In April, BUSD celebrates Arab American & South Asian, Southwest Asian, North African (SSWANA) Heritage Month, lifting up and honoring the contributions of Arab Americans and SSWANA Americans in our school community, our extended communities, and our country.
Dear Berkeley Unified Community,
In April, we continue our commitment to equity and inclusion by recognizing Arab American & South Asian, Southwest Asian, and North African (SSWANA) Heritage Month across Berkeley Unified. This month is an opportunity to honor the histories, cultures, and contributions of Arab American and SSWANA communities that are an essential part of who we are as a district. These communities are not monolithic. They reflect the richness and breadth of diverse languages, cultures, histories, and contributions that strengthen our schools and our broader community.
Recognized nationally in 2021, Arab American Heritage Month reflects a growing acknowledgment of the impact and contributions of Arab American communities across the country. Here in Berkeley, we take this time not only to celebrate, but to deepen understanding, expand representation, and ensure our learning environments reflect the full identities of our students.
I encourage you to visit our district resource page, which includes grade-level reading lists, family guides, and instructional materials designed to support meaningful engagement and learning throughout the month.
At BUSD, we take pride in our diversity and remain committed to ensuring our schools reflect the dignity, identities, and experiences of every student we serve.
Our commitment requires action and responsibility. It means ensuring that our schools are places where every student feels seen, valued, and safe, where our classrooms reflect the dignity and humanity of all people, and standing against Islamophobia and all forms of hate.
I am grateful for the ways our school communities uplift this heritage not only in April, but throughout the year.
السلام عليكم
As-salaam alaikum.
Peace be upon you.
In Community,
Enikia Ford Morthel
Reading Lists
These reading lists, organized by grade level, represent books published in the last five years that are devoted to celebrating, representing, and affirming Arab American and SSWANA heritage, and celebrating the invaluable contributions of our Arab American and SSWANA community. Every school library will receive copies of some of the newest books on the lists.
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Family Resources
2025-26 Family Guide for AASSWANA Heritage Month BUSD (Arab)[/ezcol_1third_end]
Educator Resources
This TK-8 Teaching Guide was compiled by BUSD’s Ethnic Studies TSA in collaboration with the Professional Development Team.
Lifting Up Arab American and SSWANA Staff Voices
In celebration of our Arab American and SSWANA community, BUSD continues our “Lifting Up Arab American and SSWANA Staff Voices,” campaign to share our Arab American and SSWANA staff’s narratives with our students and community by creating posters featuring their stories and experiences. These posters will be displayed at schools, work sites, on the BUSD website, and in district publications. Sharing these narratives with our students will allow them to deepen connections with Arab American and SSWANA staff across the district.
Please click on each image to see a full-sized poster.
Nagat Alwasim
Rebekka Dagher
Najla Aldhaheri, Khadeja Obad, and Dhekra Mohammed
Corey Wade
Najat Houweidi
Christina Harb
Other Resources
Supporting Arab American Students in the Classroom
