ISLAMABAD: New York State officially recognized Muslim American Heritage Month for the first time in January 2026, with Governor Kathy Hochul directing state landmarks to be illuminated green in celebration of Muslim communities’ contributions.

New York Governor Hochul announced statewide recognition of Muslim American Heritage Month, marking the first time January has been officially proclaimed for the observance across New York State.

In a post on X on January 3, 2026, Hochul said, “The resilience, compassion, and contributions of Muslim communities help make our state stronger. Tonight landmarks across the state are lit green as New York celebrates Muslim American Heritage Month.”

The New York City Mayor’s Office also shared a statement on X on January 3, 2026, noting the historic nature of the recognition.

“Tonight is the first time New York State has officially recognized Muslim American Heritage Month, and we're grateful to @GovKathyHochul for this proclamation honoring the Muslim New Yorkers who help make this place what it is—from small business owners to first responders, teachers to community leaders,” the post stated.

It added that City Hall was glowing green alongside 16 state landmarks across New York.

According to a statement published on New York State’s website on January 2, 2026, Governor Hochul issued the first-ever proclamation declaring January as Muslim American Heritage Month statewide and directed 16 state landmarks to be illuminated green in observance of the month and in celebration of the heritage and culture of Muslim Americans.

“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,” Hochul said in the statement.

She added that 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 recognizes the contributions Muslim Americans have made throughout history in areas including the arts, sciences, mathematics, technology, literature, music, medicine, and philosophy, and encourages New Yorkers to better appreciate and understand Muslim American cultures, histories, and principles.

Landmarks illuminated green include One World Trade Center, the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, the Kosciuszko Bridge, the Empire State Plaza, Grand Central Terminal’s Pershing Square Viaduct, Moynihan Train Hall, the Roosevelt Island Lighthouse, and Niagara Falls, among others.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani also commented on the announcement, saying, “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.”

He added that he was grateful for Hochul’s leadership in recognizing the contributions of Muslim New Yorkers and ensuring they are reflected and recognized across the city and state.

Articles tagged with "Muslim Americans"

New York proclaims Muslim American Heritage Month, illuminates landmarks green