On April 19, the new Arab Caucus held a heritage celebration at the North Carolina Democratic Party headquarters. Friday evening at Raleigh's Goodwin House featured lots of keffiyehs, laughing children, Palestinian food, elected officials, and calls for justice in foreign policy.
The "Arab Heritage Celebration" was the Arab Caucus' first event, and brought together around eighty people. Attendees were mostly Arab Americans but also included friends of the community, elected officials, and candidates for office. The caucus timed the event for April, which is Arab American Heritage Month.
Members of the relatively new caucus, like civil rights lawyer Reem Subei, said they had long been involved in Democratic politics but were galvanized to join the group due to the growing need for collective advocacy in the local Arab American community. When the Arab Caucus was approved by the North Carolina Democratic Party in February 2024, Subei was elected as its first president.
Arab Caucus leaders pose for a photo. Subei is second from the right.
“Our caucus stands as a testament to the collective voice and strength of the Arab community in North Carolina,” said Subei. “Together, we are committed to building a more inclusive democracy, advocating for our community's interests, and supporting Arab Democrats in their pursuit of public office.”
A Palestinian chef catered the event with trays of musakhan rolls, mini-pizzas, and a few types of fatayer. Attendees wore many kinds of traditional Arab clothing including keffiyehs and red-and-black thobes. A mannikin in the foyer of the Goodwin House wore a Palestinian wedding dress.
Image credit: Big Bite Kitchen
One of the main topics of discussion at the Goodwin House was the current political nightmare faced by progressive Arab Americans. There was unanimous fury at U.S. support for Israel’s war in Gaza and deep anger at the top-level Democrats who are complicit. Many caucus members, like secretary Ziyad Habash, joined the new group to channel the community’s response in a constructive direction.
“There is a risk that the Arab community refuses to engage in formal politics, or worse, that a significant number turn to the right-wing to punish the Administration. We don’t want to let that happen.”
Six elected officials and candidates for office came to Friday's event, including Durham County Commissioner Nida Allam, Congressional candidate Frank Pierce, and state representative Maria Cervania.
Raleigh City Council member Mary Black introduces a ceasefire resolution in March 2024. Image credit: Youtube account of City of Raleigh
Raleigh City Council member Mary Black also attended the Arab Heritage Celebration and got a warm welcome because of her efforts to pass a ceasefire resolution in Raleigh. During her brief remarks, Black joked that it was a happy coincidence she’d worn green, a color often used to show support for Palestine.
“I am supportive of this monumental caucus because it comes at a time when we need more voices from the Arab community informing politics,” said Black, “There’s a famous quote that says, if you’re not at the table then you’re on the menu. As a black American whose ancestors had to fight for every single freedom owed to us, I believe that to be true.”
Moving forward from its first event, the Arab Caucus plans to continue pressing for a ceasefire in Gaza. In addition to anti-war work, the group said it will work on protecting U.S. democracy, advocacy for community interests, and supporting Arab Democrats running for office.