The Austin chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Austin), the city chapter of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today welcomed the city of Austin’s first official recognition of January as Austin Muslim Heritage Month (AMHM) and its sponsorship of events aim at cultivating appreciation for Muslims’ contributions to the city.
SEE: Official Instagram Page for the First Austin Muslim Heritage Month Events
In a statement, Shaimaa Zayan, the Operations Manager of CAIR-Austin said:
“There is no doubt that 2025 was not an easy year for the Muslim community. Our Austin office witnessed a 38% increase in civil rights cases from Central Texas compared to 2024, and many more incidents still go unreported. Throughout this period, we learned how to confront hate, bigotry, discrimination, and threats with strength and dignity.
“We also need to learn how to open our hearts to love, support, and appreciation. Doing so is essential to our collective healing and resilience as these challenges persist.
“I encourage the Muslim community in Austin to show up for themselves tonight at the City Hall at 6:30 PM for the kickoff event. the event is featuring the presentation of the city proclamation and an Islamic art exhibit. Austin Muslim community should celebrate this moment of dignity and express gratitude to the City and the events’ organizers. I also encourage non-Muslim Austinites to attend with curiosity and openness, and to take this opportunity to meet their Muslim neighbors, classmates, and coworkers.”
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Austin Muslim Heritage Month Events:
Kickoff Event: Jan. 8th, 6:30-8:30 PM. at Austin City Hall.
Description: Join us as we open Muslim Heritage Month with a city proclamation and a special art exhibit unveiling.
Reading Time with Muslim Authors: Jan. 17th, 12:00 – 3:00 PM, at Austin Central Library
Description: Enjoy a family-friendly reading hour featuring Muslim authors.
City Resolution Celebration: Jan. 22nd, 12:00 PM, at Austin City Hall
Description: Join us for a brief celebration and photos immediately following the passage of the Muslim Heritage Month resolution.
Open Mic Night: Jan. 23rd, 6:00 – 9:00 PM, at Asian American Resource Center
Description: Celebrate community creativity with Islamically-themed performances by locals of all backgrounds.
Service Day: Jan. 25th, 1:30 – 3:30 PM, at Pease Park
Description: Join the Austin Muslim community and First Baptist Church of Austin to clean the Shoal Creek Trail.
Muslim Entrepreneur Panel: Jan. 31st, 2:00 – 4:00 PM, at George Washington carver Museum
Description: Hear leading Muslim entrepreneurs share insights, experiences, and advice on business and innovation.
To register and get updates on the Austin Muslim Heritage Month events, RSVP HERE
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT: Austin Muslim Heritage Month organizers, https://www.instagram.com/austinmuslimheritagemonth/
Shaimaa Zayan, CAIR Austin Operations Manager, szayan@cair.com, 512-785-7105