From 9/11 to Zohran Mamdani: From the ashes, a new South Asian political compact

Since 2002, the Tribute in Lights has been arranged in the shape of two columns, reminiscent of the Twin Towers. This September, the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks marks a shift in the US immigration landscape. New York City's mayor, Zohran Mamdani, is a Muslim man - the first to hold this office. Over 100,000 people have objected to his presence at the 9/11 remembrance ceremony.

As a South Asian, Mamdani's presence is a poignant reminder of ongoing Islamophobia in the country, and a call to continue the fight for a more inclusive narrative. In the aftermath of 9/11, Mamdani's life and many others' trajectories changed - he was scheduled to begin a doctoral program and had just voted for the first time. This day, one month after the attacks, marked a turning point for the city and its residents.

In the years following, organizations like South Asian Youth Action and Chhaya CDC emerged, providing support to the South Asian community and increasing their political impact. These organizations have become the political home for South Asians who felt marginalized. Mamdani's activism, rooted in his experience of 9/11, shaped his 2024 campaign and victory.

However, his presence at the ceremony is being challenged, reflecting a troubling trend in America's immigration policy and the growing power of South Asians in politics. Mamdani's supporters are a diverse coalition of New Yorkers who aim to create a more inclusive city, and are paving the way for South Asians to have a seat at the table in every institution in America.