Arab American event in Flint offers insight through comedy, food and art

posted on: Apr 28, 2015

If the best way to celebrate and teach others about culture is through good food and comedy, then the fourth annual Arab American Art and Film night was a success.

The event, organized by the Arab American Heritage Council, attracted more than 40 people Sunday, April 26, to the Flint Institute of Arts.

“When you can share people’s art, culture and humor, it’s a good way to understand them,” said Jeanette Mansour, board chairwoman of the Arab American Heritage Council. “It’s a softer way to address serious issues.”

One such issue — the misidentification of Arab Americans on the U.S. census form — was addressed by comedian, producer and college professor Amer Zahr.

“We’re Not White,” a documentary written and produced by Zahr and shot mostly in the Detroit area, was screened at the event.

The movie highlights the discrimination Arab Americans face, Zahr said, when they are forced to identify as “white” on census forms.

Zahr said his intention was to educate those who did not know about the issue and convey the importance of it through comedy, expert testimony and “man on the street” interviews.

“The political power of numbers is something we don’t have access to,” he said, asserting that it is a civil rights issue many do not recognize.  “We don’t have the same tools in our toolbox as other minority groups.”

The event also featured two spoken-word poetry performances, a stand-up comedy set by Zahr, a spread of traditional Arabic food and a table of accessories and art pieces from the Arab American National Museum.

The event cost $10 per person, but Mona Sahouri, executive director of the Arab American Heritage Council, said it was not intended as a fundraiser but as an easily accessible opportunity for cultural exposure in the Flint community.

“In post-9/11 America, our job has become more important,” Sahouri said. “We are here to celebrate and promote Arab culture in the Flint community and to take charge in combating racism and stereotypes while promoting inclusion.” 

Source: www.mlive.com