Growing Arab community in Rockford attracts new businesses and families

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) —

Hussain Adbul, who owns Amolka Coffee House, 753 Highgrove Place at Perryville Crossings, said he had a desire to share his Yemeni culture with the Rockford community while connecting to a growing Arab population in the Forest City.

“I have noticed recently that there is people moving here from other cities, such as Chicago, that find that the values for the Arab community in this area has been expanding. You know, I’m from the area and kind of witnessing and seeing it in person. Every year, we’re constantly seeing growth,” Abdul said.

Mustafa Abdall, President of the Greater Rockford Arab Chamber of Commerce, said there are more Arab-American owned-businesses coming soon, like the recently announced Donut Disturb bakery, or the grocery store and townhouse development behind Forest Plaza, on South Mulford Road.

“I can tell you that we have 300 to 500 families moving to Rockford. All of them are doctors and business owners because of the safe, safe and welcoming community. It is a very successful example, how Rockford forges a very unique, diverse city,” Abdall said.

With Arab-American Heritage Month in full swing, the Arab Chamber says it wants to reach out and showcase its culture.

“I feel like my community [doesn’t] know a lot about Arab culture. They might see these [anti-Israel] protests going around, and they just see like, maybe that’s the only things that stick to their mind about my community, unfortunately,” Abdul said. “But there’s a lot more interest in my community here. If somebody were to try to put time to tour, learn something new, when you see them coming back, you know that you do something right because they’re coming back for that same drink. And I just feel like, I feel like I did something right. You know, it’s not often you feel like you do stuff right in life, you know? But this is one of those moments in my life. I feel like I did something right.”

The Arab Chamber is also hosting the first ever Arab Heritage Festival on April 26th, at 2510 S. Alpine Road, with food trucks, dancing, and live music.