Leggett and Floreen Reaffirm County’s Solidarity with Muslim Community

For Immediate Release: Thursday, July 7, 2016

Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett and County Council President Nancy Floreen were received today by Imam Ammar Najar of the Islamic Society of Germantown on 19825 Blunt Rd. Leggett and Floreen signed a proclamation reaffirming the County’s solidarity with the Muslim Community, to further demonstrate the County Government’s firm belief that people of all religious faiths are valued and respected and will be safe; and that acts of hatred against Muslims will not be tolerated.

“Our government will do everything in its power to protect basic human rights and to affirm the value of every ethnicity, race and religion,” said Leggett.  “We especially ask everyone to reach out with concern for our Muslim neighbors.  Let us respond to any climate of fear and prejudice with words of encouragement and hope.  Muslims are our neighbors, our friends, and an integral part of our beloved County.”

Council President Floreen shared Leggett’s sentiment and emphasized why this measure was necessary even more.

“In Montgomery County we value our diverse community and appreciate the contributions different religious, racial and ethnic groups make to our society,” said Floreen. “In a time when Muslims are sometimes being unfairly harmed, harassed or stereotyped, I am proud to stand together with the County Executive and Muslim leaders in solidarity and affirmation of our shared values.”

Leggett and Floreen were joined by other distinguished guests from Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS); the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD).  Dr. Maria V. Navarro, MCPS chief academic officer; Dr. Kimberly A. Statham, MCPS deputy superintendent; Dr. Jonathan T. Brice, MCPS associate superintendent; Mr. Hardy Bennett, HHS senior manager for Behavioral Health and Crisis Services; and Commander David Gillespie MCPD District 5 commander; and Captain Marc Yamada, MCPD director of Community Outreach Section were all on hand for the signing and to give reports on initiatives supporting the Muslim community. These initiatives are products of the County Executive and County Council listening to the needs of the Muslim community.

Muslim businesses contribute greatly to the community with a wide variety of enterprises including: medical, professional trades, restaurants, storefronts, IT services, and startups that show creativity and innovation. These businesses help fuel our local economy by providing jobs and keep Montgomery County business-friendly.

# # #

 

Release ID: 16-439
Media Contact: Ohene Gyapong 240-777-6507