The Wisconsin Muslim Civic Foundation (WMCF) marked Muslim Heritage Month this July with one of its most active months of community programming to date, reaching thousands of Wisconsinites through cultural events, library partnerships, and civic recognition across the state.

Throughout July, WMCF hosted our flagship Muslim World Culture Fair, community coffee pop-ups, and “Milwaukee in Arabic,” alongside the “Islam in America” community panel at the Port Washington Public Library. The Foundation also distributed Muslim Heritage Month patron kits to more than ten public libraries across the state, including in Altoona, Appleton, Madison, Oak Creek, and Franklin.

The month also included mayoral proclamations recognizing Muslim Heritage Month from the cities of Brookfield, Madison, Whitewater, Franklin, and Milwaukee, along with Governor Evers marking Muslim Heritage Month across the state. 

The month gave WMCF and community members a powerful glimpse of what it truly means to be American and accepting of others. Even in the face of backlash and hate, our community showed courage, inclusion, and a firm stand against intolerance. We thank the leadership of the Altoona Public Library, who reaffirmed their stand against Islamophobia and continued welcoming community dialogue after their Muslim Heritage Month display drew online backlash.

This programming comes at a time when anti-Muslim rhetoric at the federal level continues to rise. WMCF remains committed to building bridges across Wisconsin’s communities, ensuring that curiosity and connection, not fear, define how neighbors engage with one another.

“This month reflects what our community does best, building bridges, showing up for one another, and speaking truth even in the face of hate,” said Fauzia Qureshi, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Muslim Civic Foundation. “From coffee pop-ups to proclamations from mayors across Wisconsin, we saw our neighbors choose curiosity and connection. We are proud of every partner, library, and community member who made this month possible.”

Muslim Heritage Month 2026 Highlights

  • Community coffee pop-ups across the region
  • Muslim World Culture Fair
  • Milwaukee in Arabic community event
  • Islam in America panel discussion, Port Washington Public Library
  • Library patron kits distributed to 10+ libraries, including Altoona, Appleton, Madison, Oak Creek, and Franklin
  • Mayoral proclamations from Brookfield, Madison, Whitewater, Franklin, and Milwaukee, and a gubernatorial proclamation from Governor Evers