THE BILL ITSELF
HR 8001
Muslim-American Heritage Month
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House Resolution
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A resolution recognizing February 2026 as "Muslim-
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American Heritage Month" in Florida and celebrating
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the heritage and culture of Muslim Americans in this
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state.
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WHEREAS, Muslim immigration to the American colonies began
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with the arrival of indentured workers in the early years of
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this country's founding, and
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WHEREAS, between the 16th and 19th centuries, many enslaved
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Africans brought to the United States were Muslim, contributing
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to the early presence of Islam in America, and
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WHEREAS, in the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries, successive
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waves of Muslim immigrants came to the United States seeking
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economic, social, and religious freedom, enriching communities
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throughout this state and nation across diverse fields,
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including business, medicine, education, law, and the arts, and
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WHEREAS, Muslim Americans contribute greatly to charitable
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organizations in Florida and across the nation, offering aid to
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people of all faiths through humanitarian work, such as medical
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services, educational programs, food distribution, refugee
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services, and disaster relief, and
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WHEREAS, Muslim Americans have made significant
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advancements in numerous fields, including architecture, arts,
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business, medicine, law, sports, and government, enhancing the
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quality of life and cultural diversity in this state and the
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United States, and
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WHEREAS, prominent Floridian Muslim Americans such as
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Shahid Khan, a Pakistani-American businessman and owner of the
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Jacksonville Jaguars, and Alli A.B. Majeed, Brevard County's
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longest serving county judge, exemplify the profound impact
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Muslim Americans have had on Florida's economy and legal system,
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and
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WHEREAS, Muslim Americans, such as Christopher Benjamin,
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the first Muslim American elected to the Florida House of
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Representatives, have shown leadership in public service, and
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WHEREAS, Muslim Americans have served honorably in the
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United States Armed Forces, contributing to the defense and
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protection of the United States in every major conflict,
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including Captain Humayun Khan, a Muslim American who made the
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ultimate sacrifice in Iraq in 2004, and
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WHEREAS, the Muslim-American community in Florida is
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composed of individuals from more than 85 countries,
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representing a wide array of ethnicities, cultures, and
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languages, adding to the state's vibrant multicultural
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landscape, and
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WHEREAS, the Muslim-American community faces challenges,
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including discrimination and misunderstanding, yet it continues
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to thrive and contribute to the progress of this state and the
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United States, NOW, THEREFORE,
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Be It Resolved by the House of Representatives of the State of
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Florida:
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That February 2026 is recognized as "Muslim-American
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Heritage Month" in Florida to celebrate the heritage and culture
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of Muslim Americans in this state.