Join the WWU community in celebrating Arab American Heritage Month

April 19, 2024

The image is a poster for an event called "Arabian Nights: A Benefit Dinner for World Relief". The event is hosted by the Arab Student Association and will be held on April 26th from 6-8pm at 516 High St, Bellingham. The event will feature speakers from World Relief, a raffle, and a henna artist. The cost of admission is $5. All proceeds from the event will go to World Relief to support their efforts in providing humanitarian aid to refugees in Gaza.

Western Washington University will host a number of events in conjunction with, and in celebration of, Arab American Heritage Month in April.

Join participants for a family friendly dinner celebration from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, April 26 in the VU MPR to collect donations to support the work of the World Relief organization. Hosted by the Arab Student Association and Residence Life Inclusion Assistants. ASA will be hosting WWU alumni to speak in support of World Relief.

Representatives from World Relief Western Washington will be present to share more about the work being done in our local community with refugee resettlement. We will have a suggested donation $5 at the door of and a raffle fundraiser. Join in on some social activities including a Henna artist. Please support ASA as we honor the services of World Relief. Half of the proceeds will be directly funneled back into our community by supporting immigrant and refugee resettlement programs here in Western Washington. The additional fundraising will be going directly to emergency aid in Gaza.

Since 1979, World Relief has worked alongside the community to welcome refugees and immigrants to Western Washington. Founded in response to the needs of refugees fleeing wars in Southeast Asia, we grew to support refugees and immigrants from all around the world as they rebuild a sense of home. World Relief Western Washington envisions every refugee and immigrant welcomed by community, rooted in community, and empowered for community. Check out opportunities: worldrelief.org/western-wa/about-us/whatcom. If you would like to donate before the event, please visit the WWU eMarket to donate to ASA. All proceeds during AAHM will be donated to World Relief.

In addition, The Centers for Student Access, Community, and Intercultural Engagement will host a Lunch & Learn titled "Being Queer & Arab" on Wednesday, April 24 at noon in VU 735. Join us for lunch in the Multicultural Center! Joining us for a dynamic community dialogue is sonj basha who is a facilitator and community organizer. We will be engaging the community in a dialogue about identity intersectionality of Queer and Arab identities. After this community event there will be additional opportunities to engage in an affinity space for the campus community. Catering provided by Ambo Ethiopian Cuisine.