Record #: R2021-446   
Type: Resolution Status: Adopted
Intro date: 4/21/2021 Current Controlling Legislative Body:
Final action: 4/21/2021
Title: Recognition of accomplishments of Chicago's Sikh American community and declaration of April 2021 as "Sikh Awareness and Appreciation Month"
Sponsors: Lightfoot, Lori E. , Taliaferro, Chris
Attachments: 1. R2021-446.pdf

CO

 

OFFICE OF THE MAYOR

CITY OF CHICAGO

LORI E. LIGHTFOOT

MAYOR

 

April 21, 2021

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TO THE HONORABLE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICAGO

 

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

1 transmit herewith, together with Alderman Taliaferro, a congratulatory resolution regarding Chicago's Sikh American community.

 

Your favorable consideration of this resolution will be appreciated.

 

 

Very truly yours,

 

RESOLUTION

 

 

WHEREAS, Sikhs have been living in the United States for more than 120 years, and during the early 20th century, thousands of Sikh Americans worked on farms, in lumber mills and mines, and on the Oregon, Pacific & Eastern Railroad; and

 

WHEREAS, Sikhism is the fifth-largest religion in the world and today, there are more than 25 million Sikhs worldwide and an estimated 500,000 Sikh Americans and 25,000 Sikhs in the State of Illinois; and

 

WHEREAS, Sikh Americans pursue diverse professions, and make rich contributions to the social, cultural, and economic vibrancy of the United States, including service as members of the United States Armed Forces and significant contributions to our great Nation in agriculture, information technology, small businesses, the hotel industry, trucking, medicine, and technology; and

 

WHEREAS, Sikh Americans have distinguished themselves by fostering respect among all people through faith and service; and

 

WHEREAS, The City of Chicago is committed to educating citizens about the world's religions, the value of religious diversity, tolerance grounded in First Amendment principles, a culture of mutual understanding, and the diminution of violence; and

 

WHEREAS, Today, the City of Chicago seeks to further the diversity of its community and afford all residents the opportunity to better understand, recognize, and appreciate the rich history and shared experiences of Sikh Americans; now, therefore,

 

BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and Members of the City Council of the City of Chicago, gathered here this twenty-first day of April, 2021, congratulate Chicago's Sikh American community on its accomplishments and civic-mindedness, and we declare April of 2021 as "Sikh Awareness and Appreciation Month" as a gesture of our friendship and respect.