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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
RECOGNIZING SIKH AWARENESS MONTH APRIL 2025
WHEREAS, Sikhs have been living in the United States for more than 120 years; and
WHEREAS, 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, with than 25 million Sikhs worldwide; and
WHEREAS, there is an estimated 500,000 Sikhs in the United States, with more than 25,000 Sikhs in the State of Illinois alone; and
WHEREAS, Sikh Americans pursue diverse professions, making rich contributions to the social, cultural, and economic vibrancy of the United States including serving as members of the United States Armed Forces and making significant contributions to our great nation in agriculture, information technology, small businesses, the hotel industry, trucking, medicine, legal services and technology; and
WHEREAS, Sikh Americans distinguish themselves by fostering respect among all people through faith and service; and
WHEREAS, it remains vital that we uplift our local Sikh community members and the important work they do in and around Cook County including Gurmeet Singh Dhalwan - Founder President of Midwest Punjabi Association, Bhia Bhagat Singh Dhalwan - Mentor of Midwest Punjabi Association, Amajreet Singh - Illinois Sikh Community Center, Paramjeet Kaur - Illinois Sikh Community Center, Jasbir Kaur Maan - Swera, and Jairam Singh Kahlon - Sikh Religious Society; and
WHEREAS, Cook County remains committed to the value of religious diversity and tolerance grounded in a culture of mutual understanding and the diminution of violence; and
WHEREAS, Cook County celebrates the rich diversity of our community and continues to work towards all residents having the opportunity to better understand, recognize, and appreciate the rich history and shared experiences of Sikh Americans;
NOW, THEREFORE...
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