The Sikh Coalition is a nonprofit organization that advocates for the civil rights of Sikhs living in the United States. It was formed to address issues of discrimination faced by Sikhs and to promote understanding and pluralism. The organization provides legal assistance to Sikhs facing discrimination and conducts advocacy, outreach, and education programs. It also works to preserve the memory of the 1984 anti-Sikh genocide in India and end human rights abuses still occurring in Punjab. The Coalition aims to ensure Sikhs can freely practice their faith while fostering strong community relations.

1. THE SIKH COALITIONwww.sikhcoalition.org

2. Who are the Sikhs? Asian Indians ( 2010 census) Sikh ethnicity Origin: Punjab Indian/Punjab PakistanHomeland: Kesghar of AnadPur -Father Guru Gobind Singh -Mother= Manta Sahib Kaur “Renounce all previous lineages of caste, creed & religious affiliation”****Language: SpokenPunjabiWrittenGurumukhi Script

3. County of Origin: PUNJAB

4. Immigration to U.S.APUSH in water rates and land revenue= mortgage land to moneylenders - could not pay back 3x amount IN AMERICA/CANADA: Pay: $2.00/ day (Vs .30 cents in Punjab) PULL: British recruitment -Canada -Labor : Rail Roads : lumber industry -poor work conditions and broken promises

5. SacramentoImperial ValleySan Diego

6. 1899-1920 : 7,348 Asian Americans immigrated1899-1920 - 85% SIKHS-13% Muslim -2% Hindu***** All Termed Hindus*****1910-1920 : In Asian Indians by 33.5% - group of laborers threatening majority group monopoly.

7. LocationLocationLocation1908 Coastal Valleys Oregon WashingtonContinue southern movement ( California)San Joaquin ValleyImperial ValleySacramento Valley

8. GurdwaraSIKH TEMPLE( Religious/ethnic enclave)1901-1915 Center of Immigration MovementMeet on weekends to think about common welfareWelcome new and help them find jobsStockton California

9. Sikhism5th largest organized religion

10. Blend of Islam and Hinduism

11. Monotheistic

12. 15th century

13. Guru Nanak Due

14. The Counsel of the Gurus

15. 10 successive Gurus Sikh= learnersGod = Sat Nam TRUTH

16. . "There is only the One Supreme Lord; there is no other at all. Spirit, soul and body, all belong to Him; whatever pleases His Will, comes to pass" (Guru Granth Sahib Ji, 45).God has created a religion, a path, a faith, which brings one closer to God and helps one to unite with him. There is one endless God“indescribable, inestimable, indubitable, infallible, intangible, imperishable, immutable, immortal, immaculate, immanent, unconquerable, unique, formless, fearless, deathless, timeless, ageless, compassionate, omnipresent and creator of all.”

17. What does a Sikh look like?5 Articles of Faith (Kakaars )Purpose: To keep Sikhs united in pursuit of ideal life.-symbols of faith- bringing them closer to GodKara: Bracelet made of steel. Worn to remind a Sikh that he or she is a servant of the Guru and should not do anything that may bring shame or disgrace.Kangha : Worn in their hair. Serves as a constant reminder that the Sikh must remain socially committed and never practice asceticism.

18. KESHKeeping of hair in natural state : - living in harmony with the will of God. Symbolic : Khalsabrotherhood and Sikh faith They are to live the way God made them Turban is part of the instruction *protect the hair- *keep a Sikh focused on his beliefs. * declares sovereignty, dedication, self- respect, courage and piety

19. Kachhera: (Soldier's shorts) is linked to a high moral character and must be worn at all times. It reminds the Sikh of the need for self-restrain over passions and desires. Kirpan: religious sword an initiated Sikh's solemn obligation of courage and self-defense. denotes dignity and self-reliance, the capacity and readiness to always defend the weak and the oppressed. It helps sustain one's martial spirit and the determination to sacrifice oneself in order to defend truth, oppression and Sikh moral values. ****mandated

20. The Sikh Coalition: Open to all in need of civil rights protection reject caste systems Integration Goals: pluralistic “ work towards a world where Sikhs may freely practice and enjoy their faith while fostering strong relations with their local community.” STRESS: Importance of life here in America- no mention: Tours to PunjabDonations accepted**