CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF ISLAMIC RESOURCE GROUP

On 2026-06-29, Representative Ilhan Omar (D-MN-5) delivered a floor speech titled "CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF ISLAMIC RESOURCE GROUP" in the House.

CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF ISLAMIC RESOURCE GROUP

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 108 (Monday, June 29, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 108 (Monday, June 29, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E631] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF ISLAMIC RESOURCE GROUP ______ HON. ILHAN OMAR of minnesota in the house of representatives Monday, June 29, 2026 Ms. OMAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Islamic Resource Group on the occasion of its 25th anniversary. Islamic Resource Group (IRG) was founded on June 19, 2001, as a nonprofit educational outreach organization committed to building bridges of understanding between Minnesota Muslims and the broader Minnesota community. For 25 years, Islamic Resource Group has served Minnesota through educational resources, community dialogue, mosque visits, professional development, interfaith engagement, public programs, and media outreach that promote religious literacy, mutual understanding, and respect. Since its founding, Islamic Resource Group has delivered over 8,000 educational presentations to over half a million Minnesotans in face- to-face settings. Its work has reached schools, businesses, government agencies, houses of worship, and community organizations across Minnesota and beyond. IRG has worked closely with educators and school districts, including through a long-standing presence at the Education Minnesota Professional Conference since 2002. Its interfaith initiatives have connected hundreds of faith communities with Minnesota Muslims and strengthened relationships among neighbors of many religious and cultural backgrounds. I am deeply grateful for the crucial work IRG has done to combat rising Islamophobia and build interfaith communities. IRG's Minnesota Muslim Experience Project and Tracks in the Snow Exhibit have helped tell the stories of Minnesota Muslims and expand public understanding of a community that has long contributed to the life and history of this great state. Through its annual Building Bridges Awards, IRG has honored Minnesotans whose work advances understanding, justice, service, and relationship building across communities. As Islamic Resource Group marks 25 years of service, I would like to recognize its important contribution to religious literacy, interfaith understanding, public education, and civic life in Minnesota. Please join me in congratulating Islamic Resource Group, its leaders, staff, volunteers, speakers, partners, and supporters on this milestone anniversary, and in thanking them for their continued work building bridges of understanding across Minnesota. ____________________