On the heels of Black History Month President Obama has decided to honor Muslim-Americans with a month of remembrance of their own. In a small ceremony attended by Muslim leaders on Monday,the president signed an executive order that proclaims March as a 'month of awareness and education' for the Islamic community.
The order would provide federal funding for cultural enrichment centers to be opened across the country and Muslim curriculum to be introduced into the public school system via common core standards.
“Here in America,” Obama stated, “Islam has been woven into the fabric of our country since its founding.It's important that all young people learn to appreciate to the Islamic lifestyle and culture while they are still in school.”
Hosting Muslim officials and business leaders at a State Dining Room dinner, Obama said, "Throughout our history, Islam has contributed to the character of our country, and Muslim Americans, and their good works, have helped to build our nation -- and we've seen the results. We've seen those results in generations of Muslim immigrants -- farmers and factory workers, helping to lay the railroads and build our cities. Muslim innovators who helped build some of our highest skyscrapers and who helped to unlock the secrets of our universe previously only known to our Prophet Mohammed.Islam has a proud tradition of tolerance that Christians and our Jewish friends should adopt as well."
Chairman of the Islamo-American Relations Committee,Shaif Al-Hirboush,who attended the ceremony was thrilled by the President's actions.
"It is time for American's to turn away from their Islamaphobic tendencies and embrace their Muslim bothers and sisters.In ancient times and in our times, Muslim communities have been at the forefront of innovation and education.We have brought science,culture,and Sharia law to the Middle East and now we want to share it with the world."
The President plans to introduce a multi billion dollar package or grants to Muslim activists to promote education and refugee relief.A detailed itinerary of the month's festivities will be forthcoming.