Draft Proclamation
City of SantaClara
WHEREAS, Sikh Americans have been living in the United States for more than 1 25 years; during the early 20 th century, thousands of Sikh Americans worked in farming, lumber mills and mines, and on the Oregon, Pacific, and Eastern Railroad; and
WHEREAS, the first Sikh place of worship in the United S tates was founded in 1912 in Stockton, California, and currently the largest population of Sikh Americans reside in California; and
WHEREAS, the complementary aspects of oneness and love are core theological precepts of the Sikh tradition, with a ll Sikhs expected to serve humanity while also cultivating their own spirituality, committed to establishing a more just and equitable world; and
WHEREAS, On August 30, 2023, the California Legislature passed Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 100, which designates the month of November 2023 as California’s Sikh American Awareness and Appreciation Month; and
WHEREAS, Sikh Americans make rich contributions to the social, cultural, and economic vibrancy of our society; Sikh Americans have distinguished themselves by fostering greater respect and understanding among all people through faith and service; and
WHEREAS, the City of Santa Clara seeks to further the diversity of its community, and afford all residents the opportunity to better understand, recognize, and appreciate the rich history and shared experiences of Sikh Americans; and
WHEREAS, the faithful service of the Sikh American community to our city, state, and country merits appreciation as an integral thread in the fabric of American plurality ;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, LISA M. GILLMOR, by virtue of the authority vested i n me as Mayor, and on behalf of the entire City Council, do hereby proc laim the month of November 2023 as
Sikh American Awareness and Appreciation Month
in the City of Santa Clara and do hereby recognize the rich history, cultural diversity, and significant contributions made by Sikh Americans to the City and in our community.
Given under my hand and the Seal of the City of Santa Clara, California, this 7th day of November 2023.
LISA M. GILLMOR
MAYOR
City of Santa Clara
Proclamation