REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Proclamation of American Muslim Appreciation and Awareness Month
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, in 2024, sponsored a measure to recognize the month of April as American Muslim Appreciation and Awareness Month. By celebrating the month in April instead of August, 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.
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 April 8, 2025, City Council meeting, the City of Santa Clara will recognize April 2025 as American Muslim Appreciation and Awareness Month to acknowledge and promote awareness of the invaluable contributions of American Muslims.
Musa Tariq, Policy Coordinator with the Council on American-Islamic Relations-California (CAIR) and a representative from the Muslim Community Association (MCA) will be present to accept the proclamation.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) is a nonprofit, grassroots civil rights and advocacy group. CAIR is America’s largest Islamic civil liberties group, with regional offices nationwide whose mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil liberties, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
The Muslim Community Association (MCA) was incorporated as a non-profit religious organization in 1981. In addition to being open for prayers five times a day, MCA provides educational programs (dawah), outreach and social services, Weekend Islamic School (WIS) programs, Islamic Counseling and Education (ICE), and youth and women’s services. MCA also operates three educational service institutions: Granada Islamic School (K-8), Weekend (Sunday) Islamic School, and Al Arqam School.
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 or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
Staff
Reviewed by: Aimee Escobar, Management Analyst, City Manager’s Office
Approved by: Jovan D. Grogan, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Proclamation of American Muslim Appreciation and Awareness Month