Welcome. I'm mighty glad you're here.

I am Karim Shamsi-Basha—a Syrian American writer, photojournalist and occasional stand-up comedian. I created Arab in Alabama to share stories about identity, family, culture, food and the occasional head-scratching moments that happen when an Arab from Damascus spends four decades in the Deep South.

You'll find reflection, storytelling and humor, along with a pinch of mischief. Some stories will make you smile, others may make you think, and a few might leave you grateful to call this beautifully complicated corner of the world home.

This newsletter is a place to explore the past that shaped us, the challenges that teach us and the laughter that helps us carry on. These are stories where jasmine meets magnolias, where family recipes share space with family reckonings, where roots meet red clay and where humor often softens the sharp edges of belonging. In short, they will make us celebrate our shared humanity.

Pull up a chair and stay awhile. The coffee's on, the stories are warm and there's always room for one more at the table.