Loading ...Arab America Foundation Announces Speakers and Performers for National Arab American Heritage Month Commemoration, April 9, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(WASHINGTON, DC) March 12, 2025–On Wednesday, April 9th, the Arab America Foundation will present its ninth annual National Arab American Heritage Month Commemoration at Amazon HQ Theater, with the theme “Honoring the past, inspiring the future.”
Each year, we honor the invaluable contributions of Arab Americans and commemorate National Arab American Heritage Month with community leaders, cultural performances, and authentic Arab cuisine.
This year, we honor the legendary Umm Kalthoum, marking 50 years since her passing in 1975. Known as the Nightingale of the Arab World, her iconic voice inspires generations.
Performers include Mohanad Elsheiky, a Libyan stand-up comedian based in Queens who is a digital producer on the TBS late-night comedy series Full Frontal with Samantha Bee and has appeared on Conan and Late Night with Stephen Colbert. Arab American and Egyptian classic vocalist Marwa Morgan will perform a special tribute to the legendary nightingale of the Arab World, Umm Kulthum with the New York Umm Kulthum Ensemble. Anas “Andy” Shallal, Iraqi-American artist, activist, philanthropist, entrepreneur, founder and CEO of Busboys and Poets. Shirin Rajaee, Emmy-nominated news anchor and MC of the event. DJ Basbousa, a DC-based Arab DJ pop culture designer, and the Faris El-Layl, Folkloric Dance Troupe will perform traditional Arab dances.
“During this year’s National Arab American Heritage Month, we honor our rich heritage while celebrating the next generation. This event is a tribute to our culture, featuring music, dance, comedy, and inspiration, uniting us in pride and resilience,” said Warren David, president of Arab America.
For Tickets and Information, CLICK HERE
National Arab American Heritage Month Commemoration: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future, Wednesday, April 9th
Mohanad Elsheiky
Mohanad Elshieky is a stand-up comedian and writer known for his sharp political and cultural commentary. He has appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Conan O’Brien, Comedy Central, and Don’t Tell Comedy, and toured nationally with Pop-Up Magazine. A former digital producer for Full Frontal with Samantha Bee, he has also written for the hit podcast Lovett or Leave It. Named one of Thrillist’s 50 Best Undiscovered Comics, The Portland Mercury called him “an undisputed genius of comedy.”
Marwa Morgan
Marwa Morgan is a renowned Egyptian vocalist known for her mesmerizing performances of classic Arabic music. She began singing at age 12 and has since performed on prestigious stages such as Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center, captivating audiences with her rich, powerful voice. Growing up in Cairo, Egyptian musical icons, including Umm Kulthum, heavily influenced Marwa’s musical style. Morgan brings the soul of Arabic music to life with her evocative interpretations.
Umm Kulthum Ensemble–Musicians
Zafer Tawil – Kanoun
Zafer Tawil is a Palestinian multi-instrumentalist and composer, renowned for his mastery of the ‘oud, qanun, violin, and Arab percussion. He has performed across the U.S. and the Middle East with artists like Sting and leading world musicians. Tawil was a featured composer and performer in Jonathan Demme’s Oscar-nominated film Rachel Getting Married and is composing for Demme’s upcoming film, Zeitoun. Based in New York City, he explores Arab music’s boundaries, blending it with Indian, Persian, and Jazz fusion traditions.
Gabriel Lavin – Oud
Gabriel (Gabe) Lavin is a Brooklyn musician, scholar, and educator. He obtained his Ph.D. in Ethnomusicology from UCLA in 2023 and has lived and performed extensively throughout the United States and the Arab world, including in Egypt, Oman, Sudan, and Kuwait. He trained at Beit El Oud in Cairo and the Oud Association in Muscat, Oman, studying with renowned performers and composers like Naseer Shamma, Yousif Abbas, Muddathir Abu al-Wafa, Salim al-Maqrashi, Samih Mahjoubi, and Askar Ali Akbar. Gabe has also performed with Ali Jihad Racy’s UCLA Near East Ensemble, the Los Angeles Arabic Orchestra, and the New York Arabic Orchestra.
Sarah Mueller – Violin
Sarah Mueller is a New York-based violinist known for her versatility and engagement with diverse musical traditions. She has collaborated with ensembles such as Orchestra Farha, focusing on 1970s Arabic music from Egypt and the broader Arab world. In February 2023, she performed compositions by Egyptian musician Hany Mehanna, blending orchestral works, film scores, and selections from his 1973 album “The Miracle of the Seven Dances.” Beyond her performances, Sarah maintains an active presence on social media, sharing insights into her musical journey and personal interests.
Alber Baseel – Percussion
Alber Baseel is a Palestinian percussionist and Bethlehem drummer specializing in Tableh (darbuka) and Riq. He began his musical journey at Edward Said Conservatory and earned a Bachelor’s in Music from Berklee College of Music in 2021. Alber’s style blends Classical Arabic, Latin, and African percussion, shaped by his studies with master Rumbero Maximino Duquesne Martinez in Cuba. He has performed worldwide alongside Simon Shaheen, Ahmad Al Khatib, and Marco Markovic and is now based in Brooklyn, NY.
Anas Andy Shallal
Andy Anas Shallal is an Iraqi-American entrepreneur, artist, and social activist. He founded Busboys and Poets, a community-focused restaurant and cultural hub that promotes social justice, arts, and activism. A former Washington, D.C. mayoral candidate, Shallal advocates racial and economic equity. He is also involved in various philanthropic efforts, supporting progressive causes, education, and immigrant rights while fostering dialogue through art and literature.
Shirin Rajaee
Shirin Rajaee is an Emmy-nominated news anchor and reporter with over 15 years of media experience. Currently, she is an evening anchor and reporter at FOX5 in D.C. and co-host of the newly launched 2 pm “Take at 2” show. A Los Angeles native and UCLA alumna, she began her career at CNN’s Los Angeles bureau. Shirin has anchored for KEYT ABC in Santa Barbara and KOVR CBS in Sacramento. Proudly Iranian-American, she’s married to fellow journalist and Lebanese American, Joe Khalil and is a mother of a 3-year-old girl.
DJ Basbousa
DJ Basbousa is a Washington, D.C.-based Egyptian DJ, cultural anthropologist, feminist activist, designer, and community events curator. She founded DJ Basbousa LLC, a brand that hosts dance parties, offers DJ services for private and corporate events in the DMV area, and sells merchandise celebrating modern Arab pop culture. Her mission is to create safe spaces for the Arab diaspora, fostering community through music, art, and cultural events.
Faris El-Layl Folkloric Dance Troupe
Faris El-Layl group is known for its traditional Arab line dance in many Arab countries. It’s typically performed at weddings and other festive occasions. Faris El-Layl group has been performing across the United States and is renowned in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. The group brings a taste of Arab folklore and time-honored culture with every stomp in their performance. The mission of Faris El-Layl is to inform its audience that the Arab World is more than just twenty-two Arab countries in the Middle East; it is also a culturally vibrant and art-enriched society that is proud of being united by its heritage that includes history, language, food, and of course, music and dance.
Program
For Tickets and Information, CLICK HERE
About National Arab American Heritage Month 2025
Arab America and the Arab America Foundation launched the National Arab American Heritage Month initiative in 2017, with just a handful of states recognizing the initiative. Each year, our grass-roots network of over 250 Arab American volunteers in 26 states gathers hundreds of proclamations from their states, counties, municipalities, and local school districts.
If you want to help us mobilize the community for NAAHM, request proclamations, or plan events, please get in touch with Dr. Amal David or call 877-272-2944.
Proclamations
Arab America Foundation state teams are acquiring proclamations from governors, state legislators, mayors, and county executives nationwide. New proclamations for 2025 will be announced in the coming months. For a list of 2024 proclamations, click here.
Sponsorship of National Arab American Heritage Month 2025 (including Diversity Training Workshops)
The Arab America Foundation welcomes corporate participation as a sponsor to celebrate Arab American heritage and enhance the understanding of Arab identity and culture in America through the National Arab American Heritage Month initiative. Sponsorships include the Arab America Foundation’s diversity training workshop designed to help corporations educate their workforce about the Arab American community. Through this workshop, participants can gain insights into the community’s history, immigration, culture, traditions, and other significant issues.
For Information About National Sponsorship and Diversity Workshops Click Here
Or call the Arab America Foundation at 877-272-2944 or email info@arabamerica.com
Educator’s Curriculum Kit
Arab America Foundation offers The Educator’s Curriculum Kit, which highlights the history of Arab migration to America, geographic understanding of the Arab world, Arab American diversity in faith and language, interesting customs and traditions, issues affecting our community, and our many achievements in business, politics, education, and more. The Educator’s Curriculum Kit is available for school educators. For more information, please get in touch with Dr. Amal David.
Resources
Arab America Foundation is committed to gathering and promoting the community’s events and stories through Arab America.com and social media platforms during April. Every week, Arab America will feature cultural events throughout the US on our events page and share compelling success stories of Arab Americans on our blog page. Additionally, Arab America has compiled a resource guide listing resources and content regarding the Arab and Arab American identity and culture.
About the Arab America Foundation
The Arab America Foundation (www.arabamericafoundation.org) is a non-profit educational and cultural organization that promotes the Arab heritage in the U.S., educates Americans about the Arab heritage and identity, and connects and empowers Arab Americans
For Media Inquiries
Claire Boyle
cboyle@arabamerica.com
877-272-2944
Compiled by Arab America
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