Arab Heritage Month Insight
Arab American Heritage Month celebrates the history, achievements, contributions and diverse culture of Arab Americans. Yara Abdin, MS, RVT, RDMS, sonographer, Department of Neurology, HMH, and member of the Arab Heritage employee resource group (ERG), shares her insight into the significance of the month.
“This month means celebrating the contributions of Arabs in American society, while expanding knowledge of the richness of our experience and influence to non-Arabs. Despite the multifaceted differences that are present in the Arab American community, this heritage month is a reminder of the similarities that unite us.
“From the immigrant to the first generation and beyond, our stories are ones of hope, disappointment, struggle and love. Stories of wanting to be accepted, while wanting to reclaim our identity. Stories of perseverance in the face of systemic problems. For those of us who are gifted with the certainty of heritage, the recognition received this month fosters pride in our community.
“For me, this month serves as a reminder to advocate for representation, to support Arab American-owned businesses, and to explore the work of Arab Americans.”
Dr. William Zoghbi to Speak at Arab Heritage Month Event
The Arab Heritage ERG recognizes Arab American Heritage Month by hosting a virtual discussion highlighting the career of Houston Methodist physician Dr. William Zoghbi on Wednesday, April 19 from noon to 1 p.m. Zoghbi will recall his journey from Lebanon to the U.S. and share his story of resilience. Click HERE to join. Contact Arabheritage@houstonmethodist.org for more information.
MOMs ERG Hosts Parenting Conference
The Moms of Methodist ERG invites you to half-day It Takes a Village Conference on Friday, April 14 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Josie Roberts Building. A panel of Houston Methodist leaders will share their motherhood experiences and workshops will feature information on resources available to help mothers along their parenting journey. Membership in the ERG is not required for participation. Click HERE to register. For more information, contact MomsofMethodist@houstonmethodist.org.
Remembering Jackie Robinson
Each year on April 15, Major League Baseball (MLB) celebrates the date in 1947 on which the Brooklyn Dodgers’ Jackie Robinson became the first African American MLB player in the modern era.
Since 2004, Jackie Robinson Day has been commemorated at all MLB ballparks by having all players, coaches and managers and umpires don Robinson’s uniform number 42.
Houston Astros Manager Dusty Baker, in article published on MLB.com, said, “I’ve kept every Jackie Robinson Day jersey that we’ve had. It means a lot to me.”
Born on January 31, 1919 in Cairo, Georgia and raised in Pasadena, CA, Robinson was an outstanding all-around athlete, starring in football, basketball, track and field and baseball at UCLA.
While playing for the Kansas City Monarchs of the Negro Leagues in 1945, Robinson caught the attention of Dodgers General Manager Branch Rickey, who was intent on breaking the league’s color barrier. Following his 1947 debut, Robinson went on to enjoy a dazzling career, despite constant racially driven animosity and hostility from a large swath of fans, players on opposing teams and some teammates.
After retiring from baseball in 1957, Robinson embarked on a second chapter as a business and civil rights activist. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962 and died of a heart attack in 1972 at age 53. The Jackie Robinson Foundation was established in 1973 and continues to provide educational opportunities for students of color.
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