WHEREAS, enriched by the unparalleled diversity of its residents, the City of Pleasanton 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; and

WHEREAS, Muslims have been part of U.S. history from the beginning and have contributed to the production of wealth and construction of the nation; they are also part of the rich history of the civil rights movement; and 

WHEREAS, over 90,000 Muslims live in Alameda County, and make innumerable contributions to the cultural, political, and economic fabric and well-being of California and the United States; and

WHEREAS, the shelter-in-place order due to the COVID-19 outbreak forced the temporary closure of Muslim nonprofits, community centers, mosques, schools, businesses, and other establishments. Mosques and community organizations provided online programming and sermons along with small group prayers outside. They have answered the call for help by donating fundsiii, distributing food, or by sewing masks to help those on the front line; and they have educated their congregations about social distancing guidelines and practices to keep the community safe; and

WHEREAS, though its in-person programming and large prayer services have been suspended, the Muslim Community Center (MCC–East Bay) , has increased its online community classes, lectures, and programming to more than 35,000 worldwide online followers. They have delivered groceries and provided assistance with living expenses through the Islamic practice of Zakat to 50 East Bay families per month and by continuing their weekly food donation drive to 150 families weekly with 25,000 pounds of food delivered to 13 East Bay cities, quarterly blood drive, facilitating 100 car donations between congregation members and community members without transport, and an annual backpack drive for 172 area schoolchildren (sponsored by Girl Scouts Troop 30875), and serving as an Alameda County voting site over four days this November as well as a Red Cross Disaster Site.  Along with organizations like Hively Diaper Pantry, MCC-East Bay has distributed 50 boxes of diapers, wipes and baby food to single moms each month and through Support Life Foundation, Islamic Relief, and the San Ramon Islamic Center, MCC-East Bay participated in packing and distributing 50,000 lbs; and

WHEREAS, throughout the pandemic, the Islamic Center of Zahra (ICZ) has served its community members by holding virtual youth events, spiritual workshops, children’s learning programs, and volunteering opportunities. ICZ has partnered with Prosper International to support vulnerable families overseas. ICZ relief fund supports community members in need of assistance and facing unemployment by creating a program that allows community members to volunteer to assist the vulnerable elderly in running errands and by adapting their annual Ramadan Giving campaign to a virtual format that encouraged community members to sponsor a months’ worth of food supplies for 10 families and aid non-profit agencies involved in feeding the needy; and

WHEREAS, it is appropriate to acknowledge and promote awareness of the myriad of invaluable contributions of Muslims in California and across the country, and provide them the respect and acknowledgement every person deserves. 

Now, therefore, be it resolved, the City of Pleasanton does hereby recognize the California State Designation of August 2021 as Muslim Appreciation and Awareness Month (HR 58)  to acknowledge the rich history, contributions, and guiding virtues of Muslims and to commend all Muslim communities in California for the lasting positive impact they have made toward the advancement of our city and country. 

Citations:

•  Senzai , Farid , and Hatem Bazian. “The Bay Area Muslim Study: Establishing Identity and Community.” Institute for Social Policy and Understanding. One Nation Bay Area Project, 01 May 2013. Page 9.
•  “Muslim Community Center Home.” MCC East Bay, April 16, 2020. https://mcceastbay.org
•  “Coronavirus → Appeal for Community Members in Need & MCC Food Delivery.” us13.campaign. Accessed April 22, 2020. https://us13.campaign-archive.com/?u=ec8fb6b0691fe4b0c85850477&id=4862b02cfe
•  Staff, K. (2020, April 25). Bay Area nonprofit donates 50K pounds of food, supplies to at-risk communities. Retrieved June 25, 2020, from https://www.kron4.com/features/kron4-heroes/bay-area-nonprofit-donates-50k-pounds-of-food-supplies-to-at-risk-communities/
•  “Help Fight COVID-19 [Support Prosper International].” All-In-One Integrated Marketing Platform for Small Business, mailchi.mp/iczsa.org/proper?fbclid=IwAR0To-bYhP-_eU0n4JOcLuZGzyGu56OaFNjU-RiHf-ShWk2NVjXvR3TFLTM
•  “ICZ Relief Fund 2020  & Helping Hands.” All-In-One Integrated Marketing Platform for Small Business, mailchi.mp/iczsa.org/iczrelieffund?fbclid=IwAR39GF7OdT6P_bGtA7gvjM8tASWOy4p5ROJ_jRvemx4cs1rW7VMkx7hGHKs
• “Lending a Helping Hand to Our Community.” All-In-One Integrated Marketing Platform for Small Business, mailchi.mp/iczsa.org/march10-1337205?fbclid=IwAR0dTyF6o9YgbEtQLvi2eIYz2IOlKvd_6DYzYS4MguV5WEZg1YMGC4Qr7PU
•  “Ramadan Giving – Iftar Sponsorships [UPDATED Sign-Up Instructions].” All-In-One Integrated Marketing Platform for Small Business, mailchi.mp/iczsa.org/ramadan-giving-iftar-sponsorships-1349702?fbclid=IwAR0SVADUVFgnpl6enEC7a8Ug6Wm7juvgNpm_PLGGYWBJULqItgssFcjNrFk