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1
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION

 
2    WHEREAS, It is appropriate and right to celebrate the 
3diversity of cultures and heritages, as such celebrations 
4serve as a reminder that, despite our differing backgrounds, 
5everyone in Illinois is bound by a common hope for a better and 
6more inclusive future for our children; and
 
7    WHEREAS, The Arab American community has a long and 
8integral history in the United States; and
 
9    WHEREAS, Men and women of Arab descent have shared their 
10rich culture, strong work ethic, and dedication to education, 
11while embracing the American spirit of opportunity and helping 
12build a better State and nation for all; and
 
13    WHEREAS, For over a century, Arab Americans have been 
14making valuable contributions to every aspect of American 
15society, including medicine, law, business, technology, 
16government, and culture; and
 
17    WHEREAS, The history of Arab Americans in American life 
18often remains neglected and has been riddled with 
19misunderstanding and bigotry; and
 
20    WHEREAS, People of Middle Eastern descent began migrating 
 
 
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1to the United States in significant numbers in the 1800s; 
2today, it is estimated that the current population of Arab 
3Americans is approximately four million people; therefore, be 
4it
 
5    RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE 
6HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE 
7SENATE CONCURRING HEREIN, that we declare the month of April 
82024 as Arab American Heritage Month in the State of Illinois; 
9and be it further
 
10    RESOLVED, That we recognize and celebrate the 
11contributions to cultural diversity, economic growth, and the 
12overall development of our State and nation made by the Arab 
13American community; and be it further
 
14    RESOLVED, That we encourage all Illinoisans and their 
15families to learn about and celebrate the contributions of 
16Arab Americans to Illinois and the United States.