One of my Colombian friends and I have been known to have long arguments over whether Shakira is Lebanese or Colombian. Of course, she is both — but although she was born and raised in Barranquilla, Colombia and has full albums in Spanish, her signature belly dancing moves are distinctly Lebanese and inspired by the Arabic drum. After all, it’s in her blood — her father was born to Lebanese immigrants in New York City.

Among other notable Lebanese people are actresses Salma Hayek and Marlo Thomas. Rima Fakih was the winner of Miss USA in 2010, and the first Arab-American to win the title. Renowned journalists Octavia Nasser, formerly of CNN, and the late Anthony Shadid, author and correspondent for the New York Times are also of Lebanese descent, with Nasser even getting her start in Lebanon. And of course, two of my favorite political and media figures, Helen Thomas and Ralph Nader, are both of Lebanese descent. [Link]