Mayor Neeley supports “Count MENA In” alongside Arab American Heritage Council

Advocates want recognition of Middle Eastern and North African individuals in federal data collection

Now through April 27, the federal government is asking for public comment on a proposed policy that would require all federal agencies to collect data on Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) individuals. Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley supports our local Arab American Heritage Council’s efforts to advocate for this policy through the “Count MENA In” campaign.

Genesee County is home to an estimated 20,000 Arab Americans, but because MENA individuals are currently counted as “white” in federal data collection, the true number is unclear. Advocates like Arab American Heritage Council Executive Director Lucine Jarrah contend that MENA individuals’ lived experiences are distinct, disparate, and deserving of increased attention.

“Under current federal guidance, our communities’ voices and experiences have been made invisible,”
Jarrah said. “Throughout April, and all year long, we hope you will join us in celebrating the history, culture and stories of Arab Americans, as well as advocating for our recognition to improve the health and well-being of our communities.”

The public can submit comments on this policy now through April 27 at bit.ly/supportMENA.

“We want to take full advantage of this opportunity to ensure that the federal government recognizes the specific needs of people of Middle Eastern and North African descent in our community,” Mayor Sheldon Neeley said. “At the local level, this will allow us to see and provide support to marginalized groups in Flint who are currently invisible in the census data. We need accurate data on our community makeup to identify health disparities and conduct research, provide immigrant and language services, and civil rights protection.”

In addition to advocating for policy change, the Arab American Heritage Council is presenting events to celebrate Arab American Heritage Month this April.

The MENA Artist Showcase this Saturday, April 22, 2-5 p.m. at Comma Bookstore & Social Hub will highlight local artists and the role of the arts in telling MENA stories. The store is located at 132 W. Second St. in Flint. In addition, a Fireside Chat with Reda Taleb will take place Saturday, April 29, 2-3:30 p.m. at Totem Books, located at 620 W Court St. in Flint.