At Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), we celebrate Arab American Heritage Month 2025 by honoring the cultures, heritage, and significant contributions of Arab Americans. This month serves as an opportunity to reflect on the rich history and ongoing impact of Arab American communities in diverse fields.
Arab American Heritage Month acknowledges the ways in which Arab Americans have shaped and enriched our society. From the founding of early communities in the U.S. to modern innovations in technology, medicine, and education, Arab Americans continue to drive progress in various sectors. We encourage everyone in our community to engage with the history and culture of Arab Americans, fostering awareness, understanding, and respect.
STEM Scholar Highlights:
- Dr. Rana el Kaliouby – CEO of Affectiva, a company focused on AI and emotional intelligence. She’s a leader in creating AI that can understand human emotions.
- Dr. Elias Zerhouni – Former Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), he is recognized for his pivotal role in advancing the biomedical research community and public health.
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Dr. Rana Dajani – A molecular biologist and advocate for women in science. She has made significant contributions to genetics, particularly in her native Jordan.
Read, Watch, Listen, and Learn
- Read: Arab American History: A Handbook by Dr. Michael W. Suleiman. This book is a comprehensive guide to Arab American history and identity.
- Watch: American Arab – A documentary exploring the complexities of Arab American identity and the community's impact on U.S. culture.
- Listen: The Arab American Cafe Podcast – Focused on Arab American culture, identity, and personal stories.
- Learn: The Arab American Institute's Guide to Arab American Contributions – A resource that highlights the cultural, political, and social impact of Arab Americans.
- Read:
- Arab American Faces and Voices: The Origins of an Immigrant Identity" by Nadine Naber
- This book offers a comprehensive exploration of the Arab American community's history and evolving identity.
- "The Arab Americans: A History by Gregory Orfalea
- Orfalea provides a detailed historical account of the Arab American experience from the early waves of immigration to the present day.
- "A Map of Home" by Randa Jarrar
- A coming-of-age novel by Arab American writer Randa Jarrar that explores identity, exile, and the Arab diaspora experience in the United States.
- "The Groom Will Keep His Name" by Tara Al-Saadi
- Watch:
- "The Arab American Experience: A PBS Documentary"
- "Amreeka" (2009) – Directed by Cherien Dabis
- "For Sama" (2019) – Directed by Waad Al-Kateab
- "The Great Arab American Debate" (PBS)
Take Action
- Support the Arab American Anti-Discrimination Committee
- Support the Arab America Foundation
- Explore & visit the Arab American National Museum
- Support AmidEast, a nonprofit promoting mutual understanding between Americans and the people of the Middle East and North Africa
- Register to Vote or check your registration via Vote.org
- Become a Poll Worker
The Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education (ODIME) promotes and oversees all student facing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) learning experiences, programs, services, trainings, and initiatives for WPI.