(SACRAMENTO, CA, 8/24/2022) – The California chapter of the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR-CA) today welcomed House Resolution 130 (HR 130) authored by Assemblymember Bill Quirk (D-Hayward) to recognize the month of August 2022 as American Muslim Appreciation and Awareness Month.
HR 130 has been recognized by Sacramento for the past seven years. The resolution highlights the diversity of Muslims in California and the positive impact they make on the community. A few of the organizations named in this year’s resolution include For The People Task Force, Uplift Charity, and Islamic Relief USA. These organizations play an integral role in first-responder efforts, such as assisting new Afghan arrivals, conducting food drives during the ongoing pandemic, hosting mobile COVID-19 vaccine clinics, and providing essential resources for low-income families.
While addressing the floor, Assemblymember Bill Quirk (D-Hayward) said:
“AMERICAN MUSLIMS SERVED AS CALIFORNIA’S EDUCATORS, SCIENTISTS, BUSINESS OWNERS, LEGAL PROFESSIONALS, DOCTORS, ENGINEERS, TEACHERS, FARMERS, CIVIL RIGHTS LEADERS, HUMANITARIANS, AND ATHLETES.
“THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS EXTEND NATIONALLY AND GLOBALLY, AND I WANT TO THANK THE SPEAKER FOR THIS YEAR APPOINTING A MUSLIM CHAPLAIN FOR THIS TERM. IT SHOWS THAT WE ARE OPENING UP TO THE WHOLE WORLD.
“ADDITIONALLY, AS WE CONTINUE TO FACE THIS PANDEMIC THAT HAS PLAGUED US, FOR THE PAST TWO AND A HALF YEARS, WE ARE THANKFUL FOR THE ROLE THAT THE MUSLIM AMERICAN COMMUNITY IN CALIFORNIA PLAYS IN PROVIDING ASSISTANCE AND AID TO LESSEN THE IMPACT OF THE PANDEMIC ON WORKING-CLASS CALIFORNIANS OF ALL BACKGROUNDS.”
Assemblymember Quirk also emphasized the importance of standing in solidarity with the Muslim community and the vital role that diverse communities play in making California and the United States a better place to work and live.
In a statement, CAIR-CA Chief Executive Officer Hussam Ayloush said:
“WE WOULD LIKE TO EXTEND OUR SINCEREST GRATITUDE TO ASSEMBLY MEMBER QUIRK AND THE STATE ASSEMBLY FOR THEIR RECOGNITION OF THE MUSLIM COMMUNITY IN CALIFORNIA. THIS RESOLUTION AND SIMILAR EFFORTS HAPPENING THROUGHOUT THE MONTH OF AUGUST AMPLIFY THE IMPACT AND CONTRIBUTIONS OF MUSLIMS TO OUR STATE. IT WAS AN HONOR TO WORK WITH DR. QUIRK TO RECOGNIZE 16 ORGANIZATIONS THAT CONTINUE TO MAKE A MAJOR IMPACT THROUGH PANDEMIC RESPONSE, FOOD ASSISTANCE, IMMIGRANT, AND REFUGEE SERVICES, AND SO MANY OTHER IMPORTANT INITIATIVES THAT EMPOWER CALIFORNIANS OF ALL BACKGROUNDS. WE WILL CONTINUE TO WORK WITH THE MUSLIM COMMUNITY AND OUR ELECTED OFFICIALS TO PUSH FORWARD POSITIVE CHANGE THROUGHOUT CALIFORNIA.”
CAIR-CA is a chapter of CAIR, America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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