SR197: SR197 Muslim Appreciation Day; recognize February 20, 2025

25 LC 112 3060 Senate Resolution 197 By: Senator Islam Parkes of the 7th A RESOLUTION Recognizing February 20, 2025, as Muslim Appreciation Day at th e state capitol; and for1 other purposes.2 WHEREAS, many contributions have been made by Muslims who have furthered the3 development of this state and nation; for over a century, the Muslim American community4 has made significant accomplishments in the State of Georgia and the United States; and5 WHEREAS, with persistence, courage, and an enduring belief in t he American dream, a6 community of almost 200,000 Georgia Muslims are playing a vital role in promoting7 freedom and democracy in our communities here in Georgia; and8 WHEREAS, Georgia Muslims have become an integral part of American society and have9 made important contributions in the fields of finance, technolo gy, law, business, politics,10 medicine, education, sports, media, the arts, the military, and the government, as well as11 other areas; and12 WHEREAS, the following individuals and organizations have dedicated innumerable hours13 of time and energy toward aiding their fellow citizens and are thus deserving of recognition:14 IMAN Atlanta, a nonprofit 501(c)(4) organization; Dr. Khalid Siddique, founding member15 S. R. 197 - 1 - 25 LC 112 3060 of Al-Farooq Masjid; M. Inamullah, founder of Glitter of Hope; Mr. Shahir Rasalan, lifelong16 community leader; Dr. Nausheen Naveed, former AAPNA president a nd dedicated17 humanitarian; Dr. Naushad Khan Ghilzai, associate dean of PCOM; Muhammad Nadeem18 Raza, founding board member of the Gwinnett Islamic Center; Mr. Omar Shekey, Somali &19 Refugees community leader; Kareemah Hanifa, director at Life Un iversity and activist;20 Fatma Mammadova, science teacher and community outreach coordinator for the Istanbul21 Cultural Center; and ICNA Relief Atlanta, a 501(c)(3) dedicated to helping the refugee22 community; and23 WHEREAS, this year, we join together to honor the past and present contributions made by24 Muslims on behalf of Georgia and the United States as part of t he American cultural and25 religious fabric.26 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body27 recognize February 20, 2025, as Muslim Appreciation Day at the state capitol.28 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed29 to make appropriate copies of this resolution available for distribution to the public and the30 press.31 S. R. 197 - 2 -