Governor Hochul proclaims January as Muslim American Heritage Month and directs state landmarks to be illuminated green across New York

New York – In a historic and unprecedented move, Governor Kathy Hochul has officially proclaimed the month of January as Muslim American Heritage Month across the state of New York. The declaration marks the first time in state history that the contributions, culture, and heritage of Muslim Americans are formally recognized in this manner, highlighting the profound role they have played in shaping the state’s civic, cultural, and economic life.

As part of this landmark recognition, Governor Hochul directed sixteen prominent state landmarks to be illuminated in green on the evening of the proclamation, signaling both celebration and solidarity. The list includes One World Trade Center, the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, Kosciuszko Bridge, the H. Carl McCall SUNY Building, State Education Building, Alfred E. Smith State Office Building, Empire State Plaza, State Fairgrounds – Main Gate & Expo Center, the Franklin D. Roosevelt Mid-Hudson Bridge, Grand Central Terminal – Pershing Square Viaduct, Albany International Airport Gateway, MTA LIRR East End Gateway at Penn Station, Fairport Lift Bridge over the Erie Canal, Moynihan Train Hall, Roosevelt Island Lighthouse, and Niagara Falls.

Governor Hochul emphasized the symbolic and practical importance of the initiative. “Home to the largest Muslim American population in the nation, New York is proud to join in this month-long celebration, recognizing the values, faith and traditions of our Muslim American communities,” she said. “New York remains committed to being a beacon of hope, tolerance, and inclusivity that celebrates the diversity of its Muslim American population and protects them from Islamophobia, hate, bias, and harm.”

The proclamation formally acknowledges the significant contributions Muslim Americans have made to society throughout history, spanning fields such as arts, sciences, mathematics, technology, literature, music, medicine, and philosophy. The recognition seeks not only to honor historical achievements but also to encourage New Yorkers to appreciate, understand, and engage with the rich and diverse cultures of Muslim communities within the state.

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In response to the announcement, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani highlighted the long-standing presence and impact of Muslim communities in New York. “While I was proud to be sworn in as our city’s first Muslim mayor yesterday, Muslims have been part of New York for centuries. We have built small businesses, raised our families, pursued every profession, enriched our culture and cuisine, and been a part of what makes our city what it is today. I am grateful for Governor Hochul’s leadership in recognizing these many contributions and ensuring that every January, Muslim New Yorkers can see ourselves reflected and recognized in a city and state that is also our home.”

Similarly, Assemblymember Charles D. Fall, the first Muslim elected to the New York State Assembly from Staten Island, applauded the initiative, noting its significance for representation and visibility. “Muslim New Yorkers are vital to our communities as neighbors, parents, business owners, and public servants. Declaring January as Muslim American Heritage Month affirms that Muslim New Yorkers are seen, valued, and respected for the role they play in moving New York forward. Governor Hochul’s proclamation reinforces a simple truth, New York works best when its leadership reflects the people it serves.”

State Senator Robert Jackson, the first Muslim Senator in New York, also welcomed the designation. “New York is home to one of the largest and most ethnically diverse Muslim populations in the world, and we are stronger because of it. This month, as we commemorate Muslim American Heritage, we pause to honor the profound impact that Muslims have made on our economic prosperity, cultural fabric and civic life, and reaffirm our steadfast commitment to dignity, opportunity and respect for all.”

The historic proclamation garnered praise from leaders across the state. New York City Councilmember Shahana Hanif, the first Muslim woman elected to the city council, reflected on the personal and communal significance of the recognition. “From Brooklyn to Buffalo, Muslim New Yorkers reflect the extraordinary diversity, resilience, and contributions that define our state. This recognition is more than symbolic—it affirms that New York’s history and future cannot be told without its Muslim communities, and I am proud to be a Muslim New Yorker.”

Councilmember Yusef Salaam emphasized the visibility this initiative provides. “For the first time, New York is proclaiming January as Muslim American Heritage Month and lighting state landmarks green to honor the state’s vibrant Muslim community — and I thank the Governor and the many Muslim advocates who fought to make this recognition a reality. This acknowledgment affirms our deep roots and lasting contributions to the fabric of New York.”

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Other local leaders also voiced strong support for the initiative. Lackawanna First Ward Council Member Amira H. Muflahi described the designation as a milestone. “The proclamation of January as Muslim American Heritage Month is a meaningful milestone that honors the rich history, faith, and contributions of Muslim Americans across New York State. The lighting of state landmarks in green is a beautiful and symbolic gesture of recognition and inclusion. We are deeply grateful to Governor Hochul for acknowledging the vital role Muslim communities play in the fabric of our great state. May this moment continue to inspire unity, understanding, and celebration of our shared values.”

Educators and advocates have echoed the importance of this recognition for the younger generation. Emgage Metro NY Senior Advisor Dr. Debbie Almontaser noted, “As a longtime educator and one who believes in diversity, equity and inclusion, I commend and thank Governor Hochul for inaugurating January as Muslim American Heritage Month in the State of New York. This has been a lifetime dream where every Muslim child will feel acknowledged, heard and valued by their government.”

Muslim Public Affairs Council of Western New York Inaugural President Dr. Khalid J. Qazi further emphasized the significance of the celebration in acknowledging past contributions. “The declaration of Muslim American Heritage Month affirms New York’s enduring commitment to diversity, dignity, and inclusion. It honors the rich history, faith, and profound contributions of generations of Muslim New Yorkers whose leadership, service, and innovation strengthen our communities, enrich the fabric of our state and celebrates our shared humanity.”

Imam Mansoor Rafiq Umar of Muslim Community of Bethlehem highlighted the broader societal importance of the recognition. “As a Muslim born in the great state of New York, I carry with me the confidence of ‘One nation under God’ to the same tune as passionate believers of all faiths across America. Honoring the heritage of our people is truly a significant statement by our Governor, Kathy Hochul, that we are a part of the fabric of our nation that undergirds the common threads of goodwill. We are blessed to live in a state with balance in recognizing its diverse demographics, and an administration that engages its people without indulging in otherism. To all those honoring Muslim-American Heritage Month, we stand together, green lights a-lit on every monument, saluting our past giants, honoring our present stewards, and lifting the future leaders yet to come.”

Faith-based and interfaith organizations also welcomed the proclamation. Executive Interfaith Council Member Carolynn B. Sozen said, “Today is a momentous occasion for American Muslims across New York State! We are honored to be recognized as valued and integral citizens in our richly diverse communities. The contributions of American Muslims – past, present, and future – continue to strengthen and enrich our great State. Thank you, Governor Hochul, for your determination to cherish and uplift all individuals.”

Imam Abdul-Rahman Yaki of Islamic Center of the Capital District spoke to the unity and collective responsibility that the recognition represents. “Many thanks to Governor Kathy Hochul for recognizing the contributions of Muslim Americans to our great New York State. As Muslims, we appreciate, we care and vow to protect NYS together. Those of us who arrived yesterday and us today and those coming tomorrow, the attitude of positivity must be our greatest strength.”

Council of Peoples Organization (COPO) CEO Mohammad Razvi pointed to the broader civil rights and interfaith implications of the recognition. “Governor Hochul’s acknowledgment of Muslim American Heritage Month represents an important and affirming moment for Muslim New Yorkers across the state. For a community that has demonstrated resilience in the years following 9/11—while continuing to strengthen New York through immigrant contributions, civic leadership, and service—this recognition affirms our place in the social, cultural, and civic life of our state. In celebration of this milestone, COPO will light up green on January 2nd to honor Muslim American Heritage Month and to send a message of pride and belonging to our youth and families. This moment reflects New York’s continued commitment to civil rights, religious freedom, unity, and interfaith solidarity, and to ensuring that people of all backgrounds are seen, valued, and included.”

Albany Muslim Advocacy Coalition Cofounder Mehak Jamil emphasized the importance of local advocacy. “The Albany Muslim Advocacy Coalition (AMAC) welcomes Governor Hochul’s proclamation of Muslim American Heritage Month as an opportunity to highlight the contributions of Muslim communities in the Capital Region and across New York. As the first Muslim advocacy organization in the Capital Region, AMAC is committed to fostering understanding and equitable representation, and encourages all public leaders to deepen their engagement by visiting local mosques and hearing directly from their Muslim constituents.”

Similarly, Imam Shaffieq Chace of Westchester Muslim Center highlighted the educational and community-building potential of the recognition. “This Muslim American Heritage Month, we look forward to opening the doors of our mosques and community centers, to sharing stories of our history, and to engaging in dialogue that builds bridges of understanding. We hope this month will foster a deeper appreciation for the approximately 1 million Muslims who call New York home, who serve as doctors, teachers, first responders, artists, and entrepreneurs, contributing daily to the strength and vitality of this great state. Many also gave their lives like NYPD Detective Didarul Islam. We commend Governor Kathy Hochul for her leadership in promoting inclusivity and recognizing the integral role of all communities in the story of New York. May this initiative inspire greater harmony, dispel misconceptions, and remind us all that our collective heritage is one of our greatest strengths. Let us move forward together, in peace and with shared purpose.”

Muslim Community Network Executive Director Husein Yatabarry reflected on the broader social significance of the proclamation. “Muslim Community Network welcomes Governor Hochul’s proclamation of January as Muslim American Heritage Month and the lighting of state landmarks in green. For Muslim New Yorkers, this is more than symbolism. It is public recognition that our families, workers, students, and small businesses have helped build this state for generations. At a time when Islamophobia and misinformation are rising, visible inclusion like this matters. We look forward to partnering with leaders across New York to ensure this month brings real commitments to safety, dignity, and opportunity for every community.”