 All right. And they are with the Muslim Community Center, also referred to as MCC, East Bay to us accept our proclamation, is designating August 2019 as American Muslim Appreciation Month. So welcome. Thank you for having us. And you probably heard it before, but when we get done reading the proclamation, please stay and offer comments. And if you wish to take a photo. They brought their own photographer. I think they're going to do that. And it looks like he has a pretty nice camera and not an iPhone. So there you go. All right. Whereas enriched by the unparalleled diversity of its residents, the city of Pleasanton takes great pride in supporting individual religious freedoms for all. And it is strengthened by the many contributions made from the many religious and cultural traditions of its residents. Whereas over 90,000 Muslims live in Alameda County and make innumerable contributions to the culture, political and economic fabric and well being of our city, our county, our state, and our nation. Whereas American Muslims are teachers, lawyers, doctors, social workers, tech workers, nurses, business owners, among the numerous other valued professions, and most importantly, our neighbors and fellow Pleasanton residents. And whereas local organizations such as the Muslim Community Center of the East Bay, the Islamic Center of Zahara, and the Tri Valley Muslim Caring Community host various interfaith events providing a spiritual and cultural environment. And they promote interfaith cooperation through dialogue, education, fellowship, and the entire Pleasanton community to participate, now therefore be it resolved. The City of Pleasanton Council does hereby proclaim August 2019 as American Muslim Appreciation and Awareness Month to acknowledge the rich history and contributions of American Muslims in our community. They may have a lasting positive impact on our city, our state, and our nation. And it is dated this 3rd of September 2019. Thank you very much. You're welcome. Good evening Mayor Jerry Thorne, Vice Mayor Brown, and the rest of the council. My name is Sposh Meena-Siri and I am an immigration attorney. I'm also a tenure resident of Pleasanton and I've had an opportunity to raise three children. In addition, I'm also a business owner in Pleasanton. I, along with many of my Muslim community members that are sitting here and also not here this evening, call Pleasanton our home and we are an integral part of this community. I'm also the Vice President of the Council on American Islamic Relation, which is referred to as CARE. CARE, which is the largest civil rights organization representing Muslim Americans nationwide. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, protect civil rights of Muslim Americans, promote justice, and to empower American Muslims in our cities and our communities in nationwide. On behalf of CARE and the Muslim community in Pleasanton, Vice Mayor Brown and Mayor Jerry Brown and the rest of the council, thank you for recognizing August of the Council, the month of August as the Muslim Appreciation Awareness Month. This is especially meaningful given the political climate and the difficulties the Muslim community has been facing nationwide. CARE has seen an increase in hate crimes, discrimination, and bullying of our children in schools and also throughout the community. By this recognition we are sending a message that xenophobia and intolerance has no place in Pleasanton or any community in the United States. Again, Muslim have been part of building this nation and even arrived prior to our nation's founding. We, as you reference, are doctors, lawyers, teachers, activists, educators, and we are fabric of this community and this country. We are thankful to the support of the Pleasanton Mayor, Vice Mayor, Council, and the community at large for declaring August as Muslim Appreciation Month. I would like to leave you with a poem which perfectly captures this moment of solidarity that this award represents for the Muslim community and the Pleasanton community. The poem is written by Martin Niemeuiler called First They Came. First they came for the socialists and I did not speak out because I was not a socialist. Then they came for the trade unionists and I did not speak because I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for the Jews and I did not speak because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me and there was nowhere enough to speak for me. So this poem captures the solidarity and I thank each and every one of you for the opportunity and also recognizing August as Muslim Appreciation Month. Thank you. Good evening Mayor and Council. Thank you so much for honoring our state's designation of August being Muslim Appreciation Awareness Month. I'm representing Pleasanton's Muslim Community Center, the MCC, as you might know, is a vibrant regional mosque and community center right here on West Las Vegas Boulevard. We've been there since 2010. You know, we're in uncertain times and to see city councils in Pleasanton, Dublin, San Ramon and Livermore recognize that we're a part and parcel of the community and that we're appreciated. I can tell you that it truly means a lot for the approximately 15,000 Muslims who live in Tri Valley. American Muslims, as you heard, have lived and contributed to their communities since our country's founding and in the last decade and a half, the impact of Islamophobia has been real. We've heard from Congressional members, women wearing their faith on their head in the form of a headscarf as they walk on the street in malls and shopping centers and hospitals of our city of being intimidated by unfriendly stare or racist comment or an intimidating approach. For our students, there was a recent study by the Council on American Islamic Relations reporting 49% of American students have experienced bullying at school in Woods Forest. Amongst 38% of those surveyed students, they say they've experienced the bullying from their own teachers. In the workforce, employees and applicants who are Muslim have filed lawsuits against employers and want them based on religious discrimination. So that's why today, today's population is so important and we need you to continue to speak up when you hear rhetoric that can tear the beautiful civic fabric in Pleasanton. That would make a world of difference to your constituents who are Muslim. So on behalf of Pleasanton Muslims, thank you very much for this proclamation and for this recognition.