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Exploring National Arab American Heritage Month
Race and Racism, Identity, SWANA (Southwest Asia North Africa) Identity, Middle School, High School Rachel Charette Race and Racism, Identity, SWANA (Southwest Asia North Africa) Identity, Middle School, High School Rachel Charette

Exploring National Arab American Heritage Month

April is National Arab American Heritage Month (NAAHM). NAAHM is a month-long commemoration of the history, culture, contributions and achievements of Arab American people. Although celebrated by some states for years, the commemorative month was officially initiated in 2017 by two organizations, Arab America and the Arab America Foundation. In 2022, Congress, the U.S. The Department of State, and 45 state Governors issued proclamations commemorating the initiative. In 2023, President Joe Biden issued, for the first time, a proclamation that designated the annual commemoration of National Arab American Heritage Month. This lesson provides an opportunity for students to learn about the origins of NAAHM, gain knowledge about the Arab American community and consider ways that NAAHM should be commemorated in schools and communities.

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Latinx and Complex
Latinx, Afro-Latinx, Identity, Middle School, High School Rachel Charette Latinx, Afro-Latinx, Identity, Middle School, High School Rachel Charette

Latinx and Complex

This lesson explores the origins and meanings of the terms Hispanic, Latino/a, Latinx, and Afro-Latino/a/x to critically understand the diversity within the Latino community. Research shows that about 68% of Latinos in the U.S. identify as Hispanic, while a significant portion prefers the term Latino/a or LatinX, reflecting personal and cultural preferences (Pew Research Center, 2020). Generational perspectives significantly influence how these identities are perceived. Among immigrant Latinos, 65% identify with their country of origin, but this drops to 36% for second-generation Latinos and just 26% for those in the third generation or higher, who are more likely to identify as "American" ​(Pew Research Center). This lesson will broaden students’ understanding of the relationship between identity and language and foster a deeper appreciation for the nuances within the Latino community.

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