San Francisco Designates August 2025 as Afghan American Heritage Month, Honoring Over 60,000 Residents

San Francisco, CA – The City and County of San Francisco has officially declared August 2025 as Afghan American Heritage Month, a resolution adopted by the San Francisco Board of Supervisors on July 22, 2025. This designation celebrates the enduring traditions, resilience, and significant contributions of the Bay Area's Afghan community, one of the largest in the United States.

Mayor Daniel Lurie underscored the community's deep integration into civic and cultural life, stating in a recent social media post, "Today we marked Afghan American Heritage Month—and celebrated the traditions and resilience of the Bay Area Afghan community, one of the largest in the country. From City Hall to the courtroom, from classrooms to boardrooms, Afghan Americans are deeply woven into the life of our city. And today, San Francisco celebrates you." Lurie, who assumed office as Mayor in 2025, highlighted the community's pervasive influence.

The San Francisco Bay Area is home to a substantial Afghan American population, with local estimates suggesting over 60,000 residents of Afghan ancestry. This concentration, particularly in cities like Fremont, often referred to as "Little Kabul," establishes the region as a major hub for the diaspora. The community's growth has been shaped by multiple waves of migration, including those fleeing the Soviet invasion in 1979 and, more recently, the Taliban takeover in 2021.

San Francisco has a history of welcoming immigrants and refugees, serving as a sanctuary city for many, including Afghan evacuees. Following the 2021 events in Afghanistan, numerous individuals arrived through humanitarian parole and Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) programs, seeking safety and new opportunities. Local Afghan American organizations have played a crucial role in providing essential services such as legal aid, resettlement support, and housing assistance to these new arrivals.

The timing of the heritage month in August coincides with Afghanistan's Independence Day on August 19th, a date of historical and emotional significance symbolizing sovereignty and self-determination. While San Francisco celebrates in August, other California localities like Sacramento, Alameda, Santa Clara, Los Angeles, and San Diego have previously recognized Afghan American Heritage Month in March, often aligning with Nowruz, the Afghan New Year.

The city's formal recognition aims to amplify Afghan American voices and acknowledge their ongoing impact on San Francisco's diverse cultural and economic fabric. This initiative aligns with the city's broader commitment to fostering an inclusive environment and supporting all immigrant and refugee communities who contribute to the city's vibrant identity.