Joseph R. Haiek, Arab American Awarded 2011 Ellis Island Medal of Honor

posted on: May 25, 2011

Each year since 1986, the National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations (NECO) – whose mission is to honor its diverse past, to advocate for positive change in the present, and to build strong leaders for the future. The Ellis Island Medals of Honor annually pays tribute to the ancestry groups that comprise America’s unique cultural mosaic.

The Medals were presented on Ellis Island, in a dramatic ceremony, to American citizens of diverse origins for their outstanding contributions to their communities, their nation and the world. Past Ellis Island Medal of Honor recipients include six Presidents of the United States, Nobel Prize winners, athletes, leaders of industry, artists and others whose work has made a lasting impact on humanity. The Ellis Island Medal of Honor ranks among the nation’s most prestigious awards. The U.S. Senate and House of Representatives have officially recognized the Ellis Island Medals of Honor, and each year the recipients are listed in the Congressional Record. To date, more than 1,800 American citizens have received Ellis Island Medals of Honor.

Joseph R. Haiek founded the News Circle Publishing House in Los Angeles in June 1972. Since then he has been publishing the Arab American Affairs Magazine and the Arab American Almanac series of 6 editions. The Almanac 6th edition, 608 pages, was published late 2010 and sponsored by the Arab American Historical Foundation which was also founded by Haiek. The main purpose of the Almanac series is to broaden the reach and availability of pertinent and accurate reference information about Arab Americans; perpetuate the history of Arab American culture; present its achievements and contributions; raise awareness and enhance better understanding by reaching educators, scholars, researchers, universities, libraries, the media/press and the public at large. “The Arab American history and culture are a vital, although largely unacknowledged aspect of America’s cultural identity. It is our task to weave the Arab history and culture into the American cultural tapestry,” Haiek said.

The Arab American Almanac, 6th edition may be ordered through http://www.arabamericanhistory.org/
To assist in distributing the Arab American Almanac to major libraries, universities and the press, send your tax-deductible donations made to the Arab American Historical Foundation, and mail to P.O. Box 291159, Los Angeles, CA 90029 or http://www.arabamericanhistory.org/

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