Council Member Jose Velasquez shone a spotlight on the impactful work of Dawah during the Austin City Council meeting, celebrating the organization’s commitment to supporting BIPOC communities. Velasquez expressed his admiration for Dawah's founder, Jonathan Shaka Maum, highlighting the organization’s role in providing essential resources to those often overlooked in the community.

Dawah, founded in 2019, has distributed over $425,000 to empower local frontliners, including educators, healthcare workers, and artists. Velasquez emphasized that Dawah stands for "Diversity, Awareness, and Wellness in Action," and its name also means "medicine" in Swahili, symbolizing its mission to foster healing and connection.

The council recognized Dawah's collaborative efforts with local businesses to create a supportive network that encourages giving and celebrates community resilience. Velasquez noted that Dawah’s initiatives, such as the Dawah Fund and the Black Live Music Fund, are vital for nurturing an artist-centered ecosystem in Austin.

As Dawah prepares to celebrate its anniversary this September with a community event, the council's proclamation underscores the organization's significant impact and the importance of its mission in enhancing the lives of Austinites.