INDIANAPOLIS, IN

This community film screening and discussion is made possible in part by a grant from Indiana Humanities, and hosted by St. Paul’s Indy. Complimentary dinner refreshments reflective of the Arab cuisine will also be served.

Today’s Arab Hoosiers trace their roots to more than 20 Arabic-speaking countries across North Africa and the Middle East. The Arab Indianapolis Project explores and celebrates the history of Arab Americans in Greater Indianapolis, and connects contemporary Hoosiers of all backgrounds to this shared past.

All are invited to enjoy light dinner refreshments and screening of this PBS-produced “Hidden History” documentary in the Parish Hall. Immediately following, Hiba Alalami, Director of the Indiana Muslim Advocacy Network and IUPUI PhD student, will lead a time for commentary, moderated discussion and to answer questions.

In just under one hour, you’ll begin to uncover this hidden history of Arab Americans in Indy, including:

• Why Arab Americans settled in Indianapolis in the late 1800s, and about the first Arabic-speaking neighborhood in our city.
• An understanding of the discrimination faced by Arab immigrants as they worked to achieve financial and social success.
• The dramatic story of Indy native Raphael George, who was shot down over Europe and became a prisoner of war (POW) in Germany.
• When Indy’s Arab American Christian churches were founded, and the role they have in congregants cultural and social lives.
• The diverse contributions of Arab people to American cuisine, and how food sustains the culture’s ethnic identity.
• The contributions of Arab immigrants have made to health care since the 1920s, including grassroots ties to the IU School of Medicine.

There is no cost to attend. Tickets are not required, but are appreciated for the planning of seating, refreshments and materials.