Assembly Resolution No. 320 BY: M. of A. Simotas MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim April 2019, as Arab-American Heritage Month in the State of New York WHEREAS, April is recognized by the United States Congress as Arab-American Heritage Month; and WHEREAS, It is estimated that nearly 2 million Arab-Americans live in the United States, 400,000 of whom call New York State home; and WHEREAS, Arabs have made significant contributions to the advancements of Algebra, Trigonometry, Astronomy, Engineering and Physics; and WHEREAS, Since their migration to the United States, individuals of Arab descent have made important contributions to the growth of the United States in various fields; and WHEREAS, Individuals of Arab descent have long served our nation in public office as cabinet appointees, members of Congress, United States Senators and in state and local governments; and WHEREAS, Arab-Americans have used their culture, traditions, work ethic and commitment to education and diversity in faith as tools to strengthen communities across New York State; and WHEREAS, History has shown that Arab-Americans have long been subjected to bigotry through hate crimes and hate speech; and WHEREAS, Increasing education and public awareness is crucial to combatting instances of civil rights abuse, hatred and racism towards Arab-Americans; and WHEREAS, Arab-Americans have contributed greatly to the success and growth of this great Empire State; and therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim April 2019, as Arab-American Heritage Month in the State of New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New York.