New York City’s Historic Swearing-In Ceremony: A Symbol of Diversity and Inclusion

In a groundbreaking moment for New York City, incoming mayor Zohran Mamdani was sworn in using a Quran, marking a significant milestone in the city’s rich cultural tapestry. As the first Muslim and South Asian mayor of the largest city in the United States, Mamdani utilized both his grandfather’s Quran and a historic 200-year-old copy, on loan from the New York Public Library, during his private swearing-in ceremony held in a former subway station beneath Times Square.

Bridging Tradition and History

Mamdani plans to continue this meaningful gesture by using two additional Qurans that belonged to his grandfather and grandmother during a public ceremony at New York City Hall on Friday. The Quran borrowed from the library is particularly noteworthy; it previously belonged to Arturo Schomburg, an eminent Black historian and writer who donated his extensive collection of books to the New York Public Library in 1926, forming what is now known as the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture.

Born in Puerto Rico in the 1870s, Schomburg had roots in both German and Afro-Caribbean heritage. He immigrated to New York, becoming a pivotal figure in the Harlem Renaissance, a cultural and intellectual flourishing that significantly impacted the Black community in the 1920s and 1930s.

A Meaningful Choice

The New York Public Library expressed its appreciation for Mamdani’s choice to employ Schomburg’s Quran, highlighting its connections to one of New York’s most influential scholars and its practical design choices. According to the library, the Quran’s compact size and the use of black and red ink indicate it was meant for daily use, making it accessible to the people. Although it lacks a signature or date, its intricately crafted features suggest it was produced in 19th-century Ottoman Syria.

“The significance of this Quran extends far beyond the beauty of its pages,” stated Hiba Abid, curator of Middle Eastern and Islamic studies.

Abid emphasized its connection to the public, reinforcing its role as part of the nation’s largest public library system. Anthony W. Marx, president and CEO of the library, elaborated that the choice of this particular Quran resonates with a greater narrative of inclusion, representation, and civic responsibility.

A Shift in Political Oath Traditions

While New York City does not mandate that mayors take their oaths with a religious text, many recent mayors have opted for the Bible. Former Mayor Michael Bloomberg used a century-old family Bible, and Bill de Blasio chose one that belonged to former President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Mamdani’s predecessor, Eric Adams, also followed this tradition with a family Bible.

Embracing Identity and Diversity

Mamdani’s campaign prominently featured his faith and his identity as a Ugandan-born American of South Asian descent, celebrating New York’s diversity. Viral social media videos showcased his candid remarks about the impact of the September 11 terrorist attacks and the subsequent rise of Islamophobia across the United States. Many of these videos shared the voices and experiences of everyday New Yorkers, including those from Muslim and immigrant communities.

In a bold stance, Mamdani has been open in his critique of Israel’s policies towards Palestinians and the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Some critics, including New York Representative Elise Stefanik, have scrutinized his progressive views and labeled him as a “jihadist Communist” sympathizer. However, Mamdani has vowed to embrace his identity without compromise. “I will not change who I am, how I eat, or the faith that I’m proud to call my own,” he asserted during his campaign. “I will no longer look for myself in the shadows. I will find myself in the light.”

Conclusion

Zohran Mamdani’s swearing-in represents a historic moment for New York City, symbolizing the city’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. By incorporating a Quran into the ceremony, Mamdani not only honors his heritage but also redefines the narrative surrounding public office, opening the door for a broader representation of cultures in politics.

• Mamdani made history as the first Muslim mayor of New York City.
• He utilized a Quran for his swearing-in ceremony, enhancing cultural representation.
• The Quran borrowed from the library has historical ties to Arturo Schomburg.
• Mamdani advocates for embracing one’s identity within the political landscape.