A Quintessentially American Celebration
“A Quintessentially American Celebration”
Welcome from Heritage Month Council Chair, Legendary Fashion Designer Naeem Khan
Muslims have been contributing to American society ever since Moustafa Azemouri arrived on the shores of what is today Florida as an enslaved member of a Spanish expedition exploring the Southwest in 1528.
Muslim American Heritage Month was created to help promote public appreciation of “Muslim-Americana”–the diverse contributions Muslims have made to our nation’s culture and progress. The month provides an opportunity for schools, civic groups, congregations, and even individual families to celebrate both the accomplishments of Americans of Muslim heritage and the fundamental freedoms that have enable due to thrive.
I am someone who has experienced those powerful freedoms first hand. I immigrated to America in 1978 to pursue my passion for fashion, something I inherited from my father and grandfather, who worked in textiles and designed outfits for India’s royal families.
In the US, I was fortunate early onto design for icons like Liza Minnelli, Andy Warhol, and Elizabeth Taylor–and then ultimately make gowns for Beyoncé, Jennifer Lopez, First Lady Michelle Obama, and Kate Middleton.
I have lived the American Dream, inspired both by my family’s heritage and the core values of the country where I chose to make my home. The complementary fusion of those two traditions is what powers Muslim American Heritage Month.
Please join us in this quintessentially American celebration!
Naeem Khan