On June 23, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution recognizing the contributions and activism of the Muslim American community and declared July 2020 as Muslim Heritage Month.
This resolution marks the first time the L.A. County Board of Supervisors has issued a month-long recognition of Muslims living and working in L.A. county.
Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas introduced the resolution, citing the celebration of Muslim Heritage will “celebrate and raise awareness of the contributions and rich history of Muslim Americans throughout the nation.”
Additionally, the resolution encouraged Muslim Americans to complete the 2020 United States Census Questionnaire, to ensure equitable distribution of resources.
In recognition of Muslim American Heritage Month, the County Library has provided books, eBooks, and other resources to give kids and adults an opportunity to learn about the Muslim American experience and culture.
An estimated 500,000 American Muslims reside in the Greater Los Angeles area. This historic initiative was sponsored by the Muslim Democratic Club of Southern California, CAIR-LA. Najee Ali, CEO of Project Islamic H.O.P.E, an L.A.-based civil rights activist group, led the effort.