APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY
___________________________
CITY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
OAKLAND CITY COUNCIL
RESOLUTION NO. _______________ C.M.S.
INTRODUCED BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT NIKKI FORTUNATO BAS
RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER 2024 AS
AMERICAN MUSLIM APPRECIATION AND AWARENESS MONTH
WHEREAS, Freedom of religion holds the distincti on as a cherished right and a fundamental value upon which the law and ethics of the United States are based; and WHEREAS, American Muslims are part of United States’ history and have contributed to the production of wealth and construction of this country, dating back to the enslavement of Muslim Africans who were kidnapped and brought to the United States under the institution of human chattel enslavement; and
WHEREAS, American Muslims have long contributed to the welfare, humanitarian, social justice, and community-building initiatives through founding grassroots organizations that challenge inequality and center people for community justice while continuously facing harassment and discrimination; and
WHEREAS, over 90,000 Muslims live in Alameda County and make innumerable cultural, political, social, and economic contributions; and
WHEREAS, in 2023, the Council on American-Islamic Relations received 607 complaints of hate crimes or hate incidents, a 419% increase from the previous year, and over 8,000 complaints total, the highest-ever in its 30-year history;
WHEREAS, Oakland has a diverse and thriving Muslim community with numerous Muslim-owned businesses and mosques that make positive contributions to the city and cater to the spiritual and social needs through religious and community services; and WHEREAS, Oakland is home to several ethnically diverse mosques, in cluding the Islamic Cultural Center of Northern California (ICCNC) , Masjid Al-Islam, Lighthouse Mosque, Masjid Waritheen, Oakland Islamic Center, and Masjidul Muhajireen. These mosques have a strong tradition and history of giving back to the community, and have embodied Islamic principles of community service and helping their neighbors in need, regardless of race, religion or color; and
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WHEREAS, in 2023, the California State Assembly passed Senate Concurrent Resolution 133, recognizing August as Muslim Appreciation and Awareness Month;
WHEREAS the city council acknowledges the importance of local government in advocating for peace and justice, understanding that Muslims everywhere deserve to live in peace and safety;
WHEREAS, it is appropriate to acknowledge and promote awareness of the myriads of invaluable contributions of American Muslims in California and across the country and extend to them the respect and camaraderie every American deserves; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED: That the City of Oakland does hereby recognizes September of 2024 as American Muslim Appreciation and Awareness Month and commends all Muslim communities for the lasting impact they have made toward the advancement of our city and country.
IN COUNCIL, OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA,
PASSED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES - FIFE, GALLO, JENKINS, KALB, KAPLAN, RAMACHANDRAN, REID, AND PRESIDENT FORTUNATO BAS NOES –
ABSENT –
ABSTENTION –
ATTEST:
ASHA REED
City Clerk and Clerk of the Council of the City of
Oakland, California