussef El Guindi
Yussef El Guindi is among a handful of Arab American playwrights.
Arab American National Museum | Detroit Performs
Detroit Performs
Arab American National Museum
Arab American National Museum. Ep 605/Seg 3.
Somalia: A Nation of Poets | TPT
Somalia: A Nation of Poets
Somalia: A Nation of Poets
Somalis worldwide stay connected to their culture and homeland through poetry.
The Feeling of Being Watched | POV Shorts | Starts streaming April 5
POV
Trailer | The Feeling of Being Watched
A journalist investigates rumors of surveillance in her Arab-American neighborhood.
A Song for Daniel | POV Shorts
POV
A Song For Daniel
A day in the life of two boys living on opposite sides of the world.
Natour's Grocery | POV Shorts
POV
Natour's Grocery
Filmmaker Nadine Natour tells the story of her parents’ emigration to the United States.
Syrian Plight | Muslim Youth Voices
Muslim Youth Voices
Syrian Plight
SYRIAN PLIGHT, a film by Dunya Khalil.
Dalya's Other Country | POV | Starts streaming April 5
POV
Dalya's Other Country - Trailer
A family displaced by the Syrian conflict remakes themselves after the parents separate.
Lalia Lalami | Book View Now
Book View Now
Lalia Lalami | 2019 National Book Festival
Laila Lalami's "The Other Americans"
Maya | Film-Maker
film-maker
Episode 206 - Maya
“Maya” is about a Syrian immigrant newly settled in the U.S..
From Damascus to Chicago | POV Shorts | Starts streaming April 5
POV
From Damascus to Chicago
A family navigates life in a new city and country.
Recent Articles
PBS Nominated for Multiple Emmys
PBS received more Emmy nominations than any other organization.
Race and Racism in America
Watch a collection of films and specials that highlight and add context to the many aspects of race and racism in our country.
Violence Against Asian Americans
If you are hurting, needing comfort or are curious to learn, videos are available for streaming. Additionally, resources to learn how to fight violence against Asian Americans are available.
Continuing Coronavirus Coverage and Resources
Health officials are working to increase awareness on the virus and help diminish misleading claims or false information.
