The New York State Senate

K320

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.