National Arab American Heritage Month: Local Connections

Come to this educational presentation to Celebrate National Arab American Heritage Month (NAAHM) this April.

We'll learn about the 22 Arab speaking countries in the world and the connections and contributions of prominent Arab Americans to the United States and Wisconsin, including comedians, actors, politicians, scientists and others. 

We’ll also touch on Arabic innovations and contributions to the modern world and pique your curiosity to learn more as we explore Arabic cuisine, literature, writing, dance, music and more. Please join us and bring your friends. 

Throughout the month of April, library patrons can also check out the visual display for NAAHM near the circulation desk.

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About the Presenter Shahla Werner is a resident of Monona and the mother of a daughter and son who share Palestinian / Arabic ancestry from her mother's side of the family. Born in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, she grew up with her father in Northern Illinois before earning her BS in biology from UW Whitewater and MS and PhD in entomology from UW Madison, now applied to her daily work with plant pests and pollinators in state government. 

Werner is also part of a group called Read Palestine! a local non-profit project dedicated to promoting books by and about Palestinians and raising awareness and educating young people and adults about Palestine. As part of our efforts, they work with area schools and libraries to offer books, presentations and other cultural programming during National Arab American Heritage Month (NAAHM) each April, a time to celebrate the rich contributions of Arab Americans to U.S. history and culture.