Kaine, Booker, & Colleagues Introduce Resolution Designating January as Muslim-American Heritage Month
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Cory Booker (D-NJ) and a group of their colleagues introduced a resolution recognizing January as Muslim-American Heritage Month and celebrating the achievements of Muslims living in the United States. The resolution highlights the incredible contributions Muslim Americans have made across multiple sectors of society—from medical professionals to entrepreneurs, to faith leaders, athletes, and public servants—to help build a better nation.
The resolution further notes the religious discrimination experienced by Muslim Americans and stresses the “need for public education, awareness, and policies that are culturally competent when describing, discussing, or addressing the impacts of being Muslim American in all aspects of the society of the United States.”
“Muslim Americans enrich the fabric of our communities, and I’m proud that so many call Virginia home,” said Senator Kaine. “There are many places in the world where the principle of religious freedom is non-existent, hardly possible to even imagine. And yet, if people around the world can see America as a place where people of different faiths live together in respect, equality, and friendship, they can at least believe in that as a possibility for their own societies. I’m glad to join my colleagues in this effort to federally recognize January as Muslim-American Heritage Month and honor Muslim Americans’ tremendous contributions to our country.”
“This resolution pays tribute to a community that has enriched the fabric of our nation with their faith, culture, and contributions,” said Senator Booker. “Every day, and especially the month of January, we must celebrate Muslim Americans and their heritage while also working together to combat the continued prejudice and discrimination their community faces.”
“America is stronger because of the diverse communities that call this country home, including Muslim Americans. Every day, and especially during this month, we should recognize and celebrate the contributions and achievements of Muslim Americans,” said Senator Durbin. “But we also must acknowledge the continued discrimination and threats that the Muslim American community faces in this country. I hope this resolution will serve as both a tribute and as a recommitment to stand with Muslim Americans in the work to build a more welcoming and equitable nation.”
“Minnesota is home to a diverse and vibrant Muslim-American community that has enriched our state through their countless contributions,” said Senator Klobuchar. “This month, we celebrate that legacy.”
“Muslim-Americans have made substantial contributions to the success and cultural fabric of California, which is home to the second-largest Muslim population in the country,” said Senator Padilla. “I am glad to join Senator Booker in introducing this resolution to increase educational opportunities surrounding Muslim-American Heritage Month as we work to dismantle discrimination and religious animosity toward Muslims in America.”
“Muslim Americans make our nation stronger in every field of endeavor and contribute to the great cultural and religious diversity of America. As we see rising hate and discrimination against Muslims, this resolution reaffirms our celebration of the Muslim-American community and our solidarity with them,” said Senator Van Hollen.
“In Vermont and across the country, Muslim Americans have made countless contributions to our nation. At a time when Islamophobia and anti-Arab sentiments are on the rise at home and abroad, we stand steadfast with our Muslim American constituents and proudly celebrate the culture, heritage, and diverse communities that make America a stronger nation,” said Senator Welch.
The resolution is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Dick Durbin (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Patty Murray (D-WA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Peter Welch (D-VT).
Full text of the resolution is available here.
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