Richmond Mayor Recognizes July as Muslim Heritage Month

American Muslims welcomed on Monday the proclamation by the city of Richmond, Virginia, designating July as Muslim American Heritage Month. 

“We welcome this proclamation as recognition of the growing positive role American Muslims play in our society,” Robert McCaw, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) Government Affairs Director, said in a statement.

“Muslims recognize the importance of active civic involvement on issues of importance to all Americans.” 

Read Also:  Utah Designates July as Muslim American Heritage Month

The CAIR statement followed the announcement by Mayor Levar Stoney at a roundtable held at City Hall with State Senator Ghazala Hashmi, Ammar Ammonette of the Islamic Center of Virginia and Imam Michael of Masjid Bilal.

“Today, for the first time in Richmond’s and the Commonwealth’s history, I, Mayor Levar M. Stoney, am declaring July as Muslim American Heritage Month in Richmond,” said Stoney, NBC 12 reported.

“I ask each of you—every single Richmond resident—to humble yourselves and try to better understand and appreciate the rich histories, cultures, and shared principles of Muslim Americans. We should be working each day to show this kind of respect and compassion to one another.

“No matter the color of your skin, whom you love, or whom you worship—I want you to feel welcome, recognized, and appreciated in the City of Richmond. And I will fight hard each day to ensure we live out our ideals as a City of Compassion and one that upholds equity and inclusion for all.”

Read Also: Muslims Mark Heritage Month with Compassion, Love for Neighbors

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New Jersey Designates January as Muslim Heritage Month

Stoney is also calling on lawmakers from Capitol Hill to designate July as Muslim American Heritage Month on the federal level.

This follows in line with the stances of other states that have recognized the contributions of Muslims and their achievements.

Earlier this year, Muslims celebrated the signing of the Muslim Heritage Month Resolution into law by New Jersey Governor Philip D. Murphy. 

Also in July 2022, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox declared July as Muslim American Heritage Month.

Earlier in 2021, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker issued a proclamation in December to celebrate January as Muslim History Month.

Also in 2021, the city of Fullerton, Los Angeles, recognized August as “Muslim-American Appreciation Month”.

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