Palestinian Actress and Comedian Maysoon Zayid to Perform at the National Arab American Heritage Month Commemoration, April 18, 2024

posted on: Mar 20, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(WASHINGTON, DC) March 20, 2023–The Arab America Foundation proudly announces that Palestinian actress and comedian Maysoon Zayid, the first Arab American woman comedian in the U.S., will perform on Thursday, April 18th, at the National Arab American Heritage Month Commemoration: Tribute to the Palestinian Heritage and Identity. The event will take place at the UDC Theater for the Arts at the University of the District of Columbia, with a tribute to the rich heritage and identity of the Palestinian people.

Maysoon Zayid is a comedian, writer, and disability advocate. She is a Princeton Fellow and co-founder/co-executive producer of the New York Arab American Comedy Festival. Her TED talk, “I Got 99 Problems…Palsy is Just One,” was among the most popular talks in 2014. Maysoon has sold out top New York City clubs and has toured extensively at home and abroad. She has appeared alongside Adam Sandler in You Don’t Mess With The Zohan and is a recurring character on General Hospital. She is the author of the bestselling memoir Find Another Dream and Scholastic’s Shiny Misfits graphic novel.  For more information, visit www.Maysoon.com.

National Arab American Heritage Month Commemoration: Tribute to the Palestinian Heritage and Identity

In addition to Palestinian actress and comedian, Maysoon Zayid, the National Arab American Heritage Month (NAAHM) Commemoration will feature: Palestinian classic vocalist Mona Miari, will perform with the New York Arabic Orchestra Takht; from Qatar, Palestinian poet Dana Dajani, who theatricality performs her original poetry pieces while addressing various themes of social justice; Palestinian Mawawil performer from Los Angeles, Mahmoud Alsaqer; and the Palestinian Folkloric Dance Troupe, Faris El-Layl.

For Tickets and Information, CLICK HERE.

About National Arab American Heritage Month 2024

“Celebrating Arab American Resilience and Diversity”

Across the country, cultural institutions, school districts, municipalities, state legislatures, public servants, and non-profit organizations issue proclamations and engage in special events commemorating our community’s rich heritage and numerous contributions to society.

In 2023, the President of the United States recognized April as National Arab American Heritage Month with a historic proclamation. In 2023, Congress, the U.S. Department of State, and 47 state governors issued proclamations commemorating the initiative. Additionally, the following states have passed permanent legislation designating the month of April as NAAHM: Illinois; Oregon; Virginia; and Indiana (Senate), and California.

This year, there are several states where Arab Americans are seeking permanent legislation designating April as National Arab American Heritage Month. Michigan, Ohio, New Jersey, and Rhode Island are pursuing legislation. Finally, in 2023, 144 municipalities, counties, and school districts issued proclamations commemorating the initiative.

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, including community leaders, educators, and social justice activists in 28 states, gathers proclamations from their states, counties, municipalities, and local school districts and organizes numerous events.

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 2024 will be announced in the coming months. For a list of 2023 proclamations, click here.

Sponsorship of National Arab American Heritage Month 2024 (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 and achieve DEI objectives within the Arab American community. Through this workshop, participants can gain insights into the community’s history, immigration, culture, traditions, and significant issues.

For information about National Sponsorship and DEI 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

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