In a significant move recognizing cultural diversity, New York Governor Kathy Hochul has officially designated January as Muslim American Heritage Month across the state. The proclamation, issued on Friday, included directions for 16 state landmarks to be illuminated in green that evening to celebrate Muslim American heritage and culture.

Among the landmarks to be lit in green is One World Trade Center in New York City, a site with particular historical significance as it stands where 6 World Trade Center once stood before being severely damaged during the September 11, 2001 attacks.

“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 stated. “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 timing of the proclamation is particularly notable, coming just one day after Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as New York City’s first Muslim mayor. Mamdani, who took his oath of office on the Quran, expressed gratitude for the recognition.

“While I was proud to be sworn in as our city’s first Muslim mayor, Muslims have been part of New York for centuries,” Mamdani said. “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.”

The designation received widespread support from Muslim political leaders across the state, including New York State Assembly Deputy Majority Leader Charles Fall, State Senator Robert Jackson, and New York City Council members Shahana Hanif and Yusef Salaam, who praised Hochul for promoting inclusivity and honoring the community’s contributions.

Mohammad Razvi, CEO of the Council of Peoples Organization, highlighted the Muslim community’s 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,” Razvi said.

According to the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding, Muslims make up a significant portion of New York City’s workforce, representing 12.5% of pharmacists, 40% of taxi drivers, and more than 57% of street food vendors. This economic contribution underscores the community’s integration into the fabric of New York life.

The proclamation comes at a time when hate crimes remain a concern in New York City. While anti-Muslim hate crimes increased after the 9/11 attacks, recent data shows that Jews were targeted more frequently than all other groups combined in the city during 2024, accounting for 54% of all hate crimes according to a report from The Times of Israel.

The decision to illuminate One World Trade Center in green has particular resonance given the site’s history. The original World Trade Center complex was the target of the 9/11 attacks carried out by members of al-Qaeda, a violent extremist group whose members identified as Muslims but whose actions have been widely condemned by mainstream Muslim communities worldwide.

This recognition of Muslim American Heritage Month represents part of a broader effort to distinguish between the actions of extremist groups and the contributions of peaceful Muslim Americans who have been integral to New York’s development and culture for generations.

The green illumination of landmarks serves as a visible symbol of New York’s commitment to celebrating the diversity that has long characterized the state, particularly in its most populous city, while promoting understanding and inclusion across religious and cultural divides.