From making hummus to meeting the mayor, North Atlanta’s Arabic Culture Club has truly done it all. Once or twice a month, room 11147 goes from an Arabic classroom to a cultural haven. North Atlanta’s very own Jihan Hasan, the only Arabic teacher in all of Atlanta Public Schools, believes that Arabic culture is far more than just the language—it’s the food, the music, the clothes, and so much more. Since beginning last year, the club has grown exponentially and continues to foster students’ curiosity and appreciation surrounding the global Arabic culture and community.
The club is sponsored by Jihan Hasan, North Atlanta’s one and only Arabic teacher. Through her sponsorship of the Arabic Culture Club, Hasan wishes to share her true culture with students, helping them explore the Arab world beyond vocabulary quizzes and grammar assignments. She believes that the key to keeping students engaged in learning a new language is to truly feel it, to fully understand the culture. “To be able to come together and know more about the culture,” she said, “it helps them accept each other.”
The Arabic Culture Club doesn’t just teach Warriors about Arabic tradition; it immerses them in it. When holidays roll around, room 11147 turns into more than just a classroom. Club members work together to decorate with various banners and posters, giving the windowless room plenty of light. They hold special meetings for significant holidays, such as Ramadan or Eid. Last year, several club members attended the Eid celebration at the Atlanta Mayor’s office with Mayor Andre Dickins. Sophomore Yusuf Saadi was one of the students to participate in the event. “We got to meet Mayor Dickins and a lot of prominent figures in Atlanta’s Arabic community,” he said.
Arabic culture goes far beyond holidays and celebrations; it is also about connection and understanding. Club president Leen El Akkaoui wants to ensure that club members get a real taste of Arabic culture—and not just that of hummus. She wants members to remain interested and wishes to share her culture and traditions. El Akkaoui hopes to see the club continue to grow, gathering more members with an interest in various cultures. “I want to show people the true nature and character of Arabs,” she said, “that my culture and traditions can be shared with others so they can enjoy it the same way that I do.”
As the Arabic Culture Club begins its sophomore year, it continues to teach Warriors about a culture much closer than we think. What was once a small group has quickly blossomed to become a lively space of tradition and learning, where students discover just how much we all have in common. From learning the language to tasting the food and singing the songs, the club has truly immersed students in Arabic culture, creating connections that travel far beyond the 11 stories of North Atlanta.
