The City of San Francisco passed a resolution this year, officially recognizing March as Iranian American Heritage Month. At a ceremony at City Hall on Wednesday evening, Iranian American community members gathered alongside city leaders to recognize this designation.
The designation for this month in San Francisco was in the works before the recent war in Iran. Iranian Americans at the ceremony on Wednesday said this designation feels particularly important now to have this formal acknowledgement from the city.
“The designation of a heritage month is a significant act of official recognition that validates the history, culture, and social contributions of our community, who has been part of the fabric of this country and this city for the last 5 decades,” said Masha Hakimi, an Iranian American and a commisioner on San Francisco’s Commission on Community and Investment and Infrastructure.
This ceremony happened as many in the Bay Area are preparing to celebrate Nowruz, the Persian New Year.
“As we start observing Nowruz this Friday, we are all navigating a very emotionally difficult journey,” Hakimi said. “I invite us to seize the moment, to step into our daily life, in this place we call home, standing on the core ethical principals on our proud ancient Iranian heritage.”
She added that the organizers plan to continue these annual celebrations of Iranian American Heritage in San Francisco into the future.
San Francisco’s Mayor Daniel Lurie spoke at the ceremony Wednesday as well.
“Whatever may happen going forward, know that our city is here for you, and that San Francisco will be a place that will continue to honor and celebrate Iranian culture and community,” Lurie said.