Each April, the United States celebrates the country’s Arab-American heritage. Some of the best known Arab-Americans include quarterback Doug Flutie, activist Ralph Nadar, and performers such as Paula Abdul, Shakira and Selma Hayek. Here are just a couple well-known Arab Americans from the state of Ohio:
Mary Rose Oakar
Mary Rose Oakar has consistently strived to represent the best interests not only of her fellow Arab Americans, but of all Ohioans. Not only was Mary Rose Oaker one of only a few Arab American members of the United States House of Representatives, but she is also the first Democratic woman from the state of Ohio to have achieved this position. Oakar has also served in the Ohio House of Representatives. Currently, Oakar is the president of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee.
Jamie Farr
Toledo-born Jamie Farr is best known for his career as an actor in the television sitcom M*A*S*H*. His character, Corporal Maxwell Klinger, frequently dressed in women’s clothing in an attempt to convince people that he was crazy. His character was known to love Toledo’s minor league baseball team and Tony Packo’s hot dogs, also from Toledo. He was also involved in a number of other projects including films such as: Blackboard Jungle, No Time for Sergeants, The Greatest Story Ever Told and For Love or Money. Other television appearances include guest visits to the Dick Van Dyke Show and panelist work on several television game shows.
For more information on famous and influential Arab-Americans in this country, visit:
http://www.aaiusa.org/arab-americans/23/famous-arab-americans
