CSE celebrates Arab American Heritage Month with crafts and snacks

The CSE community came together on Thursday, April 18 to celebrate Arab American Heritage Month. Organized by PhD student Meron Demissie, with assistance from CSE Outreach and DEI Administrative Coordinator Sarah Snay, DEI Project Manager Taj Williams, and CSE DEI Chair Prof. Nikola Banovic, the event welcomed students, staff, and faculty for some creative craft activities and snacks highlighting Arab American culture.

Held every April, Arab American Heritage Month honors and celebrates Arab American culture and shines a light on the contributions of Arab Americans past and present. The University of Michigan and Southeast Michigan more broadly are home to a large and vibrant Arab American population, and CSE sought to highlight this integral part of our community with its first Arab American Heritage Month celebration.

Local artist Malika Ayubbi guided attendees through two craft activities, including cards with colorful paper cut-outs of Arab-inspired skylines, as well as hanging decorations featuring glittery Islamic stars. While crafting, attendees enjoyed a variety of tasty snacks, such as baklava, basbousa, saffron rice pudding, and Adeni Yemeni tea.

“We were excited to have the opportunity to come together as a community to highlight and celebrate Arab culture and heritage,” said Meron.