CITY OF FRESNO
Office of Councilmember Annalisa Perea
WH EREAS, Sikhs have been living in the United States for more than 100 years. Sikhism is the world’s fifth largest religion with more than thirty million adherents worldwide and an estimated 500,000 Sikh Americans. The Sikh community is important to California’s diversity, with more than 25% of Sikh Americans living in the Great State of California; and
WH EREAS, Fresno has become a cultural center for Sikhism with a large and vibrant community. The 2020 U.S. census put the Sikh population in Fresno County at approximately 70,000. Members of the Sikh community have contributed greatly to our community in diverse sectors including business, education, medicine and health; and
WH EREAS, members of the Sikh faith have established several organizations that serve the Fresno community, including the Sikh Women’s Organization of Central California, the Jakara Movement, and the Sikh Institute Fresno, among others.
These organizations expand access to essential services such as health care, rental assistance, and food distributions -meeting critical needs and helping build a more inclusive and resilient community; and
WH EREAS, the year 2025 marks the 556th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism and the first of ten Sikh Gurus. Sikhs across the world commemorate this important occasion, known as Guru Nanak’s Gurpurab, as a time of reflection and celebration. Sikhs also honor Vaisakhi on April 14th, a historically significant day marking the birth of the Khalsa and affirming the Sikh commitment to equality and community service; and
WH EREAS, Sikh-Americans distinguish themselves by fostering respect among all people, guided by the three key pillars of Sikhism—Kirat Karni (honest living), Vand Chhakna (sharing with others), and Naam Japna (remembrance of God).
These core principles are not only central to their faith but are also clearly reflected in the impactful work they do within the community. Whether through health care access, rental assistance, or combating food insecurity, their s ervice embodies these values, strengthening the social fabric of Fresno; and
WH EREAS, the City of Fresno reaffirms its commitment to honoring diversity and inclusivity by recognizing the enduring contributions, history, and values of Sikh Americans. In doing so, we deepen our shared understanding and promote unity among all residents of Fresno.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that we, Councilmember Annalisa Perea, Mayor Jerry P. Dyer, and the Fresno City Councilmembers, do hereby proclaim the month of April 2025 to be:
“Sikh Heritage Month”
in the City of Fresno.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, we have hereunto set our hands and affixed the Great Seal of the City of Fresno, California, on this 24th day of April 2025.
___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ JERRY P. DYER, Honorable Mayor ANNALISA PEREA, Councilmember District 1
___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ MIKE KARBASSI, Council President District 2 MIGUEL ARIAS, Council Vice President District 3
_______________________________________________ ___________________________________________ TYLER MAXWELL, Councilmember District 4 BRANDON VANG, Councilmember District 5
_____________________________________________ ___________________________________________ NICK RICHARDSON, Councilmember District 6 NELSON ESPARZA, Councilmember District 7