WHEREAS, approximately 60,000Muslims call Utah home; and

WHEREAS, Emerald Project is a community organization that was born in the aftermath of the “Muslim Ban” Executive Order 13769: Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry; and

WHEREAS, the Muslim Ban has adversely impacted the safety and equity of Muslims in the United States; and

WHEREAS, Emerald Project is an organization comprised of diverse Muslim youth dedicated to combatting the misrepresentation of Islam and Muslims; and 

WHEREAS, the Emerald Project’s primary goal is to make Salt Lake Valley a more welcoming home to Muslims; and

WHEREAS, this past April Emerald Project hosted Utah’s first-ever Muslim Youth Conference which was designed to empower our Salt Lake Valley Muslim youth; and

WHEREAS, Emerald Project and Mayor Erin Mendenhall co-hosted Salt Lake City’s first-ever Iftar at the City & County building during the holy month of Ramadan; and

WHEREAS, Emerald Project’s programming and long-term community integration improve the diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts of the City; and

WHEREAS, Emerald Project will host a series of annual community programs during the month of May to strengthen unity, empower our Muslim youth, and make Salt Lake Valley a more welcoming home to Muslims.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Erin Mendenhall, Mayor of Salt Lake City, proclaim the third week of May, as:

Emerald Week in Salt Lake City

To view an electronic copy of the signed proclamation, click here.