Contributions of Moon Khan Recognized in US Congress

Courtesy Lalit K Jha

Contributions of Indian American Moin Moon Khan, the first Muslim elected in the State of Illinois, have been recognized in the US Congress this week.

It is very rare that contributions of Indian American community leaders are acknowledged in the US Congress.

Speaking on the floor of the House, the senior US Congressman from Illinois, Peter Roskam, said: “Madam Speaker and Distinguished Colleagues, Moon Khan is a remarkable man who has dedicated his life to serving the people of DuPage County and the State of Illinois.”

Praising Moon Khan’s commitment to empower all ethnicities in his county, Roskam said: “Please join me in honoring him for his public service and recognizing the important work he is doing to build a stronger, better America.”

Originally from Muzaffarpur district of Bihar, Moon was elected in April 2005 as a Trustee for York Township, thus becoming the first Asian American to be elected to that office and the first Muslim elected to government office in the State of Illinois.

As a result of his commitment to serving the Asian American community, Moon was appointed as the Asian American Liaison of the DuPage County Republican Party.

“Moon Khan has been an advocate for the rights of immigrants, Muslims, and other ethnic groups. His committed service to empowering all ethnicities has affected countless lives throughout the State of Illinois,” he said.

Moon started serving the Indian American community in the State as an anchor on Indian community’s cable television program Bharat Darshan. He also worked as the Community Editor of the India Tribune and Chief Editor of Spotlight Weekly.

After earning M.A. and M.B.A. degrees from Northern Illinois University, he founded the Asian American Caucus of DuPage, serving as its first President.

“From his early dedication to scholarship and community service, Moon has become heavily involved in local government and commerce, serving as a vocal advocate for the Asian American community,” Roskam said.

As a member of the Illinois Ethnic Coalition, Roskam said in his speech Moon has advocated for the rights of new immigrants and various ethnic groups, assisting them in the transition to American culture and helping with the preservation of their heritage.

“His commitment to unity resulted in Moon being presented the Americanism Award by the Society of Daughters of the American Revolution in 2005,” he said.

10-33