California kicked off its fifth Sikh Awareness and Appreciation Month to celebrate Sikh American culture and heritage throughout legislature, public schools, various cities and even with the Los Angeles Clippers.
Last week, the California State Assembly passed a resolution declaring that November would be Sikh Awareness Month for the fifth year in a row, according to the Sikh Coalition, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advocating Sikh rights.
Soon after, other California cities — such as Yuba City, Fresno and Santa Clara — followed suit with the guidance of Tom Torlakson, the state’s superintendent of public instruction, who recognized the month for public schools statewide.
“As an attorney, activist and Community Development Manager for the Sikh Coalition, I feel it is imperative for the California community to actively organize and participate in local activities this month,” Harjit Kaur, the Sikh Coalition’s community development manager, told NBC News.
According to the Sikh Coalition, more than 350 Sikh Americans attended the third annual Clippers game associated with the Sikh Awareness and Appreciation Month last Wednesday, which featured the national anthem performed by Raaginder Singh, a Sikh American, and the Los Angeles Sikh Boy Scouts of America color guard. The half-time entertainment was provided by Da Real Punjabiz, a Sikh American music group.
Jagdeep Singh, an attendee of the game, told NBC that it was “incredible to see Sikh Awareness Night celebrated by the L.A. Clippers and across the state of California.”
Sikhs first came to California in 1899 through Angel Island. The first Sikh temple to ever open in the United States was founded in 1912 in Stockton, California.
“Now more than ever, it is important to show solidarity amongst our diverse communities and to celebrate our collective contributions to the history of California,” Kaur said.
