Doha: Qatar National Library (QNL) will inaugurate the exhibition “Arab Immigrants in the US: Pursuing the American Dream” with a virtual discussion on December 22. This event is part of the celebration of Qatar-USA Year of Culture 2021.
Minister of State and Qatar National Library President, H E Dr. Hamad Bin Abdulaziz Al Kawari said: “Arab immigration to America is one of the largest diasporas in history, reflecting the successful integration of the two regions over the years. This exhibition offers a deeper understanding of the literary work inspired by the movement, its cultural aspects and the role of the Arab press in the US during the 19th century.
“We believe our community will learn more about the journey some of their ancestors embarked on, their struggle and how they successfully established their presence and identity in American society through hard work and commitment. The legacy of Arab American heritage lives on today through the works of authors available in our Library. We hope the exhibition will inspire members to explore a movement that is an integral part of both Arab and American history.”
QNL Collection Access Head, Maryam Al Mutawa, disclosed: “This exhibition celebrates the Qatar-USA Year of Culture and will educate our communities about the socio-economic, political and cultural aspects of the diaspora and Arab American literature. The exhibition highlights how the Arab community was able to adapt to its new society while preserving its culture and literature, and showcases the enriching impact of Arab literature on its American counterpart.
It will also shed light on the distinct phases of the diaspora from the early 19th century until around 1965, highlighting the evolution of Arab society in the US over the given period.”
Speakers for the online session include North Carolina State University History Professor and Khayrallah Center of Lebanese Diaspora Studies Director, Dr. Akram Khater; Center for South Asian and Middle Eastern Studies Director and University of Illinois Comparative Literature and English Professor, Dr. Wail Hassan; and Arab American novelist, Laila Lalami who will explore the journey of Arab immigrants who began moving to the US in the early 19th century.
The three waves of the mentioned movement primarily included Arabs from Syria and Lebanon. The exhibition also explores the causes of immigration and the conditions of the first migrants during inclusion and adaptation. The “Arab Immigrants in the US: Pursuing the American Dream” exhibit will run until March 17, 2022 and is open to the public.
