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2024 Southwest Asian & North African American | Arab American Heritage Month
April marks the annual Southwest Asian and North African (SWANA) Heritage Month and Arab American Heritage Month. SWANA is a decolonial and geographical term that represents the various communities located in Southwest Asia and North Africa. SWANA includes Arabs and the term has been adopted to be more inclusive of SWANA communities that may not identify as Arab. The purpose of the heritage month is to increase awareness about the vibrant history, cultures, experiences, contributions, and resiliency of the SWANA community.
Most people may be more familiar with Arab American Heritage Month. In 2022, Congress, the U.S. Department of State, and most state governors issued proclamations commemorating National Arab American Heritage Month. The purpose Arab American Heritage Month is to confront bigotry and negative stereotypes against Arab Americans in this country. The San Diego Public Library recognizes and celebrates the rich and complicated identities, cultures, and histories of SWANA and Arab American communities in our region.
Children’s Programs
Create-it Thursday: Ramadan Moon & Stars Craft
Thursday, April 4, 2024 | 4 p.m. - 4:45 p.m. | Skyline Hills Library, Children's Nook
We're celebrating and exploring Ramadan! Join us and create a crescent moon and stars craft to celebrate Ramadan! This is a family-friendly event. Crafts every Thursday at 4 p.m. Registration required.
SWANA Celebration Lantern
- Monday, April 11, 2024 | 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. | Ocean Beach Library
- Wednesday, April 24, 2024 | 4 p.m. - 5 p.m. | Scripps Miramar Ranch Library
- Monday, April 25, 2024 | 4 - 5 p.m. | University Community Library
Join us for a fun and engaging SWANA Celebration Lantern Craft Program. Participants will have the opportunity to make a beautiful celebration lantern and learn all about Ramadan and the people that celebrate it. Registration required.
Adult Programs
SWANA Celebration Lantern (Ages 18+)
Monday, April 22, 2024 | 6 - 7:30 p.m. | Rancho Penasquitos Library
Join us for a fun and engaging SWANA Celebration Lantern Craft Program. Participants will have the opportunity to make a beautiful celebration lantern and learn all about Ramadan and the people that celebrate it. Registration required.
Movie Screening: Caramel (2007)
Friday, April 26, 2024 | 2 - 4 p.m. | North University Community Library
Caramel (2008), directed by Nadine Labaki (run time 96 minutes). Nominated for a Cannes Film Festival Caméra d'Or (best first feature film nomination), Caramel is a romantic comedy that focuses on the daily lives of five Lebanese women living in Beirut.
Video
Cooking Around the World | Persian Mulberry Candies
Cooking Around the World features staff members sharing recipes from their diverse backgrounds. Youth Services Librarian Linda Dami, goes over some basic staples of the Persian kitchen such as how to bloom saffron and where to get ingredients, Persian New Year and how to make a Persian marzipan candy shaped like mulberries, called toot.
