COLLEGES HOST EVENTS ON ARAB, MIDDLE EAST CULTURE

Grossmont and Cuyamaca colleges have scheduled multiple events in April — widely recognized as National Arab American Heritage Month — to celebrate the cultures, contributions and history of Arab and Middle Eastern communities. All events are free and open to the public.

At Grossmont College (8800 Grossmont College Drive, El Cajon):

• Monday: Henna: A Presentation and Application, Griffin Gate, 2:30-4:30 p.m.

• Thursday: Arabic Calligraphy, a presentation on the six main patterns, with a demonstration by Ayman Karkhy, a master calligrapher; Griffin Gate in Building 60, 12:30-2:30 p.m.

• Thursday: Debka (Arabic folk dance) and light lunch; Main Quad, 2:30-4 p.m.

• April 18: Arabic American Artists Panel featuring Lebanese painter Doris Bittar, Palestinian photographer Haneen Oreiqat, and others. The paintings and photographs of panelists will be on display at the Hyde Art Gallery; Griffin Gate, 1:30-3 p.m.

• April 18-April 30: Arabic American Artwork and Photography, Hyde Art Gallery in the Performing and Visual Arts Center.

• April 20: Famous Arabic American Women. Students will dress up and discuss famous Arabic American women; Performing and Visual Arts Center, 2:30-4 p.m.

• April 21: “Amreeka.” This 2009 independent film reflects the difficulties Iraqi, Syrian and other refugees encounter in their new lives in the United States; Performing and Visual Arts Center, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

• April 21: Tea Gathering, a replication of the Arab custom of gathering for relaxation and chatting over a cup of tea; Career Center, Building 60, 1-2 p.m.

• April 25: Sham El-nessim Celebration marking the start of spring, and a national Egyptian holiday celebrated the Monday after Coptic Orthodox Easter; Building 55-523, 11 a.m.-noon.

• April 27: Arabic Music Concert presented in two parts, first with Farhad Bahrami, adjunct music instructor and his Middle Eastern Ensemble students, and second, with singer Antoine Caspari; Performing and Visual Arts Center, 3-5 p.m.

At Cuyamaca College (900 Rancho San Diego Parkway, El Cajon): Except for in-person events Thursday and April 23, all events are virtual, with links posted at https:// bit.ly/3djzi2t listing Culture and Community Circle Workshops:

• Thursday: Colorful Messages from the East. Arabic instructor Aklas Sheai leads a group of Cuyamaca College Middle Eastern students presenting their talent on social and cultural experiences through art; Sam Ciccati Performing Arts Center Lobby in Building B, 1-2 p.m.

• April 19: Cultural Diversity in the Middle East. Dr. Shak Hanish will discuss the diversities of the Arab world, such as identity, ecological diversity, regional and local ethnic diversity, religion, family and class; 6-7 p.m.

• April 20: Middle Eastern Ethnic Identities: Statistically Invisible in America. Discussion on Middle Eastern ethnic identities, what these identities are, who decides them, and kinship of ethno-linguistic groups; 9:30-10:30 a.m.

• April 20: Middle Eastern Stereotypes and Sensitivities. Dr. Elissa Haddad will examine the cultural differences and similarities between Middle Eastern and Western cultures; 11 a.m.-noon.

• April 20: Open Mic. Share your work or interests by taking the mic or just drop in to listen or make new friends; 1-2 p.m.

• April 21: Social Justice and Activism Through Citizen Diplomacy. This workshop will focus on citizen diplomacy in Palestine; 9:30-10:45 a.m.

• April 23: Chaldean Nation: Past and Present. The Rev. Michael Bazzi will discuss a newly published book and provide books to all attendees; Student Center, I-207, I-208 and I-209, 10-11 a.m.