Skip to content
  • Subscribe
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Email
  • Home
  • News
  • Opinion
  • Entertainment
  • Features
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe to Ray’s Columns
Suburban Chicagoland

Suburban Chicagoland

Original News, Features & Opinion on Chicago, Illinois and America

  • About
    • About
    • Advertise
    • Our Writers
      • Ray Hanania
      • Bill Lipinski
      • Biography: Aaron Hanania
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
    • Reach Out
  • Sections
    • Events
    • Opinion
    • News
    • Features
    • Seniors
    • Comic Strip
  • Library
    • “MIdnight Flight” Online Book
      • Midnight Flight Book Overview
      • Midnight Flight Introduction
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 1
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 2
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 3
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 4
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 5
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 6
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 7
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 8
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 9
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 10
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 11
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 12
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 13
    • Villages, Cities & Towns
    • Federal Office Holders
    • County Officials
    • Legislators
  • Subscribe to Ray’s Columns
  • Comment
  • Podcast
    • Ray Hanania on Politics
    • Two Guys on Politics
    • Hanania on Tiktok
  • News Wire
  • Archive 2004-2013
  • Toggle search form
  • Michael Frerichs Illinois Treasurer
    Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs Announces $50 Million Loan Program to Help Federal Workers During Shutdown Economy
  • Kat Abughazaleh 9th DIstrict Congress 2026 candidate democrat
    Federal Grand Jury in Chicago Indicts Six Individuals on Charges of Impeding Federal Agent Engaged in Immigration Enforcement Operations Civil Rights
  • 05-23-25 Jeffery M. Leving
    Little Girl Rescued from Feared Danger and Reunited with Dad News
  • Hastings insurance legislation
    Hastings announces legislation to ensure fair homeowners insurance rates for Illinois families Business
  • Mahnoor Ahmad campaign photo
    Mahnoor Ahmad runs for DuPage County Board seat Democrat
  • Sunday, October 26, the Village of Orland Park formally rededicated its Village Hall in honor of the late former Mayor Fredrick T. Owens
    Village of Orland Park Rededicates Village Hall in Honor of Late Former Mayor Fredrick T. Owens Government
  • Fire at townhome at 13900 block of Berkhansted Court in Orland Park, just before midnight on Monday, Oct. 27, 2025
    Firefighter treated for dehydration battling townhouse fire in Orland Park – no residents injured Fire
  • Firefighters with the Orland Fire Protection District who responded to a fire in an apartment at 15200 block of Al Camino Terrace on Saturday morning said the next day that they did find a kitten that needed respiratory aid that they saved.
    FIRE UPDATE: Fire District releases photos of kitten saved from Orland Park apartment fire Saturday Features
  • two-story apartment building on the 15200 block of El Camino Terrace in Orland Park
    Orland Park apartment fire Saturday morning, no injuries Fire
  • Illinois Senator Michael Hastings addressing the Orland Township Democratic Organization Wednesday Oct. 12, 2022
    Hastings calls for bipartisan action to protect Illinois families from SNAP benefit shutdown Baby Boomers
  • Illinios Industrial Energy Consumers, information ad
    Get information on the Illinois Energy Omnibus Bill in Springfield Business
  • State Senator Mike Porfirio secured over $20 million to support infrastructure improvements and construction in the 11th Senate District.
    Senator Porfirio applauds more than $20 million in infrastructure repairs coming to the 11th District News
  • Dad and daughter reunited Lebving Law firm photo
    Little Girl Recovered and Reunited with Dad After Long Separation Dads' Rights
  • 11-03-25 OFPD Coffee living alone
    Orland Fire hosts meeting on helping Seniors who live alone Nov. 5 Baby Boomers
  • State Senator Michael Hastings introduces law to revive long dormant and degraded Tinley Park Mental Health Center into a Sports Park for the community. Photo courtesy of the State Senate President Don Harmon
    Hastings secures $250,000 grant for Easterseals Academy’s Tinley Park campus Health
Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan addressing the Oct. 21, 2018 candidate's forum hosted by the Arab American Democratic Club in suburban Chicago. Photo courtesy of Ray Hanania

Anniversary of Arab American Recognition in Illinois

Posted on October 4, 2020October 4, 2020 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Anniversary of Arab American Recognition in Illinois
SHARE THIS STORY
            
 
  

Anniversary of Arab American Recognition in Illinois

Two years ago in October 2018, Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan introduced legislation that formally recognized April as Arab American Heritage Month at a meeting of the Arab American Democratic Club. Madigan’s legislation made the declaration a state law. Here’s a story recalling that important event in Illinois.

Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan announced he has introduced a law to recognize April as Arab Heritage Month in Illinois. If approved, the law would add Illinois to the seven other U.S. States that now recognize April as a national commemoration month for Arab Americans. Illinois previously recognized November as Arab American Heritage month, but that tradition was destroyed by Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner and Chicago’s outgoing anti-Arab Mayor Rahm Emanuel.

By Ray Hanania

Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan announced Sunday a new law recognizing April as “Arab American Heritage Month,” saying the law represents the right of everyone “regardless of race, ethnicity or religion” to be represented by their government.

Madigan was among an array of 40 Democratic elected officials and candidates who addressed a gathering of nearly 500 Arab Americans at a breakfast forum hosted by the Arab American Democratic Club at Niko’s Banquet Hall in Bridgeview.

Among the more than 40 candidates and officials addressing the group were Karen Yarbrough, the unchallenged candidate to succeed David Orr as Cook County Clerk, Kwame Raoul, the candidate for Illinois Attorney General, and Congressman Dan Lipinski who defeated a tough Democratic Primary challenge from Marie Newman last March and who faces a Nazi candidate in the Nov. 6, 2018 General Election.

“I believe in inclusion. We believe in inclusion in our daily actions and how we treat other people. We believe that the government should reflect policies such as that,” Madigan told the Democratic forum.

Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan addressing the Oct. 21, 2018 candidate's forum hosted by the Arab American Democratic Club in suburban Chicago. Photo courtesy of Ray Hanania
Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan addressing the Oct. 21, 2018 candidate’s forum hosted by the Arab American Democratic Club in suburban Chicago. Photo courtesy of Ray Hanania

“My view is that America is basically a welcoming country. We welcome new arrivals. We give people opportunity. President Trump is not implementing that policy in our actions taken at the border and the implementation of the immigration laws which are basically saying some are welcome and some are not. And once the government gets into the business of distinguishing between one person and another person because of their national origin, you have a big problem. It is our responsibility to stand up and state where we are on policies such as that.”

Madigan said House Bill 5971 will be sponsored by State Senator Steve Landek in the Illinois Senate, adding, “My expectation is that Governor J.B. Pritzker will sign it.”

Madigan’s law fills a void created by Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel who devastated the Arab American community in Chicago and in Illinois immediately after taking office in May 2011. Emanuel refused to support the Arabesque Festival, which ran from 2007 until 2011, dismantled the Human Relations Commission to destroy the Advisory Commission on Arab Affairs, and suspended all Arab Heritage Month activities that traditionally had been held in November under former Mayors Harold Washington and Richard M. Daley.

Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan addressing the Oct. 21, 2018 candidate's forum hosted by the Arab American Democratic Club in suburban Chicago. Photo courtesy of Ray Hanania
Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan addressing the Oct. 21, 2018 candidate’s forum hosted by the Arab American Democratic Club in suburban Chicago. Photo courtesy of Ray Hanania

A new national drive has been launched by a Washington D.C. foundation called ArabAMerica.com which designates April as Arab Heritage month. So far, the month has been recognized in Arizona, California, Georgia, Maryland, Michigan, Texas, Virginia and Washington D.C. and there is a drive to make it a national commemoration through the U.S. Congress.

“This is an example of what American should be doing. It states all are welcome. All are welcome to our shores. All are welcome to job placement. All are welcome to our schools and our universities so that those who wish to work to get ahead can actually do so and enjoy the fruits of life in America. That is my commitment to the public,” Madigan said to a standing ovation.

The law “Amends the State Commemorative Dates Act. Designates the month of April of each year as Arab American Heritage Month to be observed throughout the State as a month to recognize the valuable contributions of Arab Americans to this State and to the various aspects of American society. Effective immediately.”

Congressman Dan Lipinski, who has attended every Arab American Democratic Club forum since he taking office in 2005, acknowledged past differences on Middle East issues but noted that he has an open door to community leaders and has introduced letters to President Trump criticizing cutbacks in funding for UNWRA (United Nations Relief & Works Agency).

“I know we don’t always agree on everything, but it is important that we sit down and work on those things we can work on,” Lipinski acknowledged.

Strongly criticizing Trump for “pursuing politics designed to divide people,” Lipinski said, “We need to come together. We see what he has done. Congress is supposed to be where policy comes from, but Congress has failed to check the president. I believe that Democrats will take the House of Representatives and put a check on President Trump. We need to bring people together and protect the liberties of every American.”

Samir Khalil, president of the AADC which was founded in 1983 and is the state’s first-ever Arab American Political Action Committee (PAC), said that every Democrat was invited to the event and most did show up.

Candidates and government officials attending included: Steve Landek, the mayor of Bridgeview and State Senator for the 17th Senate District; Lyons Mayor and Lyons Township Supervisor Christopher Getty; County Commissioner Jesus “Chuy” Garcia, who is slated to succeed Luis Gutierrez as Congressman in the 4th District; Fritz Kaegi, who unseated longtime Democrat Joe Berrios as the Democratic candidate for Cook County Assessor; State Treasurer Michael W. Frerichs; Abdelnasser Rashid, who is Arab American and running for the 17th County Board seat; Hickory Hills Mayor Mike Howley; and, Bridget Fitzgerald the Western Spring Village Clerk who is a candidate for the Illinois Senate in the 41st District.

Also attending were: State Appellate Justice P. Scott Neville Jr., who was named to the Illinois Supreme Court; Judge Sam Betar III; Judge Linda Davenport; Judge Lisa Ann Marino; Hon. Jesse G. Reyes Appellate Court Judge; representatives for several candidates who could not make the event including Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas, who annually hosts a gathering for Arab Americans and has translated her website into Arabic and other languages; Oak Lawn High School District 229 Trustee Safaa Zarzour; Worth Township Democratic Committeewoman Patricia Joan Murphy; and Donna Miller who is slated to become the new Cook County Commissioner in the 6th District.

Paul Vallas, one of nearly two dozen candidates running for mayor of Chicago in the Spring, also attended and reminded attendees that his father-in-law, Dean Koldenhoven, lost his job as Palos Heights mayor for standing up for the rights of Muslims to open a mosque in the suburb in 2004.

Maya Berry, the executive director of the Arab American Institute (AAI) spoke on the importance of Arab American empowerment through voting and engagement in local politics.

J.B. Pritzker, the Democratic candidate for Governor, declined to attend. Pritzker had been criticized for his failed 1998 candidacy for Congress in the 9th District in which he denounced an Arab and Muslim group, the American Muslim Council (AMC) as “supporting terrorism.” Pritzker refused to publicly apologize for the comments but told a group of Arab business leaders last month he was “sorry.”

“We had hoped that J.B. Pritzker would attend and address the issue and he was given every opportunity to speak directly to Arab American and Muslim voters, but he chose not to,” Khalil said.

Khalil thanked the members of the organizing committee including Miriam Zayed, Rima Sweis, Ahmad Ramahi, Saad Malley, Sonia Khalil and Sufyan Shaltaf. Khalil also congratulated Roxane Asaf who sang the National Anthem at the start of the program.

TEXT OF THE NEW ILLINOIS LAW
“April as Arab American Heritage Month in Illinois”

House Bill 5971
Introduced by Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan
Illinois Senate Sponsor Senator Steven Landek

WHEREAS, It is appropriate and right to celebrate a diversity of cultures and heritages, and such celebration serves as a reminder that despite our differing backgrounds, everyone in Illinois is bound by a common hope for a better and more inclusive future for our children; and

WHEREAS, The Arab American community has a long and integral history in the United States; and

WHEREAS, For over a century, Arab Americans have been making valuable contributions to virtually every aspect of American society, including medicine, law, business, technology, government, and culture; and

WHEREAS, Tens of thousands of Arab Americans have served during World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Iraq War, and the Wars in Afghanistan and Iraq after September 11, 2001; and

WHEREAS, The history of Arab Americans in American life often remains neglected and has been riddled with misunderstanding and bigotry; and

WHEREAS, Men and women of Arab descent have shared their rich culture, strong work ethic, and dedication to education, while embracing the American spirit of opportunity and helping us build a better nation and State for all; and

WHEREAS, It is estimated that there are approximately 450,000 people of Arab American descent in Illinois with more than 100,000 Arab American voters registered; and

WHEREAS, We recognize and celebrate the contributions to cultural diversity, economic growth, and the overall development of our State and nation made by the Arab American community; therefore

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 5. The State Commemorative Dates Act is amended by adding Section 6 as follows:

Sec. 6. Arab American Heritage Month. The month of April of each year is designated as Arab American Heritage Month to be observed throughout the State as a month to recognize the valuable contributions of Arab Americans to this State and to the various aspects of American society.

To view the status of the Illinois law, click here.

(Ray Hanania is an award-winning Palestinian American former Chicago City Hall reporter and political columnist. He writes a syndicated column for the Arab News, Middle East Monitor and TheArabDailyNews.com. Visit his personal website at www.Hanania.com or email him at [email protected].)

newswire info
  • Author
  • Recent Posts
Ray Hanania
Ray Hanania
Ray Hanania is an award-winning opinion columnist, author & former Chicago City Hall reporter (1977-1992). A veteran who served during the Vietnam War and the recipient of four SPJ Peter Lisagor Awards for column writing, Hanania writes weekly opinion columns on mainstream American & Chicagoland topics for the Southwest News-Herald, Des Plaines Valley News, the Regional News, The Reporter Newspapers, and Suburban Chicagoland.  

His award winning columns can be found at www.HANANIA.COM Subscribe FREE today

Hanania also writes about Middle East issues for the Arab News, and The Arab Daily News criticizing government policies in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Hanania was named "Best Ethnic American Columnist" by the New America Media in November 2007, and is the 2009 recipient of the SPJ National Sigma Delta Chi Award for column writing.

Email Ray Hanania at [email protected].

Follow RayHanania at Twitter
Ray Hanania
Latest posts by Ray Hanania (see all)
  • Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs Announces $50 Million Loan Program to Help Federal Workers During Shutdown - October 30, 2025
  • Federal Grand Jury in Chicago Indicts Six Individuals on Charges of Impeding Federal Agent Engaged in Immigration Enforcement Operations - October 30, 2025
  • Little Girl Rescued from Feared Danger and Reunited with Dad - October 30, 2025
NPV: 60
  • Tweet

SHARE THIS STORY
            
 
  
 
 
 
           
Blogger, Chicago, Commentary, Cook County, Editors Pick, Government, Illinois Legislature, News, Opinion, Politics, Racism, Regional Midwest, Suburban Chicagoland Tags:April, Arab American Democratic Club, Arab American Heritage Month, culture, Michael J. Madigan. February 2018 declaration, new law, State of Illinois

Post navigation

Previous Post: Newman continues to lead Republican challenger
Next Post: No injuries in Fire that destroyed Orland Park home

Related Posts

  • Democratic endorsed candidate Marie Newman at rally Sept. 4, 2020 hosted by the American Arab Chamber of Commerce and American Palestine Club. Photo courtesy of the American Arab Chamber of Commerce
    Newman pushes amendments to the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act breaking news
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas with elected officials and Arab community leaders at the Arab American Heritage celebration at Oozi Restaurant April 10, 2019. Photo courtesy of Anthony Caciopo
    Study shows tax investors exploit property tax laws targeting Black, Latino communities Chicago
  • Voting at polling place. Photo courtesy Unseen Histories on Unsplash
    Safe-T Act law being exaggerated by both far Right and Left Blogger
  • Playbill Cover Cadillac Palace Theater Love Never Dies
    Love Never Dies continues Phantom of the Opera tale Blogger
  • Damage from stove-top fire extinguished by OFPD with assistance from fast acting neighbor with a fire extinguisher. Photo courtesy of the Orland Fire Protection District
    Neighbor’s fast response at early stages of stove-top fire prevented major damage to home Cook County
  • Sarah Gad, Democratic Candidate for Congress in the 1st Congressional DIstrict in Illinois
    University of Chicago Law Student challenges Rush for Congress Chicago

More Related Articles

World Chicago logo Local nonprofit honors the leadership of President Peggy Parfenoff   Chicago
Bingo Tiles photo courtesy of Unsplash no attribution Orland Township Announces Bingo Fest March 26 Baby Boomers
Mike Porfirio, Democrat endorsed candidate for 11th Senate District Porfirio urges “full investigation” into reported racist rant of local official Cook County
CoronaVirus courtesy of Wikipedia Public Health Officials Announce 12,702 New Cases of Coronavirus Disease Cook County
Unnecessary Farce, theatrical performance, poster “Unnecessary Farce” to bring laughter to Cicero audiences Books & Films
Subject Emad Elayyan, 02/08/1993 - 31 years old, 10600 Block of Major Ave. Chicago Ridge Bridgeview police arrest suspect in 2023 and 2024 Jewelry store heists Crime

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Login with your Social ID
  • OPINION
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    Your Mortgage Company May Pay Your Taxes — But You Still Need to Watch
    October 17, 2025
  • Mohammed Faheem The Lightning Strike Radio Show small
    The Politicization of the Nobel Peace Prize — and Trump’s Fury Over Losing Again
    October 11, 2025
  • 06-04-25 Two Guys on Politics Background Zoom LOGO with images
    Video Podcast: Trump Kimmel Kirk Great American Divide Illegal Aliens polling and Illegal Aliens and ICE
    September 20, 2025
  • Illinois House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch speaking at a West Side affordable housing dedication
    Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, one of the best candidates to become Illinois Governor
    September 7, 2025
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    What You’re Missing on Your Property Tax Bill
    September 5, 2025
Subscribe to Ray Hanania's column graphic

Enter Your Email to Subscribe to Ray Hanania’s Columns

  • The-Kings-Pawn-Book-300-x-300.png

Mohammed Faheem The Lightning Strike Radio

  • NEWS
  • Michael Frerichs Illinois Treasurer
    Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs Announces $50 Million Loan Program to Help Federal Workers During Shutdown
    October 30, 2025
  • Kat Abughazaleh 9th DIstrict Congress 2026 candidate democrat
    Federal Grand Jury in Chicago Indicts Six Individuals on Charges of Impeding Federal Agent Engaged in Immigration Enforcement Operations
    October 30, 2025
  • 05-23-25 Jeffery M. Leving
    Little Girl Rescued from Feared Danger and Reunited with Dad
    October 30, 2025
  • Hastings insurance legislation
    Hastings announces legislation to ensure fair homeowners insurance rates for Illinois families
    October 29, 2025
  • Mahnoor Ahmad campaign photo
    Mahnoor Ahmad runs for DuPage County Board seat
    October 29, 2025
John Kass Columns

Order the book PoweR PR; Ethnic Activists Guide to Strategic Communications

YOUTUBE VIDEOS

CLICK TO SUBSCRIBE TO RAY HANANIA'S YOUTUBE VIDEOS


Click here to view the video on YouTube or use the widget below.

Follow Ray Hanania at
Twitter
Facebook
TitkTok
BlueSky
RayHanania Columns

Creative Commons License
All works on this website is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Do not edit original work. Give credit to the original source.

Categories

Copyright © 2022 Suburban Chicagoland & Urban Strategies Group

Powered by PressBook Premium theme