CA Recognizes August as Muslim Appreciation Month
As California goes, so goes the nation.
On August 1st, California’s State Assembly passed H.R. 59 officially marking August 2016 as Muslim Appreciation Month . Introduced by Assemblymember Bill Quirk, the resolution is meant to “acknowledge and promote the myriad invaluable contributions of Muslim Americans and extend to them the respect and camaraderie every American deserves.”
This is the first time a state has set aside a month for the recognition of Muslims and Islam. H.R. 59 will bring to light the crucial contributions that Muslims have made to American society.
The passage of H.R. 59 comes at a time when many American Muslims are experiencing bigotry, hatred, and discrimination. This sense of being part of the fabric of America leads to increased political engagement and political engagement turns into a greater political presence and visibility.
Although anti-Muslim rhetoric and attitudes have spiked during the 2016 presidential campaign cycle, it is important for us to celebrate moments like these that encourage a greater understanding of Muslims and Islam . We should celebrate moments like Khizr and Ghazala Khan on stage at the Democratic National Convention where they spoke about their son who sacrificed his life for this country in the Iraq War. We should celebrate moments like millions of American Muslims watching Ibtihaj Muhammad , the first American athlete to wear a hijab, participate in the Rio Olympics. We should celebrate moments like the incredible victory of Ilhan Omar , a hijab-wearing Somali-American, who received the most votes in the District 60B primary race for Minnesota State House. These are the times when we should reflect on our achievements and continue our work moving into the future.
When California takes action, the entire nation watches. Other states should take notice and pass their own Muslim appreciation months, and celebrate all threads of our American fabric. The success of California’s passage of this historic resolution is a reminder that American Muslims need to engage and participate in all levels of government: local, state and federal.
It is essential that we continue to establish ourselves as part of American pluralism. Our community needs more people that will meet with their elected officials, run for office, vote, and register others to vote. While we must absolutely speak out against injustices and work for social change, we must take every opportunity to provide recommendations and suggest solutions. Muslim Appreciation Month is an opportunity for us to celebrate and recognize our community. Ibtihaj Muhammad said it well: “America is all that I know. I feel American down to my bones.” This is why it is so important for us to show up. It is our civic duty as American Muslims to join the political and civic process.
[Contact: Ryan Ahari, Research and Policy Fellow, (323) 258-6722, ryan@mpac.org ]
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