Dear DPS Community,
Since 2019, the United States has recognized Arab American Heritage Month in April as a way to honor and celebrate the impact of Arab Americans on our nation’s society and culture. Arab Americans are a crucial part of our school communities.
Approximately 3.7 million people make up the Arab American community in the U.S. In Colorado, over 42,000 people trace their roots to Arab ancestry, mostly from Somalia, Iraq, Sudan, Morocco and Jordan. Denver county alone reports nearly 7,200 people have Arab origins, with over 3,000 households reporting Arabic as their spoken language at home in 2019.
Recognizing Arab American Heritage Month is just one way to celebrate the rich heritage and numerous contributions of Arab Americans to our world. Together, we can foster a sense of pride and belonging among Arab American individuals and communities while dispelling negative stereotypes and biases and promoting positive representation.
I encourage you to embrace this learning opportunity in your classrooms and communities such as incorporating a short activity introducing students to the Arabic language and alphabet, highlighting how Arabic calligraphy is also considered an art form. Stay tuned to DPS social media (including my X and Instagram) and the DPS newsletters to learn more about Arab American history, culture, achievements and challenges while building a more inclusive and cohesive school community.
In collaboration,
Dr. Alex Marrero
Superintendent