SAN FRANCISCO (Diya TV) — The California State Assembly voted Monday to pass a resolution that will officially recognize August 2016 as Muslim Appreciation and Awareness Month.
It arrives at a time of ever-increasing anti-Muslim rhetoric, to arecent civil rights report compiled by the California chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations.
The resolution, named HR-59, was introduced by Assemblyman Bill Quirk in June after he was approached by a community activist on the subject. It was officially passed on Aug. 1 with bipartisan support.
HR 59 to recognize August as Muslim Appreciation & Awareness Month passes w bi-partisan support! pic.twitter.com/oKFLp7H9Je
— Bill Quirk (@AsmBillQuirk) August 1, 2016
“Muslim Americans have made contributions to education, science, entertainment and medicine both nationally and globally,” Quirk said afterward. “Unfortunately, the Muslim community has been, and continues to be, the target of harassment, discrimination and assaults.”
He added, “It is appropriate to acknowledge and promote awareness of the myriad invaluable contributions of Muslim Americans in California and across the country, and extend to them the respect and camaraderie every American deserves.”
Basim Elkarra, Executive Director of CAIR-Sacramento Valley, called the passing of the resolution a day of hope for Muslim-Americans all over the country. He explained that Muslims contribute vast amounts of to the diversity of the U.S. and the state of California, carrying various roles throughout the state as engineers, doctors, law enforcement and more.
“Muslims participate in every facet of life in California and for them to be appreciated for their contributions … it’s very hopeful for the community when the community is under siege in this election cycle,” Elkarra said.
CAIR- SF exec director @ZahraBilloo speaking at Muslim Appreciation &Awareness month celebration #CanYouHearUsNow pic.twitter.com/M9Lc8ElxkA
— CAIR Sacramento Valley/Central California (@cairsvcc) August 1, 2016