REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Proclaim August 2021 as American Muslim Appreciation and Awareness Month
Report
BACKGROUND
In August 2016, the California State Assembly adopted House Resolution (HR) 59, designating August as American Muslim Appreciation and Awareness Month in California.
American Muslim Appreciation and Awareness Month is celebrated each August to honor generations of American Muslims for their many social, cultural, and economic contributions to California, and to recognize the lasting positive impact they have made toward the advancement of our state and country. American Muslims have long been a part of the history of the United States and have contributed to the production of wealth and construction in our country.
Since 2016, the City of Santa Clara (City) has recognized August as 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 attitudes, as well as to recognize their rich history, cultural traditions, and significant contributions that have strengthened the Santa Clara community.
Santa Clara is home to numerous Muslim community, philanthropic, civil rights, and humanitarian organizations, including the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), Muslim Community Association (MCA), Helping Hand for Relief and Development, Khalil Center, Islamic Circle of North America, and Muslim American Society. The San Francisco Bay Area has one of the largest Muslim populations in the United States with nearly 250,000 Muslims and over 80 mosques and religious centers. The San Francisco Bay Area chapter (CAIR-SFBA) is the oldest CAIR chapter in the country. CAIR-SFBA was established in 1994 as a unique kind of Muslim organization that would work to uphold civil rights of American Muslims, foster a better understanding of the Islamic faith and its followers, and help find avenues for Muslims to integrate more fully into the b...
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