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1		HOUSE RESOLUTION
2		WHEREAS, It is appropriate and right to celebrate the
3		diversity of cultures and heritages, as such celebrations
4		serve as a reminder that, despite our differing backgrounds,
5		everyone in Illinois is bound by a common hope for a better and
6		more inclusive future for our children; and
7		WHEREAS, The Arab American community has a long and
8		integral history in the United States; and
9		WHEREAS, Men and women of Arab descent have shared their
10		rich culture, strong work ethic, and dedication to education,
11		while embracing the American spirit of opportunity and helping
12		build a better State and nation for all; and
13		WHEREAS, For over a century, Arab Americans have been
14		making valuable contributions to every aspect of American
15		society, including medicine, law, business, technology,
16		government, and culture; and
17		WHEREAS, The history of Arab Americans in American life
18		often remains neglected and has been riddled with
19		misunderstanding and bigotry; and
20		WHEREAS, People of Middle Eastern descent began migrating

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1		to the United States in significant numbers in the 1800s;
2		today, it is estimated that the current population of Arab
3		Americans is approximately four million people; therefore, be
4		it
5		RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE
6		HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that
7		we declare the month of April 2023 as Arab American Heritage
8		Month in the State of Illinois; and be it further
9		RESOLVED, That we recognize and celebrate the
10		contributions to cultural diversity, economic growth, and the
11		overall development of our State and nation made by the Arab
12		American community; and be it further
13		RESOLVED, That we encourage all Illinoisans and their
14		families to learn about and celebrate the contributions of
15		Arab Americans to Illinois and the United States.