MBN commemorates Arab-American Heritage Month
Alhurra and Radio Sawa celebrated the important role Arab-Americans have played throughout the U.S. during Arab-American Heritage Month, with special programming commemorating the event.
Radio Sawa’s daily Sawa Magazine, hosted a different Arab-American during the month of April to highlight their contribution to society. Profiles included a Lebanese-American lawyer that works on civil rights cases; an Iraqi-American firefighter that was a first responder during 9/11; and a Syrian-American poet who shares her Muslim-American values through her art.
Alhurra’s weekly program Almajalla (Magazine) regularly profiles Arab-Americans. During the month of April, the show created a special series to mark the occasion. One episode looked at Iraqi refugees in Bowling Green, Kentucky, who opened a business to help other refugees in the region get settled and find jobs. Another episode interviewed Lara Halabi, a Lebanese-American who left her 9-to-5 job to pursue a career in her true passion, baking. She is now one of the nation’s top pastry chefs. Syrian-American artist Kevork Murad was profiled in another episode, he expresses his feelings about the tragedy going on in Syria through his art.
The network also aired acquired programming including the 13-part series “Arab-American Stories,” that features Arab-Americans from all walks of life who are having an impact on their communities. Alhurra commissioned the documentary “Arabeekee” which follows hip-hop culture and music between the United States and the Middle East and shares the unique experiences of Arab-American artists.
Each day during Arab-American Heritage Month, Alhurra’s Facebook page honored a different Arab-American, through brief interviews with each of them. People profiled include Rep. Charles Boustany, Jr., (R-LA); Gen. John Abizaid (ret.); restaurateur Chef Philippe Massoud; musician Maisa Karaa; and artist Chaker Alousi.
About MBN
MBN is non-profit corporate media outlet financed by the U.S. government through a grant from U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), an independent federal agency. The USAGM serves as a firewall to protect the professional independence and integrity of the broadcasters.
