Record #: R2023-667   
Type: Resolution Status: Adopted
Intro date: 4/19/2023 Current Controlling Legislative Body:
Final action: 4/19/2023
Title: Commemoration of Arab American Heritage Month
Sponsors: Lightfoot, Lori E. , Coleman, Stephanie D. , Gardiner, James M. , Moore, David H., Mitts, Emma, Osterman, Harry, Scott, Monique L. , Rodriguez Sanchez, Rossana , Hairston, Leslie A., Abarca, Anabel , Ramirez-Rosa, Carlos, Rodriguez, Michael D., Sposato, Nicholas, Villegas, Gilbert, Hadden, Maria E. , Vasquez, Jr., Andre, O'Shea, Matthew J., Cappleman, James, Waguespack, Scott, Knudsen, Timothy R., Dowell, Pat, La Spata, Daniel , Martin, Matthew J.
Attachments: 1. R2023-667.pdf

OFFICE OF THE MAYOR CITY OF CHICAGO

LORI E. LIGHTFOOT MAYOR

April 19, 2023

TO THE HONORABLE. THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICAGO

Ladies and Gentlemen:

1 transmit herewith, together with Aldermen Coleman, Gardiner, Moore, Mitts, Osterman, Scott, Rodriguez Sanchez, Hairston, Abarca, Ramirez-Rosa, Rodriguez, Sposato, Villegas, Hadden, Vasquez, O'Shea, Cappleman, Waguespack, Knudsen, Dowell, La Spata and Martin, a resolution commemorating Arab American Heritage Month.

Your favorable consideration of this resolution will be appreciated.

Very truly yours,

RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, From April 1 through April 30 each year, the United States celebrates Arab American Heritage Month; and

WHEREAS, Arab Americans are part of the fabric of Chicago, and have played an important role in shaping, advancing, and enriching this City with their rich cultures, traditions, and histories; and

WHEREAS, In the middle of the twentieth century, Arab Americans established communities in the Chicago Lawn and Gage Park community areas, and those neighborhoods, along with many others, remain home to thriving Arab American populations; and

WHEREAS, Arab Americans now have a significant presence throughout the City of Chicago, Cook County, and the State of Illinois; and

WHEREAS, The United States Census Bureau reports that the statewide Arab American population is close to 143,000, with at least 108,000 in the Chicago area, although experts estimate that this number is likely significantly lower than the actual number of Arab Americans residing in Illinois; and

WHEREAS, In recognition of their unique needs, the State of Illinois General Assembly has introduced a bill ensuring that Arab Americans are counted in government data; and

WHEREAS, During Arab American Heritage Month, it is imperative to increase awareness about key issues and priorities within the Arab American community and combat harmful stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination; and

WHEREAS, Arab Americans have made innumerable contributions to academia, business, medicine, government, arts and sciences, and social justice, making our City a better place to live; and

WHEREAS, The City of Chicago is deeply enriched by the diversity of its residents, and the City is proud to be home to a large and thriving Arab American population; now, therefore,

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BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and Members of the City Council of the City of Chicago, assembled this nineteenth day of April, 2023, do hereby designate April 2023 as Arab American Heritage Month in Chicago, and encourage all Chicagoans to acknowledge the contributions of Arab Americans to the vibrant culture, identity, and history of our great City.