The University of Toledo is celebrating the third annual Arab American Heritage Month with a series of events beginning Wednesday, April 3, through Friday, April 26.
“We are collaborating on some events with different constituents of our communities such as with BGSU Middle East Music Ensemble directed by Dr. Christopher Witulski and also with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Greater Toledo,” said Dr. Gaby Semaan, associate professor of Arabic and director of Middle East Studies.
“We are truly building cultural bridges not only between cultures but also between institutions of higher education and other institutions and organizations in our area and with our larger community.”
This year the University will host six events to recognize and celebrate the contributions of Arab Americans.
“I’m extremely excited to see our campus celebrating Arab American Heritage month,” said Mina Youssef, president of UToledo’s Lebanese Student Association and a senior studying political science. “As a very proud Egyptian American, I believe the events planned will provide a window into our rich culture, all the way from the Middle East to North Africa, highlighting its incredible diversity and history.”
Neenee Lakatos, a sophomore studying media communication who will be singing during the Monday, April 15, Building Cultural Bridges: Arab Music Live Recital event said celebrating Arab-American Heritage Month is important.
“Arab-Americans and Arabs have a rich history that has successfully influenced the way we live in America through medical advances, political activism, humanitarian efforts and so much more. But they do not seem to get enough recognition for the work and good that they do to make the world a better place.”
Added Sydney Mockensturm, a UToledo psychology major in her sophomore year: “I believe that the cultural activities we have around campus promote engagement and cross-cultural learning. Learning about culture in a class is one thing but experiencing firsthand is another. It gives a sense of pride and community to those celebrating their culture and a greater sense of appreciation to those learning and participating in the events.”
• Wednesday, April 3, 1 p.m. “From Stereotypes to Empowerment: Arab Americans and Cultural Diplomacy” by Arwa Nouby Hassan in Memorial Field House Room 2420. Presented as the Department of World Languages and Cultures Spring 2024 Colloquium.
• Monday, April 8, from 3:30 to 4:20 p.m. “Arabs: Medieval Masters of Astronomy” in Memorial Field House Room 2420. Join ARBC 1120 students as they celebrate Eclipse Day and host a medieval astronomy extravaganza.
• Saturday, April 13, 7 p.m. Middle Eastern and North African Association annual gala in the Student Union Ingman Room.
• Monday, April 15, 6 p.m. Building Cultural Bridges: Arab Music Live Recital featuring the BGSU Middle East Music Ensemble, directed by Dr. Christopher Witulski in the Memorial Field House room 2100.
• Wednesday, April 24, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. “Exploring the Arab World: Posters and Presentations” by students enrolled in the Arabic Language Course 1080 in Memorial Field House Room 2420.
• Friday, April 26, from 2 to 4:30 p.m. “Arab Americans Diversity & Wellbeing: Unveiling the Cultural Tapestry,” a panel presentation by the UToledo Middle East Studies Program and the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Greater Toledo at the Toledo Lucas County Public Library Sanger branch. Students may RSVP for transportation through InvoNet.
For more information about any of the events, contact Semaan at Gaby.Semaan@utoledo.edu.
