To: Delrico J. Loyd, Governmental Operations Committee Chairperson
From: Jerome Threlkeld, Organizational Development Coordinator
title
RE: Approval of resolution recognizing April 2026 as Arab American Heritage Month
recommendation
BOARD ACTION REQUESTED:
Approval of resolution recognizing April 2026 as Arab American Heritage Month
BACKGROUND:
One of Genesee County Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Commission’s goal is to enhance the county’s reputation for being welcoming to all.
DISCUSSION:
Members of the Genesee County Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Commission met with community members to co-curate this resolution being proposed to the Genesee County Board of Commissioners
IMPACT ON HUMAN RESOURCES:
IMPACT ON BUDGET:
IMPACT ON FACILITIES:
IMPACT ON TECHNOLOGY:
CONFORMITY TO COUNTY PRIORITIES:
Inclusive, Collaborative Culture - Members of the Genesee County Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Commission met with community members to co-curate this resolution being proposed to the Genesee County Board of Commissioners.
TO THE HONORABLE CHAIRPERSON AND MEMBERS OF THE GENESEE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS, GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN:
WHEREAS, Arab American Heritage Month is recognized nationally each April as a time to honor and celebrate the rich histories, diverse cultures, and significant contributions of Arab Americans; and
WHEREAS, Genesee County is home to a vibrant Arab and Middle Eastern/North African (MENA) community whose presence has strengthened the cultural, economic, and civic fabric of the region for generations; and
WHEREAS, the Arab American Heritage Council (AAHC), founded in Flint in 1980 by Arab American community members, continues to serve as a trusted, community-rooted anchor organization dedicated to preserving Arab and MENA culture, expanding civic and economic opportunity, and empowering immigrant and refugee families across Greater Flint; and
WHEREAS, the AAHC plays a vital role in helping individuals and families maintain deep cultural roots while building the skills, relationships, and confidence needed to participate fully in civic life; and
WHEREAS, the AAHC provides essential services including immigration support, language access, Know Your Rights education, rapid response advocacy, and connection to critical resources, ensuring that immigrant families in Genesee County are informed, protected, and supported; and
WHEREAS, Arab and MENA community members have contributed significantly to Genesee County and the nation through small business ownership, healthcare, education, manufacturing, public service, and cultural enrichment; and
WHEREAS, the AAHC has played a key role in strengthening advocacy and coalition-building in the Greater Flint region, expanding cultural programming, supporting local artists and storytellers, and partnering with educators to improve representation of Arab and MENA history within local schools; and
WHEREAS, community leaders such as Lucine Jarrah, Muna Sahouri, Lina Azeim, and Devin Bathish have been instrumental in uplifting Arab and MENA communities in Genesee County, advancing cultural preservation, youth empowerment, civic engagement, and cross-community collaboration; and
WHEREAS, Arab American and MENA youth continue to shape the future of Genesee County through leadership development, civic engagement, and community-building efforts supported by the AAHC and its partners.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that this Board of County Commissioner of Genesee County, Michigan, recognizes the importance of celebrating the diversity of our community, uplifting historically underrepresented voices, and honoring the cultural heritage of all residents and proudly recognizes April as Arab American Heritage Month in Genesee County.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Genesee County Clerk is directed to provide one copy of this Resolution to each city, village, and township within Genesee County and to each County Clerk in the State of Michigan.