Maria Arozamena, Illustrations Editor

Reflecting on the transformative journey of the MENA community at Yale over the past eight years — four as a student and four as an alumnus — I am drawn back to the fall of my freshman year. Entering Yale as the first Yemeni undergraduate in its 320-year history brought a profound sense of responsibility. Representing “Arabia Felix” — the happy land of Arabia, known for millennia by its historic significance — was both an honor and a heavy burden. Many of my fellow Yemeni citizens continue to endure a dire humanitarian crisis amid the country’s prolonged conflict, which at that point deepened my resolve to shatter the stereotypes associated with our beautiful yet misunderstood region.

In September 2016, I was fueled by youthful ambition to complete the audacious goal of orchestrating an undergraduate-led Yale Arab Conference that would eclipse even Harvard’s renowned, annually graduate-driven Arab Weekend. As a newcomer, I stood before the board of the Arab Students Association to propose this ambitious initiative during my election speech to become a first-year liaison. The room erupted in laughter; some board members viewed me as just another first-year student attempting to conquer the world. Yet, this vision was far from a mere flight of fancy — it was the first determined step toward a much greater goal. Initially met with skepticism, this idea became the catalyst for a broader movement that aimed not only to celebrate our cultural heritage but also to secure a tangible, respected space for it at Yale.

My sophomore year, I became co-president of the Arab Students Association, and as we embarked on planning what would become the inaugural Yale Arab Conference titled “‘Amalna’ – Paving the Road Ahead,” my personal stake in our community’s success deepened. I became acutely aware of the disparities in resources available to our group compared to other cultural associations. This realization cemented my commitment to propose the establishment of a MENA Cultural House at Yale — a dedicated space where our voices could be heard and our heritage celebrated. 

Stepping onto the stage of the Yale College Council debate in April 2018, awareness of the MENA region around campus had grown given the massive efforts deployed in the lead-up to our conference that month, elevating expectations. More than just an appeal, my words that day were a declaration of our community’s right to recognition, resonating deeply across campus. This pivotal moment not only garnered support, but also laid the foundational stone for what would eventually lead to the establishment of the MENA Cultural Room at 305 Crown Street just a few months later. 

Arab Students Association Board Meeting | MENA Cultural Room (305 Crown Street) | September 2018

The Yale Arab Conference in April 2018 was far more than just an event; it served as a powerful pronouncement of our community’s presence and a vibrant celebration of our heritage that underscored what we could accomplish together. The momentum from the conference propelled me to address the Yale Council of Representatives in October 2018, fervently advocating for our cause. This speech set the stage for the formation of the MENA Students Association, which championed two crucial causes: advocating for the recognition of a separate MENA racial category and establishing a MENA Cultural House.

Another related ambitious project centered on acquiring the Luther building at 27 High Street, where I resided during my senior year. Positioned strategically among three cultural houses, my vision as Founder and President of the MENA Students Association was to transform that space into what could become the MENA Cultural Center at Yale. I planned to independently raise a fund of donors to purchase the property from Pike International, its landlord, compelling Yale to acknowledge it as our official cultural space. When I proposed this to former Dean of Yale College Marvin Chun, he responded with a shrug, seemingly overwhelmed by my relentless pursuit of MENA visibility in every interaction. I took his nonchalant gesture as tacit approval: “Proceed as you see fit; we won’t obstruct you.” The project was building momentum, on the verge of becoming a decisive transformation for MENA representation at Yale, when the COVID-19 pandemic abruptly halted our plans in March 2020.

In June 2023, I met with President Salovey at The Savoy Hotel in London during a Yale for Humanity Campaign event. Serving as a board member for both this campaign and the Yale Alumni Fund, I assertively advocated for the establishment of a cultural center, underscoring its necessity as a vital bridge for diverse thoughts and perspectives, particularly crucial amid the escalating regional tensions that preceded the climax of Oct. 7. President Salovey promised me to take decisive action before the year’s end. His commitment became public in early December, coinciding with my strategic trip to the region aimed at engaging potential donors. President Salovey’s public affirmation of Yale’s dedication to a MENA space and appointing full-time staff to enhance MENA life on campus was not just a promise but a definitive signal of Yale’s resolve to enrich its cultural landscape and acknowledge the vibrant contributions of its MENA students.

One of the bright rooms in the new MENA cultural suite in 305 Crown Street | September 2024

Today, as we celebrate the official recognition of MENA as a separate racial category at Yale, the unveiling of the newly renovated MENA Cultural Suite and the appointment of an associate director of the MENA Cultural Community at Yale, these milestones transcend mere achievements; they symbolize the culmination of years of relentless advocacy and concerted community effort. From no designated space to a single room at 305 Crown Street, to two rooms at the Asian American Cultural Center, and now an expansive suite back at 305 Crown Street, each step has been a stride towards our ultimate goal: the establishment of a full-fledged MENA Cultural House. 

Each new experience has enriched the future of our MENA Cultural House, much like the layers of color that vivify a painting. The journey of our cultural house mirrors a vibrant shady mosaic — a dynamic work of art in progress to which we all continuously contribute, enhancing its depth and beauty with every shared experience and breakthrough.

Serving as an Alumni Chair of the MENA Students Association, I am honored to continue nurturing the seeds we initially planted. The unwavering support from our diverse community, including students, faculty, mentors, alumni, World Fellows, university administrators and New Haven neighbors, has been crucial to our progress. While we take a moment to celebrate these significant accomplishments, we recognize that our journey is far from complete.

I am immensely proud of the robust roots and flourishing branches that our community has cultivated over the years. Our narrative — from a bold vision sparked by a freshman’s ambition to a vibrant cultural movement — mirrors the growth of a sapling into a majestic oak. Similar to a mighty oak that begins as a humble acorn, the strength of our community is rooted in our unity, shared vision, and steadfast commitment to one another. Here’s to the ongoing growth of our community as we reach new heights, building upon the solid foundation we have laid together.

SHADY M. QUBATY