Arabs first settled in Chicagoland in the mid-19th century, when immigrants from all parts of the world were flowing steadily into the U.S. As tensions in the Arab world flared, immigration increased—the first to arrive were Lebanese Christians, followed by Muslim Palestinians. Today, there are more than 250,000 Arabs in the Chicago area, with equal numbers of Christians and Muslims. A part of the fabric of Chicago, Arabs serve in many roles, from business leaders to elected officials to judges, doctors, engineers, journalists, and more. In the wake of the tragedy of September 11, 2001, Arab Americans have come under great scrutiny and have suffered much misunderstanding. Now, this book, which explores their integral role in Chicagoland's growth, is especially important.
Author Ray Hanania is an award-winning Chicago journalist, author, and humorist. His writings on growing up Arab in America in the 1980s opened an important door to understanding. Hanania has archived Arab community history in writings and in photographs, many coming from his experience as publisher of two English-language Arab newspapers, the Middle Eastern Voice (1975–1977) and the Arab American View (1999–2002).