(NEWARK, NJ) --  Newark Council President LaMonica McIver will introduce a resolution declaring February 1st World Hijab Day in the City of Newark. World Hijab Day, started by Nazma Khan, is a day for women of different cultures, who do not normally wear the hijab, to experience wearing one for the day. Its purpose is to encourage religious tolerance, cultural understanding, and international solidarity.

The hijab, a traditional veil which covers a woman's hair and chest, has been very important to the history of Islam. It is meant to promote dignity and respect for women while maintaining modesty and respect for their religion.

One of Newark’s greatest strengths is our ability to embrace different faiths and allow members to express themselves freely.

Newark citizens come from a variety of backgrounds and are united in affirming the inherent dignity of all people, the right of every person to be treated with respect and the right for all citizens to practice religion freely and without judgment.

World Hijab Day encourages the wearing of the hijab as a proud display of religious faith and bonding it pushes forward the multicultural agenda that the United States of America constantly promotes, which will make us a stronger and more accepting nation.