Welcoming Remarks by Joseph R. Haiek at the Opening of the
Arab-American History Conference

On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Arab-American Historical Foundation (AAHF), I welcome each one of you for attending and participating in this Arab-American History Conference. Today, we are making history.
There is a large void in the preservation of Arab-American history and this conference will broaden the scope and reinforcement of research, conservation and dissemination of Arab-American historical collections to assist historians, scholars, researchers, the press and the public at large. The history of Arab-Americans is a vital part of the American national history and cultural identity.
In order for the Arab-American past to survive and flourish, it must preserve and disseminate its history and keep the communication lines open and continuously expand to encompass the living and flourishing community within the American society. That is why the AAHF has always strived to promote preservation and dissemination of the fascinating and vigorous past of the Arab-American community. In order for our stories of achievements and contributions to survive and flourish, we must digitally catalogue our history and keep the communication lines open and continuously expand to encompass the living and flourishing community within the American society.
Often Arab-Americans are discriminated against, especially following the tragic events of September 11, 2001, and are not given full recognition as an influential community. By sharing and participating with the rest of the American society, the interests and perspectives of our community will no longer be discounted or ignored. We must wholeheartedly acknowledge and be proud of our historical heritage and cultural identity before we can expect others to respect and recognize our contributions and participation in mainstream America.
It is not enough to blame the media about the misinformation they report about Arab-Americans. It is imperative to boldly challenge the negative stereotypes and biases in the news media. In this age of high technical communication, information dissemination and advancement of digital research, we can achieve productive and well-planned goals to invest and address our children’s cultural destiny. By conserving our history, we present our credentials and express our ongoing commitment to America, while perpetuating the legacy of our Arab cultural history.
The AAHF programs intend to promote preservation and dissemination providing data to access additional resources of historical and reference information about the Arab-American community. These programs will manifest and foster better relations; reinvigorate the development of a wider and deeper awareness for better understanding, social betterment and cooperation among Americans regardless of ethnicity and religious background.
The outcome of this conference will be disseminated through the press, TV-satellite and electronic posting, educational institutions, historical publications and forums.
The ongoing programs of the Arab-American Historical Foundation need your support and encouragement and we welcome your comments and suggestions to assist us in developing and promoting our historical data and resources.
The AAHF is indebted to the panel speakers and the members of the advisory board and various committees who dedicated endless hours to secure a successful conference.

A Message from Dr. Clovis Maksoud:
The following is a quote from Prof. Clovis Maksoud, Director Center for the Global South, American University, Washington, DC, message and was read during the conference luncheon by the Hon. Judge James Kaddo:
This important conference bodes very well for the Arab American community and documents the evolving continuum of this sector of the American mosaic. It brings to the forefront how deeply rooted are Arab Americans in the social fabric of the United States. Arab American history is not only to be recorded, but also to be made. It is in this context that your conference will inevitably prepare the ground for the false perception of the Arabs to be marginalized and thus prepare the ground for their ongoing empowerment. It is in this context that your conference is not an assembly of historians, but is the resumption of the Arab intelligentsia in contributing to making history.
I thank you in advance for the outcome of your deliberation and I salute and appreciate the initiative of Joseph R. Haiek, who has made valuable contributions to make the present and future animated through your scholarly discourse."