Voices United in Action

Fredrick John :

A powerful wave of political unity swept through Jackson Heights, Queens, on May 29, 2025, as Muslim-American leaders and community members gathered at Diversity Plaza for a rally titled “Empowering Muslims: Our Choice for New York City Election.” With elections looming on June 24, organizers stressed the importance of Muslim voter engagement, especially in a city where Muslims make up roughly 12% of the electorate.

In an unprecedented show of solidarity, more than twenty Muslim-American organizers and speakers took the stage, collectively endorsing key candidates running in the upcoming Democratic primaries. At the center of attention were Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani, running for Mayor of New York City, and Jumaane Williams, seeking re-election as Public Advocate—both of whom addressed the enthusiastic crowd and received loud applause.

Mamdani, a familiar figure in immigrant and working-class communities, has seen rising support across boroughs. Several recent polls have shown his candidacy gaining momentum, with South Asian and Muslim-American voters viewed as potentially decisive in a crowded race.

The event was coordinated by a coalition of organizations including Rise Up NYC, Muslim Vote Project, Muslim Action Coalition (MAC), Muslim Community Forum (MCF), MUNA APJ Action, Bangladeshi American Advocacy Group (BAAG), and Jamaica Bangladesh Friends Society. One of the event’s prominent organizers, Juhaib Choudhury, President and Founder of the Muslim Community Forum, played a key role in uniting major Muslim organizations toward a unified political endorsement. The program was smoothly emceed by Khalid Alamari.

Collectively, these groups called on Muslim voters to mobilize around candidates who reflect their values and advocate for community rights, safety, and representation.

Among the featured speakers were Abu Samihah Sirajul Islam, representative of MUNA APJ Action; Ammar Elahi, Executive Director of Muslim Action Coalition; Shabbir Ahmed of the Muslims Vote Project; and Joynal Abedin, President of the Bangladesh American Advocacy Group (BAAG). Sabriyah Hassan-Ismail, a Black American Muslim educator and social justice advocate from Brooklyn, delivered a passionate address highlighting the intersections of race, faith, and education.

Tariqur Rahman, activist and community leader, and Fakrul Islam Delwar, Founder and President of the Jamaica Bangladesh Friends Society, both urged the community to seize this electoral moment. Gias Ahmed, President of the Jackson Heights Bangladeshi Business Association, and Shah Nawaz, Chairperson of the Bangladesh Society’s Board of Trustees, emphasized that this election marks a pivotal moment for Muslim New Yorkers.

Additional speakers included Kazi Azam, President of the Bangladesh American Friends Society; Abdul Salaam Mubarez, President of the Yemeni American Advocacy Group; Sheikh Yassine Toufik, Vice President of Media Outreach for the Muslim Community Forum; Badrun Khan Mita of the Jalalabad Association; Mahmudul Hassan of MUNA APJ; Shamsul Haque, Founding President of both Rise Up NY and the Bangladeshi American Police Association; and Dr. Abdul Zandani, former retired executive at the Board of Education.

Many speakers also urged immediate action on voter registration. “If you’re a citizen but haven’t registered, there’s still time,” one speaker reminded. “Early voting is a powerful tool—use it.” Participants were encouraged to spread the word and mobilize their networks to participate in the democratic process.

A highlight of the event was the collective acknowledgment of past community victories, such as public school holidays for Eid, the provision of halal meals, and the approval of Friday mosque calls to prayer over loudspeakers. These achievements, several speakers noted, were made possible by sustained advocacy and must be built upon by electing officials who understand and prioritize the needs of Muslim Americans.

Zainal Abedin, President of BAAG, emphasized that supporting tested leaders like Mamdani would solidify the Muslim community’s standing in one of the most influential cities in the world.

As the event concluded, attendees left with a clear message: unity is power. With ballots set to be cast in a matter of weeks, organizers promised to continue the momentum through outreach, education, and voter mobilization across boroughs.

For New York City’s Muslim-American community, the rally was more than a political endorsement—it was a reaffirmation of identity, agency, and shared purpose.

For more blogs, visit nyn.press