Muslim Appreciation Virtual Proclamation | San Ramon City Council

At 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 14, the San Ramon 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 San Ramon Valley Islamic Center (SRVIC) 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 San Ramon to attend in person.

7 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. | Tuesday, Sept. 14

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

This is the third year the San Ramon City Council has done so. Keep an eye out for Dublin, Pleasanton, San Ramon and Livermore City Council virtual proclamations in the coming weeks.

Last year, then-Vice Mayor Karla Brown presented the Proclamation, which acknowledges the rich history and guiding virtues of American Muslims, and commends Muslim communities in California for the lasting positive impact they have made, and continue to make, toward the advancement of the state and the nation. Watch that recording: https://youtu.be/AtAhIyvchpI

The San Ramon City Council follows in the steps of other City Councils in the San Francisco Bay Area, like Pleasanton, Dublin, Fremont, Santa Clara, Union City, Oakland, San Jose, and Redwood City.

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

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, Muslims are teachers, lawyers, 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 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 have 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, the San Ramon Valley Islamic Center (SRVIC) in partnership with Support Life Foundation and 47 other Bay Area mosques and organizations have packed and distributed over 100,000 lbs. of food staples and masks to at-risk communities in the Bay Area through their “You Are Not Alone” program.  SRVIC has held blood drives with the American Red Cross, and is one of the largest donors to the “Contra Costa Food Bank” donating $25,000-30,000 every year, in addition to the estimated $150,000 in donations to community members in need; 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 San Ramon 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:
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.  “SAN RAMON, Calif. (KRON) — A nonprofit in the East Bay is donating more than 50. “kron4.Com: Bay Area Nonprofit Donates 50K Pounds of Food, Supplies to at-Risk Communities.” Islamic Relief USA, 19 May 2020, irusa.org/bay-area-nonprofit-donates-50k-pounds-of-food-supplies-to-at-risk-communities/.
3. “SRVIC Blood Drive March 21.” SRVIC, www.srvic.org/announcement/srvic-blood-drive-march-21/.