New York Celebrates Muslim American Heritage Month for First Time

New York Celebrates Muslim American Heritage Month for First Time
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New York State has officially proclaimed January as Muslim American Heritage Month for the first time, marking a milestone in the recognition of the historical and cultural contributions of Muslim Americans, Lavocedinewyork.com reported.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced the designation for 2026, saying the initiative reflects the state’s commitment to inclusion, diversity and opposition to Islamophobia, hate and discrimination. As part of the observance, several prominent landmarks, including the One World Trade Center, the Kosciuszko Bridge, Niagara Falls and Empire State Plaza, are set to be illuminated in green.

The proclamation coincides with the recent election of Zohran Mamdani as New York City’s first Muslim mayor, though state officials said the two developments are independent. Mamdani welcomed the designation, saying Muslims have long been part of the city’s social, economic and cultural fabric.

New York is home to one of the largest Muslim populations in the United States. Estimates cited by state officials indicate that about 724,000 Muslims live in New York State, accounting for roughly 3.7 percent of the population. New York City hosts the largest concentration, with previous surveys estimating more than 700,000 Muslim residents, or about 8 percent of the city’s population.

Assemblyman Charles D. Fall, the first Muslim elected to the state assembly from Staten Island, said the proclamation acknowledges the role Muslim New Yorkers play as community members, business owners and public servants.