American Muslim Appreciation and Awareness Month - CAIR California San Francisco Bay Area

American Muslims have long been a part of the history of the United States and have contributed to the production of wealth and construction of this country, dating back to enslaved Muslim Africans who were kidnapped and brought to the United States under the institution of human chattel enslavement. Estimates range between 15% to 40% of Africans stolen from their homelands were Muslim.

Now, nearly 400 years later, the San Francisco Bay Area has one of the largest Muslim populations in the United States with more than 250,000 Muslims and over 100 diverse mosques, religious centers, and community institutions. American Muslims pursue diverse professions and make rich contributions to the social, cultural, and economic vibrancy and fabric of the United States. They have distinguished themselves by fostering greater respect and understanding among all people through faith and community services. American Muslims have long contributed to the welfare, humanitarian, social justice, and community-building initiatives in the region, through founding grassroots organizations that challenge inequality and center people for community justice.

Nonetheless, American Muslims in California continue to face harassment, assault, and discrimination. In order to cultivate an amiable cultural climate for all residents, it is necessary for our state and cities to embrace the diversity of our communities and afford everyone the opportunity to better understand, recognize, and appreciate the rich history and shared principles of American Muslims. It is appropriate to acknowledge and promote awareness of the myriad of invaluable contributions of American Muslims in California and across the country and extend to them the respect and camaraderie every American deserves. To that effect, City Councils around the region have joined communities throughout the State of California in recognizing the month of August 2020 as American Muslim American Appreciation and Awareness Month.

Here is what to expect this month:

City Resolutions & Proclamations
Political Education Programming
Virtual Library Displays
Book Readings
Recommended Books to Raise Consciousness and Build Power
Community Townhalls

Join us VIRTUALLY at your city council meeting, where the cities will be presenting the Muslim community with a proclamation to commemorate the designation of August as American Muslim Appreciation and Awareness Month! Ceremonies occur within the first few minutes of the council meeting, so be sure to log in on time.

August 25 at 7:00pm: San Ramon Celebration