Madison Reporter

MENA Heritage Month at the University of Wisconsin–Madison celebrated the vibrant cultures of the Middle Eastern North African (MENA) region, highlighting the experiences of MENA-identifying individuals both on campus and beyond. The 2024 theme, “MENA in the Modern World,” explored the evolving and influential nature of the collective cultures of the region.

Dana Tabaza, an engineering and data science student and MENA programming intern, expressed the importance of recognizing and celebrating the MENA community, stating, “Putting on the first MENAHM [since 2018] last year showed me truly how much our community deserves to be recognized and celebrated. This year’s heritage month is a testament of keeping this mission alive.”

The MENA Heritage Month Planning Collective, consisting of UW–Madison students, organized and led the 2024 MENAHM programming with the support of the Multicultural Student Center.

Events throughout the month included "Night at the Bazaar," featuring cultural clothing, live music, regional food, and activities like henna and calligraphy. The month also saw initiatives like Relief for Refugees, where care packages were assembled to support local refugee families, and the MENA Craft Cafe, providing students with a platform to express themselves through art.

The highlight of the month was the keynote address by Palestinian-American Aminah Musa, co-founder of the fashion company PaliRoots. Musa shared insights on weaving Palestinian stories into fashion, showcasing the intersection of culture and creativity.

Wrapping up the celebrations, "A Thousand and One Nights" provided a space for students to engage in historical games and connect over shared cultural heritage.

The dedication and efforts of the MENA Heritage Month Planning Collective, along with the support of various student organizations, ensured a successful and meaningful celebration of MENA heritage at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.