2026 SESSION

ENROLLED

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 262

Commending the Iranian-American Community Center.

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, March 10, 2026

Agreed to by the Senate, March 12, 2026

WHEREAS, for nearly 10 years, the Iranian-American Community Center has provided a vibrant community hub for Iranian Americans in Northern Virginia and enriched cultural life in the region through a wide range of programs, events, and service initiatives; and

WHEREAS, the Iranian-American Community Center, which opened its first physical location in 2016, was established as a nonprofit organization to preserve and promote Iranian culture in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area; and

WHEREAS, the Iranian-American Community Center was originally located in a 2,000-square-foot space in a strip mall off of Gallows Road in Vienna; more than 400 people braved snowy weather to attend its grand opening event, clearly demonstrating the need for a dedicated Iranian American cultural space; and

WHEREAS, in its early years, the Iranian-American Community Center established a gallery to showcase local artists and hosted movie screenings, poetry readings, and guest speaker presentations in its auditorium; and

WHEREAS, the Iranian-American Community Center expanded to offer group lessons on traditional Iranian musical instruments and popular cooking events that showcased Iran's diverse culinary heritage; and

WHEREAS, in June 2024, the Iranian-American Community Center relocated to a 10,000-square-foot facility in Tysons Corner to better accommodate its expanded programs and growing community needs; and

WHEREAS, the Iranian-American Community Center's near daily programming includes theatre productions, performances by internationally acclaimed musicians, and collaborations with other local organizations; and

WHEREAS, the Iranian-American Community Center established an annual celebration, Pars Day, to help build a sense of belonging, promote collective growth and unity, and honor the heritage of its members by sharing Iranian history, arts, music, cuisine, and culture with everyone in the region; and

WHEREAS, in recognition of its unwavering commitment to positive engagement with both Iranian Americans and all residents of Northern Virginia, the Iranian-American Community Center received the ArtsFairfax Impact Award in 2025; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend the Iranian-American Community Center on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the opening of its original location; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare copies of this resolution for presentation to the Iranian-American Community Center and each of its seven founding members as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for the organization's legacy of service to the Iranian American community and contributions to all residents of Northern Virginia.