Orange County board recognizes Arab American Heritage Month as community leaders call for solidarity

Vice Chairman Doug Chaffee opened the April 23 meeting of the Orange County Board of Supervisors by presenting a resolution recognizing April as National Arab American Heritage Month and inviting local Arab American leaders to the dais.

"Arab American heritage is a diverse...converging together to create a marvelous, rich heritage," Chaffee said, and he encouraged residents to visit Little Arabia in Anaheim to learn more about the community’s culture and businesses.

Aya Shihada, program manager at the Arab American Civic Council, thanked supervisors for the resolution and highlighted recent milestones — including a new Middle Eastern/North African (MENA) census category and the forthcoming freeway sign acknowledging Little Arabia. She also linked the commemoration to international events, saying, "How how can Arab American heritage and culture be celebrated when fellow Arabs in Gaza are facing erasure?" and urging "empathy and solidarity" for people suffering abroad.

Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento and Supervisor Katrina Foley also spoke in support of the recognition, noting Little Arabia’s designation in Anaheim, local community‑college partnerships, and the role Arab Americans play across sectors in the county. Sarmiento described community colleges and cultural institutions as part of the county’s civic fabric, and Foley offered brief remarks thanking community leaders for their work.

The presentation concluded with photographs at the dais. Supervisors said the recognition is intended to elevate Arab American contributions locally while acknowledging broader humanitarian concerns raised by community advocates.

What’s next: the recognition was ceremonial and did not require further board action; supervisors said staff and community partners will continue to coordinate local events and outreach.