The Arab community in Anaheim’s Little Arabia on Thursday celebrated the unveiling of freeway signs that will lead travelers to the district that is now home to immigrants from across the world.
“This is not just an installation of a sign,” said Rashad Al-Dabbagh, founder and executive director of the Anaheim-based Arab American Civic Council. “It’s a powerful symbol, recognition, pride and the representation that we have fought so hard to achieve.”
Little Arabia in 2022 was officially recognized by the city and earlier this year the City Council unanimously approved putting the signs up. The signs will be installed on the 5 and 91 freeways in the coming days, where millions drive yearly. Little Arabia follows Brookhurst Street in Anaheim from Broadway to Ball Road, west of the 5 Freeway.
Al-Dabbagh said it was a day more than two decades in the making, that took tireless advocacy from the community to get the honor.
The achievement is more than just freeway signs for the community, said Rida Hamida, who lives in the area and advocated for the community’s recognition. She said in a time when anti-Muslim and anti-Arab hate is at its highest, “This is showing that we are being protected and we are being honored for our contributions.”
“It’s recognizing that we belong to the city and that we’re part of the fabric of this city and that we’re not going anywhere,” Hamida said.
Hamida said it is important to honor the small businesses and organizations in the area who worked hard for the recognition of Little Arabia.
There are more than 70 businesses owned by people of Middle Eastern or North African heritage in Little Arabia, according to Sergio Ramirez, the city’s director of economic development.
“Their American dreams have taken root here in Anaheim,” Ramirez said.
Mayor Ashleigh Aitken said the story of Little Arabia is the story of Anaheim — immigrants who came to the city looking for a better life.
“That is how our city was born in 1857,” Aitken said, “and that is how this part of Brookhurst was reborn.”
Aitken said Brookhurst Street “fell behind” with businesses that weren’t good for the community in the 1970s and 1980s. But “that started to change with the first wave of newcomers from Egypt, Lebanon and Palestine” made Anaheim their home, followed by more immigrants from places like Jordan, Syria, Morocco, Iraq, Afghanistan and Northern Africa, she said.
“Along the way, our friends in Little Arabia have a community of bakeries, cafes, restaurants, markets, boutiques and service businesses that are true gems within the city of Anaheim,” Aitken said.
City officials are also considering ways to beautify and enhance Brookhurst Street where the businesses are located. The city hired consultants who presented a report last winter showing bringing more cultural events, branding and safer street designs for cyclists and pedestrians would enhance the corridor.
Councilmember Carlos Leon said Brookhurst is a street of great potential and there’s a need to push forward to enrich the area.
“The signs … are a monument to the profound impact that immigrants have had on our community and your years, decades of advocacy,” Leon said. “In Southern California, there are few greater acknowledgments than a freeway sign.”
