Anaheim Proclaims June as Muslim Heritage Month
On Tuesday, June 12th the Anaheim City Council unanimously passed a proclamation to recognize June 2018 as Muslim Heritage Month.
For decades, thousands of residents in Anaheim have been practicing the faith of Islam and positively contributing to the city's civic, economic, educational, political, and social spheres.
The proclamation from the council sought to commend the invaluable contributions the Muslim community has made and continues to make towards the advancement of the city and to encourage the mutual respect of Anaheim's diversity.
"We hope this historic resolution will serve to expand the bridge between Muslims and the greater Anaheim community and provide an opportunity to learn of the numerous past contributions they have made to the city as well as the impact of their current efforts," said Ojaala Ahmad, the project's founder.
MsOjaala Ahmad who serves as Anaheim City's Housing and Community Development Commissioner is one of the first Muslims and Pakistani Americans to serve as a public official in Orange County, CA. She collaborated with the council staff to work on the proclamation draft to be introduced by the city council.
This year, the month of June consisted of the second half of Ramadan and EidulFitr. Muslims are more visible and active during this time, engaging in acts of charity, hosting community iftars and coming together to celebrate Eid - making it an ideal time for this recognition.
Prominent community leaders being honored with the proclamation for their service to Anaheim were Shaykh Mustafa Umar, IIOC Imam and Founder of California Islamic University, Shaykh Mohammed Faqih, IIOC Imam and activist, ArifMansuri, President, PL Publications (publishers of Pakistan Link/Urdu Link and producer ARY Mansuri Show), Al Jabbar, Anaheim Union School District Board of Trustee and the first Muslim elected official in OC, and MarwaThabet, the first Arabic language teacher in the Anaheim Union High School District.
After the vote was passed on the June 12th meeting, the Anaheim Mayor and City Council officially presented the proclamation on Tuesday, June 19th.
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