September 24, 2024
City Council
DATE: September 24, 2024
TO: Members of the City Council
FROM:
Council Member Soheila Bana and Mayor Eduardo
Martinez
Subject:
Proclamation recognizing August as American Muslim
Appreciation and Awareness as designated by the State
of California
FINANCIAL IMPACT: No financial impact in recognizing the proclamation
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
April 4, 2023- Proclamation
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
Proclamation recognizing August as American Muslim
Appreciation and Awareness as designated by the State
of California
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
PROCLAMATION recognizing the month of August as
American Muslim Appreciation and Awareness Month as
designated by the State of California, and commending
Muslim communities in California for the positive impacts they have made towards the advancement of our city and
country. Councilmember Soheila Bana (510-620-6743)
and Mayor Eduardo Martinez (510-620-6503)
AGENDA
REPORT
September 24, 2024
DISCUSSION:
Enriched by the unparalleled diversity of its residents, the City of Richmond takes great pride in supporting individual religious freedoms and is strengthened by the many varied religious, political, and cultural traditions and contributions of its diverse populations, including those that practice Islam.
The history of Islam in this country dates to before its founding, originating with enslaved Africans who brought their Muslim beliefs with them to the Americas and who later contributed in numerous ways to the founding of the nation, and there are today millions of American Muslims, both immigrant and native born, of diverse backgrounds and beliefs. Approximately 1,000,000 American Muslims currently reside in California, the highest number of any state in the United States. Over 30,000 Muslims live in Contra Costa County, and make innumerable contributions to the cultural, political, and economic fabric and well-being of California and the United States.
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.
The City of Richmond’s mosques have played a pivotal role in supporting members of the Muslim community and others in this city. Masjid Al-Rahman, founded in 1995, which hosts weekly congregational prayers for over 300 attendees and conducts food bank distribution twice a week for the Richmond community, regardless of faith.
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.
We must 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.
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
Attachment – Proclamation