An accessible, intimate look at the oft-neglected history of Arab
Americans in Greater Indianapolis who have made a remarkable impact on
the region since the late 1800s.
From establishing local businesses to working in the fields of health
care and education, Arab Americans have made indelible contributions to
the cultural vitality, economic growth, and social fabric of central
Indiana. Arab Indianapolis features the stories of Arab
Americans--some famous, some not--who have shaped the Capital City's
past and will continue to define its future. It details a history hidden
in plain sight, one sometimes buried beneath Indianapolis's most iconic
landmarks such as Lucas Oil Stadium, Monument Circle, the Indiana War
Memorials, the Governor's Residence, and Riverside Park. Highlights
include:
- Helen Corey, the first Arab American to hold statewide elected office
and the author of one of the most famous books on Syrian cuisine
- Jeff George, a Syrian American from the region who went on to play
quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts
- The Syrian Christian community and the building of St. George Orthodox
Church
- Indianapolis's connection to St. Jude Children's Hospital
- Governor Mitch Daniels, Indiana governor and grandson to Syrian
immigrants
Through short essays, over eighty beautiful photographs, interviews, and
even a few recipes, this collection embraces the full humanity of Arab
Americans in the Midwest. It will give you a deeper sense of the myriad
lives of Arab-descended Hoosiers who call Indianapolis home.
Arab Indianapolis is an indispensable resource for anyone looking to
know the full story of how Arab Americans continue to shape one of the
Midwest's most iconic cities.
