REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Recognition of American Muslim Appreciation and Awareness Month for 2024
Report
BACKGROUND
In 2016, the California State Legislature proclaimed August as Muslim Appreciation and Awareness Month to respectfully acknowledge the rich history and guiding virtues of Muslim Americans, as well as commend Muslim communities in California for their lasting positive impacts toward the advancement of the nation.
Senator Aisha Wahab sponsored a measure to recognize the month of April as American Muslim Appreciation and Awareness Month. By celebrating the month in April, it falls within the K-12 school year, allowing students from all faiths and backgrounds the opportunity to engage with, commemorate, and further their understanding of American Muslim Appreciation and Awareness Month. Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 133 was officially filed on May 31, 2024 with the California Secretary of State. Due to the legislative cycle, American Muslim Appreciation and Awareness Month would not have been celebrated again until April 2025.
Representatives from the Muslim Community Association (MCA) and the Council on American-Islamic Relations, San Francisco Bay Area (CAIR-SFBA), requested that the proclamation be presented in August of 2024 and going forward in April 2025, as the City has an important role to play in responding to rising hate. In response to continuing Islamophobia, as well as in the spirit of community support, this year the City celebrates American Muslim Appreciation and Awareness month in August, and in 2025 will begin to celebrate the month in April.
The Bay Area has one of the largest Muslim populations in the United States, with nearly 250,000 Muslims and diverse mosques, religious centers, and community institutions. American Muslims continue to make rich contributions to the social, cultural, and economic vibrancy of the Bay Area including Santa Clara. The City of Santa Clara embraces the diversity of its communities and celebrates the opportunity to better understand, recognize, and appreciate the rich history of American Muslims. The City of Santa Clara recognizes American Muslim Appreciation and Awareness Month to affirm the City's continued support and to stand in solidarity with the Muslim community against anti-Muslim rhetoric and violence.
DISCUSSION
At the August 20, 2024 City Council meeting, the City of Santa Clara will recognize August 2024 as American Muslim Appreciation and Awareness Month to acknowledge and promote awareness of the invaluable contributions of American Muslims. Representatives from MCA and CAIR-SFBA will be present to accept the proclamation.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This is an informative report only and no action is being taken by the City Council and no environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") is required
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact to the City other than staff time.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City’s official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall Council Chambers. A complete agenda packet is available on the City’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office at least 72 hours prior to a Regular Meeting and 24 hours prior to a Special Meeting. A hard copy of any agenda report may be requested by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (408) 615-2220, email clerk@santaclaraca.gov <mailto:clerk@santaclaraca.gov> or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
Staff
Reviewed by: Fiona Kirby, Management Analyst, City Manager’s Office
Approved by: Jovan D. Grogan, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Draft Proclamation for American Muslim Appreciation and Awareness Month