A celebration of Arab American Heritage Month gave students at Oak Lawn Community High School a chance to showcase the many accomplishments of people sometimes overlooked as outsiders.
Their celebration included induction of new members into the Arabic Honor Society, which started just this year as a way to recognize students who excel in Arabic studies. Students, staff and family members took notice, too, with 50 in the audience of the Performing Arts Center where the presentation took place and 150 attending by Zoom.
“I just thought it was really cool how we could work together, connect with others and help them understand who we are,” said Aya Ahmad, a sophomore, who read the society pledge during the celebration.
“People ask questions about Arab Americans and we can encourage and inspire them to accept our diversity,” said Ahmad.
Arab American Heritage Month was started in 2017 to highlight the contributions of the 3.7 million Arabs in America.
The Oak Lawn event included a history of Arab Americans, including Private Nathan Badeen, a Syrian who in 1776 died fighting in the American Revolutionary War; the many Arab Americans who fought in the Civil War; and the famous poet Gibran Khalil Gibran, who in 1915 founded The Pen League, a literary association in New York City.
Students also emphasized the diversity of Arab Americans, who come from 22 Arabic-speaking countries, tend to be highly educated and practice various religions- 70% Christianity, 25% Islam and 5% other religions. The presentation was in English and Arabic.
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Opening and closing remarks were led by Marwa Elmasry, an Arabic teacher who organized the event and oversees the society. Elmasry also provided the students with various historical websites and references to use in putting together their presentation.
Hidaya Abu, a junior, said she loved the sense of unity in the society, as well as the chance to embrace Arabic, her first language. She is also the society’s secretary.
“I got so excited and dove right in,” Abu said. “The Arabic Honor Society is a place for everyone to unite and work together, and a nice way to work with everyone around you.”
Membership and participation in the heritage event were also important to Ella McHenry, even though she is not Arab-American. McHenry loves the language and wanted to learn more about the culture and people.
“Coming from a non-Arab background, I found It very important to represent there are students out there who are interested in learning about this very beautiful culture,” said McHenry, a senior.
McHenry said she enjoyed seeing students in traditional dress, learning about the food, the language and history but was most impressed by the contributions of Arab Americans.
“I think there is a general contribution they’ve made in that they respect all people, they are very welcoming, many are my friends and they’ve welcomed me into their lives and helped me to learn more about their culture,” she said.
Students said another reason for their enthusiastic participation was their teacher and mentor, Elmasry.
Elmasry said one of her goals in starting the society was to help students learn Arabic, in addition to spreading knowledge about the culture and giving students a chance to express themselves.
“I had a hard time learning English, so I understand,” said Elmasry.
But Elmasry also said she couldn’t be prouder of her students, some working on the celebration remotely, some participating in rehearsals at school.
“Many of the students have gone through many difficulties, hardships, every problem you can think of during the pandemic,” Elmasry said. “Despite all this they have resilience and commitment.
“They managed it and were able to present in front of everyone. … I’m very proud of their bravery to represent everyone with two languages.”
Janice Neumann is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.