SALDEF in the News
FBI: Hate Crimes Up By 300% Against Sikhs in the United States
The 2018 Hate Crime Statistics released by the Federal Bureau of Investigation states that the number of hate crimes against Sikhs in this country has increased by 300%. A total of 20 cases of racial hatred against Sikhs were registered in the United States during the year 2017, but the number has increased to 60 in 2018. About five million Sikhs live in the United States. They believe that the actual number of cases of racial hatred against the Sikhs is high, but most of these cases are never reported to the police. SALDEF’s Executive Director, Kiran Kaur Gill added that “This marked increase reinforces the commitment by the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education to broaden Sikh Awareness, continue to partner with law enforcement to ensure accurate reporting, proper identifications and swift investigations, and to continue to advocate for new legislation.”
SALDEF To Work with Major US Television Networks to Advance Diversity
Over the last month, SALDEF met with the Presidents of the three major television networks — ABC, CBS, and NBC, to continue the organizations’ mutual interest to advance diversity in broadcast television. The meetings were the latest in a series of high-level discussions with the television networks as part of SALDEF’s work with the Asian Pacific American Media Coalition (APAMC). SALDEF Board Chair Kavneet Singh added that “We will continue to work to foster talent and develop a pipeline for Sikh American creatives, as we forge forward with strengthening relationships in entertainment, to increase diverse representation.” Attendees at the meetings included executives in charge of content, script development, communications, talent development, and diversity and inclusion.
Recent News
550 years after his birth, a reflection on the life of Guru Nanak
Sikhs around the world are celebrated the 550th birth anniversary of their founder-prophet, Guru Nanak, marking the occasion in diverse ways around the world. In Guru Nanak’s birth place in what is now Pakistan, called Nankana Sahib in his honor, thousands of Sikhs are coming every day to pay their respects, many of them crossing the India-Pakistan border. This crossing is historic in its own right as it is the first time since the Partition of India and Pakistan 70 years ago that Sikhs in India have had access to Nanakana Sahib. Three ideas central to Guru Nanak and the Sikh worldview are oneness, love, and justice.
US lawmakers: Guru ideals more relevant today
The philosophy and teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji echoed the corridors of the US Capitol as American lawmakers and Sikh-Americans celebrated his 550th birth anniversary and underscored that his principles were more relevant today than ever before. Republican Senator from Indiana Todd Young said the Sikh-Americans had made a profound impact across the US because they followed the teachings of the first Sikh Guru. Senator Young added that, “While radical for his day some 500 years ago, the teachings of the first Sikh Guru who we celebrate today were consistent with our nation’s founding principles and teaching that everyone, regardless of gender, class and creed, everyone has been created equal.”
Sikh Center of Orange County opens doors to all for historic anniversary celebration
Gurpreet Singh greeted more new faces last Sunday, as the Sikh Center of Orange County in Santa Ana hosted an open house to celebrate the 550th birthday anniversary of Guru Nanak. The Gurdwara invited the Orange County community, including local law enforcement, to take part in the morning service, stressing that anyone could participate. The anniversary service, which featured hymns from children from the Guru Nanak Children’s Academy and a brief history of Guru Nanak’s life, culminated in langar, a free community meal served by volunteers.
Fashion Unlimited: Sikh Community Gives Pugree Jewel-In-The-Crown Treatment
Sikh fashion designer J.J. Valaya, added that “The sense of regality and splendour notwithstanding, a pugree offers a fantastic opportunity to make a statement through its varied textures, colours and styles.” Another Sikh entrepreneur, Harinder Singh, founded of 1469, a 15-year-old conceptual brand that celebrates Punjab, its culture, language and heritage. Singh added that “The turban is a gift of our gurus. It inculcates a sense of pride and strength, and also endows a responsibility to care for and share with others. Even now, people feel safe in the presence of a turbaned Sikh.” But it’s not only Sikh men—women also sport the religious headgear. Sikh filmmaker Harpreet Kaur added that, “Everyone is donning the turban, from models in Gap ads and Nikhil & Shantanu’s collection to actors in Hollywood and Bollywood. For me,the turban is a source of courage and confidence, and a constant reminder of our great history.”
Arizona Sikhs give 550 trees for Phoenix neighborhoods
The Arizona Sikh Community has donated 550 trees to low-income Phoenix neighborhoods. More trees are especially welcome in Phoenix, which suffers from an urban heat island effect that raises already high temperatures in areas covered by heat-retaining asphalt and concrete. Local Sikh leaders gathered Sunday with Mayor Kate Gallego and other officials for a tree dedication ceremony. The gift worth about $68,000 is part of a worldwide observance of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Prakash Gurpurab.