Stream the best of PBS.
Anytime, anywhere.
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.
Yussef El Guindi is among a handful of Arab American playwrights.
Arab American National Museum. Ep 605/Seg 3.
Somalis worldwide stay connected to their culture and homeland through poetry.
A journalist investigates rumors of surveillance in her Arab-American neighborhood.
A day in the life of two boys living on opposite sides of the world.
Filmmaker Nadine Natour tells the story of her parents’ emigration to the United States.
SYRIAN PLIGHT, a film by Dunya Khalil.
A family displaced by the Syrian conflict remakes themselves after the parents separate.
Laila Lalami's "The Other Americans"
“Maya” is about a Syrian immigrant newly settled in the U.S..
A family navigates life in a new city and country.
PBS received more Emmy nominations than any other organization.
Watch a collection of films and specials that highlight and add context to the many aspects of race and racism in our country.
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.
Health officials are working to increase awareness on the virus and help diminish misleading claims or false information.