DE HCR97

Proclaims April 2024 as "Sikh Awareness and Appreciation Month" in Delaware.

Recognizes that Sikhs have lived in the United States for more than 100 years and that approximately 500,000 Sikh Americans exist today, with Sikhism being the fifth largest religion worldwide.

Notes significant cultural and religious importance of April 2024, including Vaisakhi (April 13, 2024) and the 555th birthday of Guru Nanak, founder of Sikhism.

Acknowledges Delaware's Sikh community contributions to interfaith initiatives, charitable work for homeless and food-insecure populations, and major cultural events including North America's largest intercollegiate Bhangra and Fusion dance competition.

Highlights that Sikhs face disproportionate hate crimes and discrimination, with 198 anti-Sikh hate crime victimizations recorded by the FBI in the most recent report, making them the second-most targeted group nationally for religiously-motivated hate crimes.