University of Wisconsin-Madison
03/31/2025 | News release | Distributed by Public on 03/31/2025 07:39
All roads lead to tradition: MENA Heritage Month explores the community’s homelands and histories
Each March, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, celebrates MENA Heritage Month-a time for the campus community to recognize the vibrant cultures of the Middle Eastern North African (MENA) region. This year, the MENA Heritage Month Planning Collective chose to explore the paths and traditions that have shaped the identities of the MENA region through the theme, "Roots and Routes: Tracing Homelands and Histories."
The many senses of MENA were on display at the first two events of the month. On Feb. 28, "Night on the Caravan Trail" explored various ancient cities of the MENA region. Attendees "traveled" to booths, each representing a different ancient city where they enjoyed food and activities such as henna, button making and jewelry making. Then, on Mar. 10, "Scents of MENA: Sip and Smell" highlighted the flavors and fragrances of the MENA community. The immersive event highlighted the art of perfume-making and the craft of blending essential oils to create unique fragrances that captured the essence of these vibrant cultures.
"Night on the Caravan Trail" welcomed people of all ages as they explored different ancient cities' booths set up during the event.
A student looks through her "passport" after stopping at the different cities on display at the event.
Nabila Maow patiently sits as her hand is adorned with henna at the Babylon city booth.
Students posed for a photo in their cultural attire, which was encouraged to all attendees.
Students take a pause from their coffee, served at the "Sip and Smell" event, to pose for a group photo.
Students mixed Middle Eastern essential oils to create their own perfumes and colognes at "Scents of MENA: Sip and Smell." Here, students show off their unique blends.
At the community service event "Little Hands, Big Hearts," held on Mar. 13, MENA Heritage Month continued its second year of partnership with Jewish Social Services of Madison (JSS) to help support the local refugee community. Attendees created care packages for refugee children and their families observing Ramadan. Participants gathered to assemble boxes of toys for Eid and write personal messages of support for more than 100 children. They also put together 42 food kits for their families. At the event, JSS representatives talked about their organization's mission and services. After all 142 boxes were filled, JSS distributed them to refugee families in Dane County.
MENAHM Planning Collective member Mariam Lubbad displays the toys boxed up in the kids' care packages that made their way to 100 children across the Madison area.
Participants show off their wrapping abilities after the Eid gifts and care packages were boxed up.
MENAHM Planning Collective member Rhita Rich ensures the care packages are securely sealed before behind handed off to participants for wrapping and decorating. Behind her, stacks of already decorated boxes are ready to be distributed.
Stand-up comedian, actor, and writer Emil Wakim was this year's MENA Heritage Month keynote speaker. On Mar. 18, he performed a 30-minute stand-up routine in Memorial Union's Play Circle Theater. His entertaining set was followed by a moderated Q&A.
Emil Wakim, a member of the cast of Saturday Night Live, took a moment to sign the event poster featuring his face and bio. He joined the comedy show during its milestone 50th season as the first Lebanese-American cast member.
Wakim is in his element as he delivers an entertaining comedy set to the audience.
MENHM Chair Lina Raouf interviews Wakim during the moderated Q&A.
Wakim takes a few moments after his comedy set and the moderated Q&A to talk with students who attended the keynote event.
Wakim joins students for a selfie during the post-event meet and greet at Memorial Union.
The final event of the month, "Qamaria: A Night of Timeless Traditions," brought students together for a lively Family Feud-style competition. Attendees competed on teams to answer questions about culture, traditions and more. After, students had a chance to connect over classic board games, Minute-to-Win-It, and other activities
Students buzzed to answer a question asked during a Family Feud-style game.
MENAHM Planning Collective member Miriam Yunus smiles after pressing her game competition buzzer.
MENAHM Planning Collective member Dannah Altiti engages with the MC's of the lively game.
The collective, made up of UW-Madison students, planned and led the 2025 MENA Heritage Month programming with support from the Multicultural Student Center.
The MENA Heritage Month Planning Collective takes a moment to gather for a group photo in recognition of their work over the month.
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