City of Los Angeles Inaugurates Muslim-American Heritage Month, Honors Islamic Leaders

For more than 50 years, Muslims have been part of the diverse fabric of Americans who call Los Angeles their home. During that time they have made many great contributions to the city and have integrated themselves into the very culture of mainstream life. The efforts of Muslims in L.A. have overwhelmingly helped to create a respect and acceptance for Islam seldom seen.

Now the city of Los Angeles is giving something back to show their appreciation for the legacy its Muslim community has left behind. On Wednesday, July 29th the City of Los Angeles held it’s inaugural celebration of Muslim Heritage Month. The event, which was held downtown at L.A. City Hall, honored leading members of the local Islamic community for their exceptional contributions to the city.

Acclaimed community activist Najee Ali from project Islamic hope was the organizer of the event. “We asked Councilman Curren Price to introduce a resolution allowing us to have a Muslim Heritage Month,” stated Ali. “We thought it was very important to celebrate the best of Islam and what better way than to have a month we can celebrate each and every year.”

9th District Los Angeles City Councilman Price along with fellow Council Member Bob Blumenfield jointly introduced the resolution to the city council, which was approved unanimously by members.

Pictured (L-R) Maryum'May-May' Ali, Hussam Ayloush, Najee Ali, Curren Price, Imam Abdul Karim Hasan and Hamza Yammout

Honorees for the inaugural celebration included several high profile individuals and organizations from the Los Angeles Muslim community. They included the UMMA Community Clinic, CAIR representative Hussam Ayloush, Maryum ‘May-May’ Ali and Imam Abdul Karim Hasan from Bilal Islamic Center.

“This is very long overdue to recognize to the many positive contributions of the American Muslim community,” said Hussam Ayloush. “We hope this will continue to grow and provide the community a chance to get together and know what the various sections of Muslims in Los Angeles are doing.”

Various religious leaders and city officials attended the event and spoke during the ceremony.

“Many people don’t realize that California has the highest population of Muslims in the nation with the majority of them right here in Southern California.” noted Councilman Curren Price. “I felt it was only appropriate to celebrate them as we do with dozens of other cultures and religions in our city.”

During the ceremony, the leader of L.A.’s oldest Muslim community, Imam Abdul Karim Hasan gave a historic account of how the city has maintained a strong and productive relationship with Muslims over the years.

“The Muslims have enjoyed a great relationship with the city and it’s political leaders dating back to the early 70’s. Mayor Tom Bradley, Councilman Gilbert Lindsey, and L.A. County Supervisor Kenneth Hahn were all avid supporters of our community and never turned down an invitation to participate at our events,” said Imam Hasan. “And that legacy has continued over the years. Current Los Angeles Mayor, Eric Garcetti visited us earlier this year and spoke to students at Bilal Learning Center about the importance of education and going to college.”

Najee Ali culminated the historic ceremony by reading the official proclamation of Muslim Heritage Month issued by the city. It reads:

Whereas Muslim civilization has made numerous contributions to science, architecture and culture; Whereas, California has the largest Muslim community in the United States with the majority of Muslims living in Los Angeles, Southern California is home to over 120 mosques; Whereas, the Muslim American Community in Los Angeles through charitable contributions, community groups and social activism provides support and assistance to citizens throughout the community; Whereas, Islam is followed by approximately 1.1 billion people worldwide encompassing every region in the world; Whereas, the Muslim community promotes brotherhood, community, and diversity; and strives to embrace all cultures; Whereas, the Los Angeles Muslim American Heritage Month Celebration will promote and encourage the awareness of the contributions made by the city’s Muslim population in culture, social services, education, politics, business, technology and the arts; Now therefore be it resolved that the Council of the City of Los Angeles commends the Los Angeles Muslim American Community as it continues to move into mainstream civic life across the city; and looks forward to sharing the beauty and diverse culture of Muslim Americans with our fellow Angelenos; We declare the Month of July as Muslim heritage Month in the City of Los Angeles.