III.2. Proclamation Recognizing Arab American Heritage Month in Hopkins; Imihy
CITY OF HOPKINS
City Council Report 2025-051
To: Honorable Mayor and Council Members
Mike Mornson, City Manager
From: Laila Imihy, AICP, Special Projects and Initiatives Manager
Date: April 1, 2025
Subject: Proclamation Recognizing Arab American Heritage Month
_____________________________________________________________________
RECOMMENDED ACTION
MOTION TO Adopt a Proclamation recognizing April as Arab American Heritage Month
in Hopkins.
OVERVIEW
Arab American Heritage Month (AAHM) has been officially recognized in April since 2021,
with more informal celebrations dating back to the 1990s.
AAHM is a celebration of people who trace their family roots back to Arabic-speaking
countries and their history since arriving in the United States. It is a chance for greater
understanding and education against misinformation and stereotypes, as well as an
opportunity to appreciate the contributions made by Arabic people to our community.
Tonight, in dedication to true inclusion, Hopkins staff wishes to recognize Arab American
Heritage Month as a celebration of our diverse and welcoming residents and visitors.
SUPPORTING INFORMATION
• Proclamation Recognizing April as Arab American Heritage Month
Administration
A Proclamation Recognizing Arab American
Heritage Month
WHEREAS, Arab American Heritage celebrations have been observed since the 1990s
with the official designation of April as Arab American Heritage Month at the national level
coming in 2021; and
WHEREAS, Arab Americans can trace their ancestry back to Arabic-speaking countries
of the Middle East and North Africa; and
WHEREAS, the story of Arabic people in America has been written over 170 years and
includes innumerable stories of hard work, community-building, dedication to family and
faith, and success in every area of society; and
WHEREAS, the celebration of Arab American Heritage Month provides an opportunity for
education in the face of stereotypes, misconceptions, and barriers to equal treatment;
and
WHEREAS, the City of Hopkins is fortunate to be made better and more diverse with the
inclusion of its Arab American residents and visitors and wishes to embrace the unique
cultural contributions they make; and
NOW THEREFORE, I, Patrick Hanlon, Mayor of the City of Hopkins in the State of
Minnesota, along with my fellow Council Members, recognize, adopt, and proclaim April
as a celebration of Arab American Heritage Month and invite all residents to learn more
about and reflect upon the history of our Arab American neighbors.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set
my hand and caused the Seal of the City of
Hopkins, Minnesota to be affixed this 1st day of
April in the year 2025.
__________________________________________
Patrick Hanlon, Mayor