Congressman Carson introduces two bills to celebrate Muslim Americans, fight Islamophobia
WASHINGTON, DC—Congressman André Carson (D-IN-07) and Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) have introduced a resolution to designate January as Muslim American Heritage Month. Congressman Carson has also introduced a bill to award Muhammad Ali a Congressional Gold Medal.
Today, there are approximately 3.45 million Muslims in the United States. Over 4,500 Muslims serve in the military on active duty, and today’s Muslim American population is a tapestry of many ethnic, racial, linguistic, social, and economic groups. Muslim Americans have roots in at least 77 different countries and identify racially as White, Black, Arab, and Asian. This diverse population has long helped build a better country, with meaningful contributions in government, philanthropy, architecture, arts, law, medicine, and sports. Unfortunately, Muslim Americans face mounting discrimination and Islamophobia. Anti-Muslim incidents rose about 70% in the first half of 2024.
The Muslim American Heritage Month resolution designates January as Muslim American Heritage Month, honoring contributions to the economy, culture, and identity of the United States. The Muhammad Ali Congressional Gold Medal Act will award only the second Congressional Gold Medal to a Muslim American. Despite his wide recognition as one of the greatest athletes of all time, Muhammad Ali has never received our nation’s highest honor. Both bills aim to fight Islamophobia by uplifting Muslim stories.
“Islamophobia thrives in ignorance,” said Congressman Carson. “The American people are too often exposed to anti-Muslim rhetoric instead of the truth: that Muslim Americans are valued members of our community. By sharing stories of Muslim heroes, we can help debunk stereotypes and encourage individuals of all faiths to discover the many values we have in common.”
“Muslim Americans have contributed to every facet of American life, and I am proud to introduce this resolution designating January as Muslim-American heritage month,” said Senator Booker. “Currently, over 3 million Muslims are living in the United States, and this resolution pays tribute to their incredible impact and celebrates their rich heritage. In addition, I am committed this month, and every month, to working together to combat the continued prejudice and discrimination the Muslim community faces.”
“Islamophobia is at an all-time high,” said Congresswoman Ilhan Omar (D-MN-05). “In my district, we have seen an uptick in anti-Muslim attacks. It is more important than ever to recognize January as Muslim-American Heritage Month to combat the hate by celebrating the many contributions made by our vibrant Muslim community. I am thrilled to join my brother and sisters in the Muslim Caucus to introduce the Muslim American Heritage Month Resolution.”
“I am deeply proud to serve not only as an unapologetically Arab and Muslim woman in Congress but to represent one of the largest Muslim communities in our country in Michigan’s 12th District,” said Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI-12). “This resolution will recognize January as Muslim-American Heritage Month and uplift our beautiful faith. I look forward to continuing to partner with my colleagues in the Muslim Caucus to ensure that Muslim Americans are seen, heard, and protected.”
"As the newest Muslim Member of Congress and the first Muslim to represent California in Congress, I am proud to co-lead this resolution to recognize January as Muslim-American Heritage Month," said Rep. Lateefah Simon (D-CA-12). "Recognizing January as Muslim American Heritage Month helps lift up the contributions that Muslim Americans in California's 12th Congressional District and across the nation have made to our shared history and to our country."
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