To recognize Arab American Heritage Month, we’re highlighting Hadiya Altimimi, a student studying psychology here at Schoolcraft College.
Hadiya Altimimi remembers feeling the impact putting on a hijab for the first time.
The Schoolcraft College student studying psychology said putting on the head covering — which is typically worn by Muslim women — did not lead to a major impact early on as a child, but attitudes changed as she got older.
“It didn’t start from the beginning; it started more during my teen years,” she said. “People judged me and expected me to act a certain way based off my hijab and clothing.”
Altimimi is just one of many students, faculty and staff at Schoolcraft College observing Arab American Heritage Month, which takes place throughout April. First observed nationally in 2021, the month celebrates Arab American heritage and culture, as well as the contributions made by Arab Americans.
Some of the cultural impacts her culture have made on Altimimi include one that takes place the evening before a wedding: henna parties, a celebration to honor the man and woman getting married the next day.
“I’d have to say that my favorite tradition would have to be the henna parties that the ladies do right before a bride is to be married,” she said. “It’s s a women-only gathering and they do traditional dances with close people.”
These types of events showcase the best of Arab American culture, Altimimi said, which includes the incredible social scene and commitment to looking after one another that exists in the community.
“One culture aspect that is very important to me as well as other Arabs keeping this culture alive would have to be connections,” she said. “Most Arabs love to share, connect, socialize. Whether that’s giving a neighbor a plate of your food from dinner or moving something destructive out of the road.”
Schoolcraft College invites all to attend an event to celebrate Arab American Heritage Month. Come learn about the Arabic Language, alphabet, calligraphy, craft and more from Presenter Professor Raed Khalil. The event takes place from 2:30 – 4 p.m. April 28 in Room 200 of the Liberal Arts Building.