Wednesday, September 21, 2022
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The Mayyas, Mo,
and Dabis
Arab Creatives
on their own
Terms
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It’s 2022 and Arab creatives are having a moment. First, Lebanese dance group, The Mayyas dazzled their way through America’s Got Talent competition and were recently crowned the Season 17 champions. Second, Mo Amer’s Netflix series Mo, the first American television series created by and starring a Palestinian is a smash hit with rave reviews. Third, Cherien Dabis, a Palestinian-American director was nominated for an Emmy for directing episodes of Hulu’s Only Murders In the Building, another streaming platform hit. Arabs and Arab Americans have long been othered and stereotyped negatively in American media, however, a trend towards inclusive representation is at hand. Arab America contributing writer, Norah Soufraji, writes about Arab creativity at its best and most authentic.
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Arab America Delegation Visits Yemeni Community in Hamtramack Michigan |
The Team Michigan Leadership Council of the Arab American Foundation landed in the City of Hamtramck on Friday, September 9, to host their first Yalla! Connect event. “Yalla!” is a common phrase in the Arabic language, roughly translating to “Let’s go!”. The purpose of the Yalla! Connect event was to learn more about Hamtramck, appreciate its diversity, and the Arab culture. Learn more from Arab America contributing writer, Maria Banou, in this article
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The Tree-Climbing Goats in Morocco |
Arab America contributing writer, Kimothy Wong, discusses Morocco's tree-climbing goats in this article. These goats have devised a novel mode of transportation: they climb! These goats can walk practically anywhere because their hooves stick to the cliffs. Their climbing is sometimes described as a natural phenomenon unique to the North African nation.
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Paradoxical Views of Lebanon—Citizens ‘Robbing Banks’ to withdraw Their Own Money—Juxtaposed to Lebanese Rejoicing over Mayyas Dancers’ Win on 'America's Got Talent' |
Some Lebanese are actually robbing banks to take their own money. This anomaly is occurring in the context of a worsening economic crisis. Lebanese banks have placed strict controls on deposits, foreclosing millions of clients from foreign currency savings. In contrast, the Mayyas are a Lebanese women’s dance group that won ‘America’s Got Talent prize. Arab America contributing writer, John Mason recounts how their victory brought a rare moment of joy and unity to the Lebanese people, who’ve been struggling with three years of profound economic adversity and political deadlock.
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The MOON is Coming to Dubai |
An ambitious space tourism project could be coming to the UAE in as little as five years. Dubai is set to approve the construction and future operation of a “Moon Resort” licensed and designed by Canadian architectural firm Moon World Resorts Inc. Arab America contributing writer, Drew Jackson, repoorts that the 5 billion dollar USD proposal has the potential to double tourism to the region according to architects and experts.
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Rise of Arab Hip-Hop and Rap–10 Artists to Add to your Playlist |
We all know of famous Arab singers like Umm Kulthum, Fayrouz, Amr Diab, and others who the Arab World worships. Their legacies are almost impossible to top. However, Arab Rap and Hip-hop are becoming an increasingly popular genre among the younger population. Arab America contributing writer, Caroline Umphlet, lists 10 Arab artists that you should give a listen to.
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A New Step Towards MENA Recognition with the Office of Management and Budget-OMB |
Americans of Middle Eastern and North African, MENA descent, who are meant to fill in the White category box in the U.S. Census, have been fighting for decades to include a separate classification box, and it seems that there may be some progress towards achieving this. Arab America contributing writer, Mariam Alyakoob, tells us how the OMB has provided new recommendations to collect data on MENA communities.
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The Lure of Mysterious Damascus |
Through the centuries, such has been the epithets with which men have described Damascus–the oldest continuously inhabited spot on earth is said to be a town with a lasting secret. When all the modern cities were forests, swamps, and desert land, this venerable metropolis was a thriving city. It has been lived on for hundreds of years while other urban centers have crumbled into dust. Arab America contributing writer, Habeeb Salloum, explores the lure of Damascus.
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The Ancient Egyptian Drink of the Pharaohs: Hibiscus Tea–Karkadeh |
We can learn a lot from ancient civilizations, as they intuitively knew that food and drink can have dual medicinal value, and the Pharaohs of Egypt were no exception. Hibiscus tea, otherwise known as Karkadéh, was the preferred drink of the pharaohs, and the popularity of this beverage continues to this day. Karkadéh is a tea made by boiling the hibiscus flower, but there is so much more to this plant than its sweet fragrance and bright pink color. Arab America contributing writer, Blanche Shaheen, tells us how to make this drink of the Pharaohs.
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Falls Church, VA
Connect Arab America: Empowerment Summit
November 4-6, 2022
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The event will feature an exciting array of speakers in the fields of identity, women’s activism, community advocacy, and leadership. Moreover, participants will have many networking opportunities and will celebrate Arab heritage through performances, cuisine, cultural and informational exhibits, music, and dance.
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Featured Event
San Francisco, CA
Dalal Abu Amneh
in Concert with the Palestine Foundation
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Palestine Foundation is honored to host a series of benefit concerts with acclaimed Palestinian singer and producer Dalal Abu Amneh. Plan to get your tickets to see Dalal Abu Amneh in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Houston, and New Jersey.
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Featured Event
Potomac, MD
Mediterranean Festival 2022
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Join the 37th Annual Mediterranean Food Festival. You will enjoy delicious Mediterranean food, homemade pastries, and lots of entertainment. Also, you could win a Mercedes-Benz this weekend, only 1,000 tickets will be sold. This event is free of charge.
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Brooklyn, NY
"Daughters of Abdul-Rahman" Screening
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In this award-winning dramatic comedy, four sisters clash when they return home to Amman to search for their missing elderly father. The women struggle to get past their estrangement while confronting difficult family truths amid a patriarchal Arab society.
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Dearborn, MI
The 13th Annual Zaman
Run Walk Picnic
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The 13th Annual Zaman Run Walk Picnic is returning to Ford Field Park in Dearborn. Join them for a run, walk, and picnic in the park. All event proceeds support Zaman and its programs helping women and children throughout Southeast Michigan.
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Washington, DC
Sultan Qaboos Cultural Center Presents: Book Signing
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Dr. Powell will be on hand to discuss her most recent book Islamic Law States and International Law: Peaceful Settlement of Disputes. A limited number of copies of her book will be available for purchase at the event by cash or check only. Reception to follow.
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Dearborn, MI
Suad Amiry in Dearborn
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New Generation for Palestine is proud to co-host Suad Amiry to present her new book, “Mother of Strangers" at the Arab American National Museum. Please don't miss this exciting event.
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Coming Soon
Houston, TX
Lebanese Festival
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The Houston Lebanese Festival is going to be super enormous. It is considered the largest in North America, showcasing Lebanese heritage, traditional dancing, authentic food, and a host of activities and entertainment for the whole family. Renowned Lebanese Superstar Najwa Karam will perform.
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Coming Soon
Online
Rene Moawad Foundation Presents: Celebrating Lebanese Contributions to Lebanon, the Middle East, North America, and the World
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RMF USA is dedicated to the progress of Lebanon in all sectors and is committed to advancing the goals of RMF Lebanon in diverse ways. RMF’s priority is Preserving Hope in Lebanon — not only through numerous humanitarian assistance programs — but also through uplifting, upbeat, and inspirational events such as this Inaugural Legacy Event.
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Coming Soon
Tysons, VA
New Dominion PAC 32nd Candidates Night Dinner
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Join New Dominion PAC for their 32nd Candidates Night Dinner, commemorating Saba Shami. This event will feature Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton, D-VA-10, candidate Hung Cho, R-VA-10, and candidate Herb Jones, D-VA-1. Many officials to be announced are scheduled to attend.
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Arab America Foundation Rising Leaders Initiative |
The Arab America Foundation's Rising Leaders initiative encourages young Arab Americans to participate in programs, such as 40 Under 40, 30 Under 30, and 20 Under 20, which spotlight young Arab Americans in all fields and professions.
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Apply Now
Announcing Arab America Fall Internship Opportunities
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Arab America, the leading provider of digital media regarding the Arab and Arab American identity, is offering 2022 internship opportunities. Arab America seeks applicants with but is not limited to the following academic backgrounds: English, Journalism, Arab/Middle Eastern/International Studies, Political Science, Media and Film Studies, Public Relations, Communications, and Marketing.
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Looking for a Job?
Join Waasta Connect
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Looking for a job or fellowship? Join Arab America’s WaastaConnect, a discussion-based listserv, where everyone has the ability to receive job announcements, mostly, of interest to Arab Americans. As a subscriber, you can choose to get the emails as they come in or have a “digest,” where you get a weekly email with the announcements for that week.
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