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Click here to read the resolutions and proclamations Sikh Coalition supporters sent over 1,200 messages to their Members of Congress this past month to create awareness about Vaisakhi. If you have not already done so, you can still email your Members of Congress and ask them to co-sponsor the Vaisakhi Resolution. Resolutions are an easy way to promote awareness and appreciation about the Sikh community and start important conversations about policy issues that matter to your local community. If you are interested in engaging with lawmakers in your city or state and require further information, please contact us at [email protected]. The Sikh Coalition is grateful to the Sikh communities of California, Pennsylvania, and Texas for their grassroots activism, as well as to all those who wrote to their Members of Congress, to ensure that our fellow Americans learn more about their Sikh friends and neighbors. |
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Below are quotes from the website of California's 3rd distric Representative John Garamendi's website:
“America’s founding ideals of freedom of worship, equality, and justice are reflected in the Sikh American community’s celebration of Vaisakhi. I am proud to represent one of the largest Sikh communities in the country. I have partnered with the community on many issues, including civil liberties, education, and business development. With this Resolution, I am saying thank you and wishing Sikhs across America and around the world a joyous Vaisakhi,” said Congressman John Garamendi (D-CA-03), Co-Chair of the American Sikh Congressional Caucus.
Garamendi, other Members of Congress, and civil rights organizations recently welcomed the FBI’s inclusion of Sikh, Hindu, and Arab Americans in its hate crime tracking manual, a change they had pushed for. Garamendi’s Office is presenting the manual to police departments in his district.
"We are grateful to the resolution sponsors for highlighting the valuable contributions of the Sikh American community," said Rajdeep Singh, Senior Director of Law and Policy at the Sikh Coalition. "Sikhs are an integral part of the American fabric, and we invite our fellow Americans to learn more about their Sikh neighbors by visiting their local Gurdwaras and partnering with us on community service projects."
"This year on New Year's Day, 125 years of Sikh American history was showcased at the Rose Parade. It is fitting that this year, we also see a resolution introduced by members of Congress that recognizes Vaisakhi and Sikh American history and contributions, on what is a very auspicious day for Sikhs," said Jasjit Singh, executive director of the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF).
“On behalf of the Friends of the American Sikh Caucus, we thank the American Sikh Congressional Caucus for honoring the celebration of Vaisakhi, which commemorates the birth of the Khalsa. We also thank the Chairs, Vice-Chairs, and Members of the Caucus for addressing the concerns of the American Sikh community,” said Harpreet S. Sandhu, Executive Director of the Friends of the American Sikh Caucus.
“I’m pleased to co-sponsor this resolution recognizing one of the most important days in Sikh history. This resolution is a well-deserved tribute to the tremendous contributions the Sikh community make to our nation and it’s my honor to co-sponsor this resolution in my capacity as co-chair of the American-Sikh congressional caucus,” said Congressman Patrick Meehan (R-PA-07), Co-Chair of the American Sikh Congressional Caucus.
"Sikh Americans have made enormous contributions to the Central Valley and Vaisakhi presents us with a perfect reminder of their influence within our communities. I am proud to be an original cosponsor of this legislation recognizing one of the most important days in Sikh history and I look forward to celebrating with my friends back home in California,” said Congressman David G. Valadao (R-CA-21), Vice-Chair of the American Sikh Congressional Caucus.
“As a founder and Vice Chair of the first ever Congressional Sikh Caucus, it is always my honor to join the Sikh community in celebrating the birth of the Khalsa. I am proud to be a cosposonsor of this legislation which recognizes the significant contributions of the Sikh community in spreading tolerance and understanding. I will continue to work with my partners in the Sikh Caucus to preserve religious freedom and diversity, peace and unity, for all people in this country,” said Congresswoman Judy Chu (D-CA-27), Vice-Chair of the American Sikh Congressional Caucus.
Congressman Garamendi is the lead sponsor of the Vaisakhi Resolution, H. Res. 192. It is cosponsored by Representatives Patrick Meehan (R-PA), Judy Chu (D-CA), David Valadao (R-CA), Joe Crowley (D-NY), Ami Bera (D-CA), Doug LaMalfa (R-CA), Barbara Lee (D-CA), Mike Honda (D-CA), Jackie Speier (D-CA), Shelia Jackson Lee (D-TX), Raul Grijalva (D-AZ), Hank Johnson (D-GA), Jim McDemott (D-WA), Brenda Lawrence (D-MI), Dina Titus (D-NV), and Eric Swalwell (D-CA).