EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT

STATE OF CALIFORNIA
PROCLAMATION

California joins states around the nation celebrating Arab-American

Heritage Month, an opportunity to lift up the profound and wide-
ranging contributions of this vibrant community in all facets of our
society and American life.
As home to more immigrants than any other state, California knows
that our diversity is our greatest gift. Our state is fortunate to have the
largest Arab-American population in the country, with thriving
communities in Los Angeles, San Diego and the Bay Area. The more
than 715,000 Californians of Arab descent trace their heritage across
the Middle East and North Africa, with unique traditions and histories.
Whether they've called America home for many generations or are
newly arrived, Arab Americans have enriched communities across the
country and made an indelible impact. We are proud of, and grateful
for, the immeasurable contributions Arab Americans have made to
literature, science, medicine, business, arts and entertainment, and in
positions of leadership at all levels.
As we celebrate their many achievements, we also recognize the
shameful discrimination and xenophobia the Arab American
community faces. Let us rededicate ourselves to rejecting hate and
embracing inclusion for all Californians.
During Arab-American Heritage Month, I urge all Californians to join
me in celebrating the past, present and future contributions of this
community to our California story.
NOW THEREFORE I, GAVIN NEWSOM, Governor of the State of California,
do hereby proclaim April 2022 as "Arab-American Heritage Month."

IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto

set my hand and caused the Great
Seal of the State of California to be
affixed th i~ 22nd d.ay of April 202 2.

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