Assembly Concurrent Resolution
No. 58
CHAPTER 66
Relative to Arab American Heritage Month.
[
Filed with
Secretary of State
May 24, 2023.
]
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
ACR 58, Reyes.
Arab American Heritage Month.
This measure would designate the month of April of each year as Arab American Heritage Month.
Digest Key
Fiscal Committee:
NO WHEREAS, It is appropriate and right to celebrate a diversity of cultures and heritages, and such celebration serves as a reminder that despite our differing backgrounds, everyone in California is bound by a common hope for a better and more inclusive future for our children; and
WHEREAS, The Arab American community has a long and integral history in the United States; and
WHEREAS, The State of California is home to the largest Arab American population in the United States with approximately 715,000 people of Arab American descent in California, represented in the entire state; and
WHEREAS, For over a century, Arab Americans have been making valuable contributions to virtually every aspect of American society, including medicine, law, business, education, science, technology, government, arts, and culture; and
WHEREAS, Since migrating to America, people of Arab descent have shared their rich culture and traditions with neighbors and friends, while also setting fine examples of model citizens and public servants; and
WHEREAS, People of Arab descent have brought with them to America their resilient family values, strong work ethic, dedication to education, and diversity in faith and creed that have added strength to our great democracy; and
WHEREAS, Arab Americans have also enriched our society by sharing in the entrepreneurial American spirit that makes our nation free and prosperous; and
WHEREAS, Arab Americans have a long and proud history of serving in the United States Armed Forces. From World War I to the present day, tens of thousands of Arab Americans have put their lives on the line to defend our nation; and
WHEREAS, The history of Arab Americans in the United States remains neglected or defaced by misconceptions, bigotry, and anti-Arab hate in the forms of crimes and speech; and
WHEREAS, People of Arab descent have shared their rich culture, strong work ethic, and dedication to education while embracing the American spirit of opportunity and helping us build a better nation and state for all; and
WHEREAS, We recognize and celebrate the contributions to cultural diversity, economic growth, and the overall development of our state and nation made by the Arab American community; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate thereof concurring, That the Legislature hereby designates the month of April of each year as Arab American Heritage Month to be observed throughout the state as a month to recognize the valuable contributions of Arab Americans to this state and to the various aspects of American society; and be it further
Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.