Muslim Appreciation Virtual Proclamation | Livermore City Council

At 7 p.m. on Monday, September 27, the Livermore City Council joins communities throughout the State of California in recognizing the month of August 2021 as Muslim Appreciation and Awareness Month. The event is virtual only.

The Proclamation recognizes the amazing contributions of Islamic Center of Livermore and Tri-Valley Muslims:

The MCC encourages all congregation members to watch the livestream and express our appreciation. We especially encourage residents who live in Livermore to attend in person.

7 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. | Monday, Sept. 27

The Proclamation is the first agenda item so please be on time at 7 p.m. to the meeting.

This is the first year the Livermore City Council has done so.

Our gratitude also to Sr. Sameena Usman from CAIR – San Francisco Bay Area. She has been facilitated these Bay Area-wide Proclamations.

Our gratitude also to Sr. Eman Tai for facilitating the Dublin Proclamation: https://youtu.be/5yLuSj2w-w0 & Pleasanton is at https://youtu.be/ZX_MdpThzek

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

MUSLIM APPRECIATION MONTH
City of Livermore

WHEREAS, freedom of religion holds distinction as a cherished and essential right and a fundamental value upon which this nation was founded; 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, enriched by the unparalleled diversity of its residents, the City of Livermore 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 are teachers, lawyers, scientists, doctors, social workers, tech workers, nurses, and business owners among numerous other valued professions, as well as peace builders, activists, entrepreneurs, and politicians; and

WHEREAS, there is a thriving community of 250,000 Muslims^[1] in the Bay Area and over 100 mosques and religious centers; and Muslims pursue diverse professions and make rich contributions to the social, cultural, and economic vibrancy of the United States, and have distinguished themselves by fostering greater respect and understanding among all people through faith and services; 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 funds, distributing food, by sewing masks, and by serving on the front lines as healthcare and service workers; and they have educated their congregations about social distancing guidelines and practices to keep the community safe; and

WHEREAS, since 1994, the Islamic Center of Livermore^[2] helps fulfill the spiritual and cultural needs of nearly 200 Livermore residents who are Muslim and the Islamic center promotes interfaith cooperation by providing an environment for dialogue, education, and fellowship as a founding member and fiscal sponsor of Interfaith Interconnect of the Tri-Valley. The Islamic Center has a volunteer-run Food Pantry that has been regularly serving the community since 2019. Every month food is distributed on a monthly basis, participates in interfaith activities in the Tri-Valley, such as monthly religion chat, backpack project;  and

WHEREAS, the Muslim Student Alliance at Las Positas College strives to create an inclusive environment for its community and beyond^[3]; 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 extend to them the respect and camaraderie every person deserves.

Now, therefore, be it resolved, the City of Livermore 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.

[1]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.

[2] “Islamic Center of Livermore.” About: Islamic Center of Livermore, May 12, 2017. https://iclivermore.org/.

[3] http://laspositascollege.edu/icc/assets/docs/2018-2019/ICC_Minutes_02.01.19.pdf