Title
Dept/ Agency: Offices of Municipal Council/City Clerk
Action: (X) Ratifying (X) Authorizing ( ) Amending
Type of Service: Declaring Intent
Purpose: Resolution declaring the month of January as Muslim Heritage Month
Date: January 1, 2024
Sponsor: Council Member, Patrick O. Council
Additional Information:
body
WHEREAS, on April 29, 2023, Governor Philip D. Murphy signed Joint Resolution #6 (SJR105/AJR194) by the New Jersey Senate and the General Assembly, primary sponsors include, Senators Joe Pennacchio, Brian Stack, and Assembly Members, Angela McKnight, Shanique Speight, and Annette Chaparro, designating the month of January of each year, as Muslim Heritage Month; and
WHEREAS, this historic move acknowledges and celebrates the contributions of the Muslim community in New Jersey. Governor Murphy emphasized that this designation is a recognition of the rich histories, cultures, and principles of Muslim Americans, highlighting their roles in various sectors such as patriotism, philanthropy, advocacy, civic engagement, and culture; and
WHEREAS, Muslims are the world's second-largest religious group practicing the Islamic faith with 1.9 billion followers representing approximately twenty-five percent (25%) of the world's population, there are about 3.45 million Muslims in the United States from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. The Muslim community represents 1.1% of the population in the United States; and
WHEREAS, Muslims first arrived in North America, along with enslaved Africans, whom historians estimate 30% were Muslim. Their Islamic beliefs and practices contributed in numerous ways to the founding of our nation, including courageous and dictated military services in every major war, including the American Revolutionary War; and
WHEREAS, there are over 300,000 Muslim Americans in New Jersey, representing one of the largest Muslim-American communities in the United States. Their contributions help fortify and strengthen the economy and diversity of the people in our state and local communities; and
WHEREAS, the City of Newark (“City”) recognizes this monumental achievement for the Muslim community and desires to recognize the month of January of each year as "Muslim Heritage Month"; and
WHEREAS, the City also recognizes and appreciates that the Muslim community has directly contributed to the diversity and positive growth of the City in various fields, including education, entrepreneurship, government, law, medicine, literature, drama, sculpture, music, food, and culture, as well as all aspects of life throughout the United States and abroad, and continues to influence our beliefs and embedded values; and
WHEREAS, the City acknowledges the Muslim community’s vibrant tapestry of contributions to New Jersey’s history and culture as widely recognized, celebrated, and integrated into the fabric of our society, while aspiring to create a harmonious and inclusive community where people of all backgrounds appreciate the richness of Muslim heritage, fostering understanding, appreciation, and unity among diverse communities, aiming to build bridges of mutual respect, breaking down stereotypes, and promoting a more inclusive and interconnected society; and
WHEREAS, the City will designate January as “Muslim Heritage Month", which will help highlight the many achievements and successes of City's Muslim community and further inspire younger generations to contribute towards the prosperity of our beloved City; and
WHEREAS, the City is proud to celebrate the designation of January of each year as "Muslim Heritage Month".
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MUNICIPAL COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEWARK, NEW JERSEY, THAT:
1. The month of January of each year shall be designated as “Muslim Heritage Month" in the City of Newark.
2. This Resolution of Support is hereby ratified to the date of adoption of this authorizing Resolution.
STATEMENT
Resolution declaring January, as Muslim Heritage Month and every subsequent year in January in the City of Newark.