[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 6]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 8468]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                 IN HONOR OF THE HOLY MONTH OF RAMADAN

                                 ______
                                 

                  HON. HENRY C. ``HANK'' JOHNSON, JR.

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 9, 2016

  Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise to show support for the 
Muslim community in Georgia, as well as the Muslim community the world 
over, as they prepare for the month of Ramadan.
  Ramadan is a holy month in the religion of Islam dedicated to 
spiritual meditation and personal reflection. For 30 days, Muslims will 
refrain from vulgarity, bad behavior and unfavorable habits, along with 
abstaining from food and drink from sunrise to sunset.
  In the wake of national discrimination and intolerance, the Fourth 
District has been working to build a community that is welcoming and 
accepting to Muslims and practitioners of all faiths. Recently, 
Gwinnett County began an outreach initiative called ``Building 
Bridges'' that connects government officials to Muslims and other 
diverse groups. In DeKalb County, local officials have been visiting 
mosques and meeting with local Muslim leaders in an effort to build a 
strong, trusting relationship.
  Such efforts to build understanding and good will with members of the 
Muslim community can be seen throughout the various cities of the 
Fourth District. In 2015, 125 people came together in Stone Mountain 
for a rally to welcome new refugees--this at a time when refugees were 
being rejected and attacked in our public discourse, politics, and 
media. The city of Clarkston has been called a ``safe haven'' for 
refugees for years. The leaders and citizens of Clarkston have done an 
excellent job of integrating refugees into the community, helping them 
learn to adjust to American culture, and providing access to housing, 
education, and job opportunities.
  I commend my district for its efforts to be inclusive, welcoming, and 
hospitable, and I fully support and encourage initiatives that help 
bridge cultural gaps while ensuring a safe, friendly and nurturing 
community.
  For Muslims, this next month is devoted to charity, loved ones, 
community, peace and faith--values that are universally respected, 
particularly in the great state of Georgia.
  I join my constituents within the Fourth Congressional District in 
sending the best of regards to the Muslim community during this 
significant month, and wishing all Muslims a Ramadan Kareem.




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