County recognizes Arab American Heritage Month; community leaders call for inclusion and solidarity

The Orange County Board of Supervisors on April 23 adopted a proclamation recognizing April as Arab American Heritage Month and invited local Arab American leaders to accept the resolution.

Vice Chair Doug Chaffee (Fourth District) read the proclamation and introduced leaders from the Arab American Civic Council and other local organizations. "April is recognized as National Arab American Heritage Month and celebrates the significant contributions Arab Americans have made to the success of California and Orange County," Chaffee said as he invited community representatives forward.

Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento, who led additional remarks, called the recognition "more significant than a celebration" and urged county support for communities that sometimes face threats and intimidation. Sarmiento noted local milestones including Anaheim’s 2022 designation of Little Arabia and state and federal steps toward improved demographic representation.

Aya Shihada, introduced by the board as program manager of the Arab American Civic Council, thanked the board and highlighted recent gains for the community. She noted U.S. Census work to establish a Middle Eastern or North African (MENA) category and said her organization is advocating at the state level for accurate representation. "This is an important step towards greater equity and inclusion for our Arab American community here in OC and across the nation," Shihada said.

Shihada also linked the local observance to international concerns. "We cannot in good conscience commemorate Arab American heritage without also bearing witness to the suffering of Palestinians and demanding an end to genocide," she said, citing casualty figures as she urged empathy and solidarity from elected officials.

Supervisors including Katrina Foley joined in thanking the community and encouraging residents to attend local heritage events, including celebrations in Little Arabia and educational programming cited by speakers.

The proclamation was followed by a group photograph and transitions to subsequent agenda items.

Why it matters: The board’s recognition signals county-level acknowledgement of cultural contributions and the need for civic inclusion. Speakers used the platform both to celebrate local contributions and to press the board to consider broader humanitarian concerns and policy implications. The board did not take any policy action as part of the proclamation; the event was ceremonial and intended to acknowledge community leaders and achievements.