ARAB HERITAGE MONTH 2026
حقيقتنا
Our Truths, Our Voices
Living as Arab Americans in the diaspora often requires a constant negotiation of self, deciding when to explain, when to translate, when to soften, and when to stay silent. We are too often asked to compress centuries of history, dozens of countries, multiple languages, faiths, and political realities into something digestible. Our identities are flattened into a single narrative so we can be “understood.” But Arab American life has never been singular, and it has never been simple.
حقيقتنا / Our Truths is an invitation to resist that simplification. It asks us to step outside the expectation that our identities must be performed, defended, or made palatable. It affirms that complexity is not a contradiction, it is an inheritance that is to be cherished. We carry layered histories shaped by migration, displacement, survival, joy, and reinvention. Some are first-generation, holding vivid memories of another home. Some are many generations removed, yet still tethered to culture that refuses to fade.
Our truths do not live in one tongue, one country of origin, one faith tradition, one race, one political position, or one generational experience. They live in the names we are asked to shorten and the ones we reclaim in full. They live in those who feel deeply rooted in culture and in those still searching for their way back to it and in those who are redefining what connection looks like altogether.
This month honors the full spectrum of the Arab American experience: the visible and invisible, the fluent and the learning, the certain and the questioning. It makes space for belonging without performance. Because our truths do not require permission, translation, or simplification to be honored.
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Arab Heritage Month at U-M is led by Trotter/MESA's Arab Heritage Month planning committee.
ⓘ What is Arab Heritage Month? Arab Heritage Month celebrates the Arab American history, culture, and traditions, and pays tribute to the contributions of Arab Americans and Arabic-speaking Americans. While National Arab American Heritage Month is marked in April, we recognize the month from mid-March to mid-April at U-M.
Listing of events
Organizers/sponsors vary by event—see event links below for details, and contact event organizers with inquiries about specific events.
HERITAGE MONTHS
★ AHM SIGNATURE EVENT
Arab Heritage Month Opening Ceremony
March 11, 2026 | 6:00-9:00 pm
Michigan Union, Rogel Ballroom
Sponsored by Trotter/MESA's Arab Heritage Month planning committee
We’re excited to open a month dedicated to honoring Arab and Arab American stories, culture, and community with a keynote from Dr. Diana Abouali, Director of the Arab American National Museum. Join us as we set the tone for the weeks ahead, through reflection, celebration, and connection. We hope to see you there! Food provided.
★ AHM SIGNATURE EVENT
Open Mic Night
March 25, 2026 | 6:30-8:30 pm
Rackham West Conference Room
Sponsored by Trotter/MESA's Arab Heritage Month planning committee
This night is about sharing the stories, joy, memories, and lived experiences that make our community what it is. Whether it’s poetry, spoken word, storytelling, comedy, or another creative piece, we’re creating a space for Arab voices in all their depth and diversity, and everyone interested in learning about them. To be considered to perform, submit the form at myumi.ch/dgy1V by March 18, 11:59 pm. Late submissions may not be considered.
★ AHM SIGNATURE EVENT
Arab Unity Ball
April 9, 2026 | 7:00-10:00 pm
The Vanguard Hotel
Sponsored by Arab Student Association and Trotter/MESA's Arab Heritage Month planning committee
[$ ticket required] Arab Unity Ball is here! Join us as we celebrate the Arab community at Michigan and recognize our achievements and hard work throughout the 2025–2026 school year. Dress up, come together, and enjoy a night of unity. Tickets are $20 and must be purchased in advance.
Celebrating Arab American Heritage Month: From Exclusion to Service
April 10, 2026 | 6:15-7:45 pm
Weill Hall, Betty Ford Classroom (1120)
Sponsored by Central Student Government
[Registration required] The program will convene Arab American leaders in public service for a conversation on identity, representation, and pathways to civic leadership. The discussion will examine historical exclusion, highlight Arab American contributions to public life in the United States, and consider strategies to increase Arab American participation in public service.
Sahar Ellayaly: Concert Night
April 21, 2026 | 6:30-8:00 pm
Michigan Union, Rogel Ballroom
Sponsored by The Arabian Ensemble and Student Arts Initiative
Join us for The Arabian Ensemble's final performance of the year. Formal evening for students and families to come and listen to some live Classical Arabic musics, songs folks are familiar with and a few surprises. We’ll also be serving cultural sweets (Knafe, etc.) and cultural tea.
Have any questions?
Contact event organizers with inquiries about specific events. Other questions? Contact [email protected].