Arab American National Museum to Host Podcast Series

Why do some Muslim American women cover their heads, while others do not? In what ways did the events of Sept. 11, 2001 affect the Arab American community? How do groundbreaking research and plain old-fashioned legwork combine to create a major new exhibition focused on issues of democracy, defense, diplomacy and public service?

The answers to these and other intriguing questions can be heard on a series of eight free podcasts being released by the via iTunes U every two weeks, beginning Tuesday, Jan. 24.

“This podcast series is designed to keep listeners up to speed on contemporary issues affecting the Arab American community and by extension, the greater American community,” says Janice Freij, the museum’s curator of education. "It’s our hope that people all over the world–both Arabs and non-Arabs–will be informed and enlightened by these podcasts.”

The podcasts will remain on the AANM’s iTunes U page permanently, along with offerings such as oral histories and video of museum events. iTunes U is the provider of free content from educational and cultural institutions on the iTunes Store website.

The AANM’s iTunes U page can be accessed by clicking on the iTunes logo on the Online Activities page at www.arabamericanmuseum.org; or by clicking on iTunes U at the top of the iTunes home page and searching for “Arab American National Museum.” Free iTunes software is required to access the podcasts and other content.

AANM Podcast Schedule

Jan. 24: 10 Things You Should Know about Arab Americans

So, you think you’re an expert on Arab Americans, one of the most diverse ethnic groups in the U.S.? Test your knowledge with this podcast featuring the 10 most interesting facts that everyone should know about Arab Americans, presented by AANM Educators David Serio and Salam Makki. (10 mins.)

Feb. 7: Patriots & Peacemakers Introduction + Interview #1

AANM Educators Candice Haddad and Nama Khalil introduce listeners to the current AANM exhibition Patriots & Peacemakers: Arab Americans in Service to Our Country, while veteran Sam Hazo of Pittsburgh, Penn. discusses his experiences as a Marines captain in the Korean War, and how he now uses the spoken word to express his feelings about war. (13 mins.)

Feb. 21: Patriots & Peacemakers Interview #2

Another one of the dozens of personal stories presented in Patriots & Peacemakers is that of Nura Suleiman of Bethesda, Maryland. She describes her life-changing experience as a Peace Corps volunteer in the African nation of Cameroon from 2007-09 to Educator Candice Haddad. (9 mins.)

March 6: Patriots & Peacemakers Interview #3

Guest curator Joan Mandell of Royal Oak, Michigan spent the better part of a year crisscrossing the country, collecting stories, images and artifacts from Arab Americans for the current exhibition Patriots & Peacemakers: Arab Americans in Service to Our Country. Here, Mandell shares some of her fascinating tales and insights from the road with AANM’s Curator of Education Janice Freij.  (17 mins.)

March 20: Meaning Behind the Headscarf

You may have heard it called hijab–the modest style of dress adopted by many Muslim women around the world, including here in the U.S. Why do some Muslim women cover their heads with scarves? Why don’t all Muslim women cover? AANM Educators Salam Makki and David Serio explore the topic with Zahra Huber, a local Muslim American woman and Detroit-area broadcast professional. (19 mins.)

April 3: 9/11 and the Arab American Community – Part 1

Like all Americans, Arab Americans will never forget the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001. Yet in its aftermath, Arab Americans, unlike other Americans, experienced increased surveillance, verbal abuse and other negative effects.  Sociologist Dr. Louise Cainkar, author of Homeland Insecurity: The Arab American and Muslim American Experience After 9/11, explores the topic with AANM Educator Lindsay Robillard. (19 mins.

April 17: 9/11 and the Arab American Community – Part 2

Educator Lindsay Robillard speaks with Dr. Salah Hassan, an English professor at Michigan State University, about his personal and professional post-9/11 experiences and 9/11’s effect on the greater Arab and Muslim communities in the U.S. Hassan also discusses Islam, Muslims and Journalism Education, a project of the Muslim Studies and Journalism programs at MSU. (20 mins.)

May 1: Arab and Arab American Women

Women of Arab descent here in the U.S. and in Arab World nations are leaving their mark on their communities, countries and even the world, in eye-opening and substantive ways. AANM Curator of Education Janice Freij and Educator Sonya Kassis introduce listeners to this diverse and fascinating group. (8 mins.)