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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
RECOGNIZING APRIL 2026 AS SIKH AWARENESS AND APPRECIATION MONTH
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 Railroads; and
WHEREAS, Sikhism is the fifth largest religion in the world and today with more than 25 million Sikhs worldwide, an estimated 500,000 Sikhs across the United States, and 25,000 Sikhs here in the State of Illinois; and
WHEREAS, Sikh Americans pursue diverse professions making rich contributions to the social, cultural, and economic vibrancy of the United States including as service members of the United States Armed Forces, agriculture, information technology, small businesses, the hotel industry, trucking, medicine, legal services, and technology; and
WHEREAS, Sikh Americans distinguished themselves by fostering respect among all people through faith and service; and
WHEREAS, Cook County 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, Cook County 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 RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners do hereby proclaim the month of April 2026 to be Sikh Awareness and Appreciation Month in Cook County.
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