(Arlington, TX) — For the first time ever, the Arlington Mayor’s Muslim Advisory Council
and the Levitt Arlington are co-hosting a public cultural celebration, happening from 2-6 PM at the Levitt Pavilion in Downtown Arlington on Saturday, March 4 th . (100 W Abram). Admission is free.
Open to the entire community, the family-friendly American Muslim Cultural Celebration will feature live entertainment and marketplace shopping for art, fashion, and international cuisine. The event promises an exciting lineup of music artists, cultural performances (including dancing, musical instruments, a robotics presentation, and more!), Quran recitation, and Asr prayer (Islamic afternoon prayer). Special guest speakers slated to appear are Arlington Mayor Jim Ross, State Representative Salman Bhojani, and Dr. Omar Suleiman, an internationally-noted scholar, author, and civil rights leader.
The event is made possible by support from Zio Al’s Pizza & Pasta (Platinum Sponsor), Just 7 Lube & Auto Repair (Gold Sponsor) and others, including the event co-host organization, Levitt Arlington. A portion of the fundraising proceeds will be donated to US-based humanitarian aid for earthquake victims in Turkey and Syria.
Yaman Subei, who is co-chairing the celebration with Arlington Muslim Advisory Council members Sam Mahrouq and Walid Joulani, said the council created the event to bring together people from all communities, particularly those who may have had limited opportunities to interact with Muslim cultures.
“American Muslims have played a significant role in the community by operating small and large businesses, employing and supporting many families,” said Subei, who is also chair of the Arlington Muslim Advisory Council.
He continued: “For us, the American Dream is real! We often lead in our professions as doctors, counselors, lawyers, engineers, accountants, etc. We are engaged in education and support the community with our donations and in-kind contributions, but we mostly do it under a hidden identity. Unfortunately, we are mostly known to the mass public for a false image extreme radicals have portrayed through media. I hope with this event, we can open up to the greater community, so people get to know us. That’s one of the reasons Mayor Ross created the council— to give an elevated voice and a seat at the table for Muslim community members in Arlington—and we appreciate that.”
Subei said the upcoming celebration is a first for Arlington. “In fact, we’re not aware of any public event in Dallas-Fort Worth that offers this kind of opportunity for non-Muslim community members to experience and enjoy Muslim culture first hand,” he continued. “The event volunteers are planning an exciting showcase and celebration of secular and religious Muslim culture, including amazing cuisine, memorable cultural performances, and inspirational and insightful remarks from our guest speakers. We invite all members of the public to join us at the beautiful Levitt Pavilion for what’s sure to be a wonderful event.”
Added Letatia Teykl, Executive Director for Levitt Arlington: “The Levitt continually fosters culturally rich programming, which is why we jumped at the opportunity to sponsor this celebration of the wonderful multicultural tapestry that makes Arlington unique. We’re looking forward to welcoming guests for this and other community events and genre-diverse concerts during the 2023 season.”
Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets. Food and drink will be available for purchase on site, but coolers are also permitted. (NO GLASS CONTAINERS OR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES ALLOWED.) Parking is free and available on all sides of the Levitt and in public parking lots around downtown. Here’s a map.
To learn more, visit levittpavilionarlington.org/events.
Performers/Participants
Wattan Dabke Group (Palestinian Dabke Dance); Syriana Band (Syrian Arada and Sword Fight); Ahmed Tamr Agha (Nasheed Artist); Mosheer and Basheer (Music Artists); Ayman and Asaad Alshami brothers (Music Artists); Dr. Ghaith Adhami (Poet); Itkan Robotics Team (Robotics Presentation); Imam Mohammed Elhewizy (Quran Recitation); Quran Translation (Morjan Altaweel); Walid Joulani (Co-Chair);
Yaman Subei (Co-Chair).
Guest Speakers
Mayor Jim Ross – Mayor of Arlington
Dr. Omar Suleiman – Muslim scholar, civil rights leader, writer, and public speaker
Salman Bhojani – State Representative
About the Mayor’s Muslim Advisory Council
The Mayor’s Muslim Advisory Council (MAC) comprises members of the Greater Arlington Muslim community. The council has a simple mission – “ To build bridges and foster equality and inclusion for American Muslims in the Greater Arlington community.” The MAC team strives to host community events and be involved in charitable functions to support the city of Arlington and the community. For more information, find us on Instagram @MAC.Arlington or our event Facebook page @American Muslim Cultural Celebration.
ABOUT THE LEVITT
Levitt Pavilion Arlington presents more than 50 free outdoor concerts a year with a broad-based concert calendar of professional musical artists, from world music to jazz and home-grown Texas country to hot Indie artists. The Levitt presents emerging talent and original artists from a range of music genres, many of them Grammy Award winners, as well as local musicians as part of the Levitt’s “Share the Stage” initiative promoting North Texas talent. Ticketed concerts and other special events are also produced by the Levitt Pavilion Arlington. Noted as a signature destination and performing arts centerpiece for
Downtown Arlington, The Levitt plays a significant role in Downtown Arlington’s designation as a Cultural District by the State of Texas and the recent designation as a Music Friendly Community by the Texas Music Office. For more information, visit levittpavilionarlington.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram.