The Olympia City Council proclaimed July as Muslim American Heritage Month for the fourth consecutive year.

The proclamation describes freedom of religion as a fundamental American value and recognizes Muslim Americans' contributions across academia, business, health care, law, and military service.

It also acknowledges that Muslim Americans have faced prejudice, discrimination, xenophobia, and Islamophobia, and commits the city to combating anti-Muslim rhetoric through education, community engagement, and meaningful action.

Social Justice and Equity Commissioner Dr. Amna Qazi has pushed for the recognition each year since its inception, as more than 100,000 Muslims live in Washington state.

"Muslim Heritage Month means new understanding and lasting support," Qazi said. "Our city is home to all. We share this joy as our diverse City of Olympia united on faith and community."

Mayor Dontae Payne thanked Qazi for helping strengthen ties between the city and the Islamic Center of Olympia, which he said represents more than 40 ethnicities from Olympia and throughout Thurston County.

The center, also known as Masjid Al-Nur, was founded in the early 1980s by the Cham Muslim community from Cambodia, who donated a two-acre parcel of land for the facility on 20th Lane NE.

The July proclamation is part of a broader pattern of heritage recognitions by the council, which in 2026 has also issued proclamations for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Jewish American Heritage Month, and Juneteenth.