Sourav Hasan:
In a landmark event aimed at building bridges between law enforcement and immigrant youth, the Council of Peoples Organization (COPO) hosted its annual Youth Career Day on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at the NYPD Police Academy in Queens. The event brought together an impressive lineup of public officials, including New York City Mayor Eric Adams, NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert C. Kissane, and New York State Human Rights Commissioner Denise Miranda, alongside over 30 federal, state, and city agencies.
Hundreds of youth, parents, and community leaders filled the police academy for a day of learning, inspiration, and connection. Attendees had the opportunity to explore potential careers in public service—from the FBI, NYPD, and Fire Department of New York to the United States Coast Guard Academy, U.S. Marshals Service, National Park Service, and more.
“Honored to join the COPO Youth Fair alongside religious leaders, the NYPD, over 30 law enforcement agencies, and hundreds of Muslim youth to foster dialogue between law enforcement and the community. This experience will undoubtedly help build stronger mutual trust,” said Mayor Eric Adams in a social media post following the event.
The program opened with the National Anthem, performed by youth from Darul-Uloom NY, and continued with welcoming remarks by Imam Tahir Kukiqi of the Albanian Islamic Cultural Center. Key presentations addressed real-world topics such as internet safety (FBI), hate crimes (NYPD), and emergency preparedness (NYC Office of Emergency Management).
Master of Ceremonies Mohammad Razvi, CEO of COPO, guided the event with a focus on empowerment and access. “This is about giving our youth the tools, confidence, and awareness they need to pursue impactful careers in public service,” he noted.
More than 60 partner organizations took part, including schools, mosques, advocacy groups, and cultural associations such as Save The People, Elhaam Academy, Darul-Uloom NY, Al-Iman School, Jamaica Muslim Center, Masjid Al-Hikmah, Razi School, Yemeni American Association of NY, American Council of Minority Women, and many more.
A key mission of the event was to connect underrepresented communities—especially South Asian, Arab, African, and Central Asian youth—with government institutions in a space rooted in respect, safety, and shared goals. By interacting directly with officers, agents, and recruiters, participants gained critical exposure to career paths that may have once felt out of reach.
Throughout the day, attendees enjoyed a free halal lunch, received gift bags, and engaged with hands-on exhibits and information booths. Breakout conversations allowed youth to ask candid questions about careers in law enforcement, civil service, and national security.
Closing remarks were delivered by Imam Rafeek Mohammad of Al-Ihsan Academy, who emphasized the spiritual and civic responsibility of young people to contribute positively to society.
The success of the event was made possible thanks to generous support from key sponsors, including News Corp, Healthfirst, Asian American Federation, Fidelis Care, and The Brooklyn Hospital Center.
COPO, which has long served immigrant and Muslim communities in New York, continues to focus on equipping youth with the knowledge and access they need to succeed. “This was not just a career day—it was a statement,” said one attendee. “It shows us that we belong, we are seen, and we can lead.”
As the event concluded, the message was clear: when communities are empowered with opportunity, understanding, and trust, the future becomes a place everyone can help build.
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