Senate Resolution 197
By: Senator Islam Parkes of the 7th
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing February 20, 2025, as Muslim Appreciation Day at the state capitol; and for
other purposes.
WHEREAS, many contributions have been made by Muslims who have furthered the
development of this state and nation; for over a century, the Muslim American community
has made significant accomplishments in the State of Georgia and the United States; and
WHEREAS, with persistence, courage, and an enduring belief in the American dream, a
community of almost 200,000 Georgia Muslims are playing a vital role in promoting
freedom and democracy in our communities here in Georgia; and
WHEREAS, Georgia Muslims have become an integral part of American society and have
made important contributions in the fields of finance, technology, law, business, politics,
medicine, education, sports, media, the arts, the military, and the government, as well as
other areas; and
WHEREAS, the following individuals and organizations have dedicated innumerable hours
of time and energy toward aiding their fellow citizens and are thus deserving of recognition:
IMAN Atlanta, a nonprofit 501(c)(4) organization; Dr. Khalid Siddique, founding member
of Al-Farooq Masjid; M. Inamullah, founder of Glitter of Hope; Mr. Shahir Rasalan, lifelong
community leader; Dr. Nausheen Naveed, former AAPNA president and dedicated
humanitarian; Dr. Naushad Khan Ghilzai, associate dean of PCOM; Muhammad Nadeem
Raza, founding board member of the Gwinnett Islamic Center; Mr. Omar Shekey, Somali &
Refugees community leader; Kareemah Hanifa, director at Life University and activist;
Fatma Mammadova, science teacher and community outreach coordinator for the Istanbul
Cultural Center; and ICNA Relief Atlanta, a 501(c)(3) dedicated to helping the refugee
community; and
WHEREAS, this year, we join together to honor the past and present contributions made by
Muslims on behalf of Georgia and the United States as part of the American cultural and
religious fabric.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body
recognize February 20, 2025, as Muslim Appreciation Day at the state capitol.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed
to make appropriate copies of this resolution available for distribution to the public and the
press.