The San Francisco Bay Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-SFBA) welcomed the city of Santa Clara’s recognition of August 2023 as American Muslim Appreciation and Awareness Month.
For the eighth year in a row, California has designated August as American Muslim Appreciation and Awareness Month. The city of Santa Clara commemorated this designation with a proclamation during its August 22 city council meeting.
SEE: California Legislature House Resolution 52
In its proclamation, the city celebrated the contributions of the more than 60,000 Muslims living in Santa Clara County, specifically praising the:
- Muslim Community Association (MCA) for its school, counseling, senior, and community wellness programs.
- Muslim American Society Bay Area Chapter for its community, interfaith, youth, and civic engagement services.
- CAIR-SFBA for its legal clinics, anti-hate training, social justice webinars, and candidate forums.
- Support Life Foundation for its partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank and MCA to help feed at-risk communities.
In a statement, CAIR-SFBA Executive Director Zahra Billoo said:
“CAIR-SFBA deeply appreciates the continued recognition of the diverse and invaluable achievements of American Muslims, whose dedication and contributions continue to shape the city of Santa Clara, California, and the nation. This proclamation helps to highlight our shared values and humanity and is a welcome acknowledgment.”
Samer Darwish, President of MCA, added:
“American Muslim Appreciation and Awareness Month embodies the spirit of inclusion and dialogue and underscores the remarkable impact that diverse cultures and beliefs have on our local community, state, and nation. By promoting understanding and awareness, we pave the way for a future built on unity, cooperation, empathy, and mutual respect. The Muslim community sincerely appreciates the recognition given this month by Santa Clara and the state.”
