The state of New York has embarked on a new initiative to honor the Muslim American community. On January 2, 2026, Governor Kathy Hochul announced the state's first-ever Muslim American Heritage Month, during which 16 prominent landmarks, including One World Trade Center, were ordered to be lit in green. This act is intended to celebrate the heritage, culture, and contributions of Muslim Americans to the state.
"New York is proud to join in this month-long celebration of Muslim American heritage, recognizing the diversity of its Muslim American population and protecting communities from Islamophobia, hate, bias, and harm." - Governor Kathy Hochul
Governor Hochul described the gesture as a recognition of the Muslim American population's diversity and a stand against Islamophobia, hate, and bias. "Home to the largest Muslim American population in the nation, New York is proud to join in this month-long celebration," Hochul stated, emphasizing New York's commitment to tolerance and inclusion.
The announcement was met with immediate support from some officials, including New York City's first Muslim mayor, Zohran Mamdani, who deemed the initiative a meaningful acknowledgment of the Muslim community's role in the city's life. State Assemblyman Charles D. Fall and State Sen. Robert Jackson also expressed their support, stating that the proclamation affirms that Muslim New Yorkers are "seen, valued, and respected."
However, the decision to include One World Trade Center, the site of the original Twin Towers destroyed in the September 11 attacks, has attracted criticism. Opponents have called the choice "tone-deaf" and insensitive to the memory of the 9/11 victims and their families. Critics argue that such a gesture at a site attacked by extremists disregards the historical context and is politically opportunistic, especially considering the timing after the high-profile inauguration of a Muslim mayor and in an election year.
The use of green, a color of significance in Islamic tradition symbolizing peace, paradise, and renewal, in the lighting displays is seen by supporters as a celebration of cultural heritage and not as a diminishment of historical memory. They also point out that landmark lighting for cultural observances is not unprecedented in New York, citing past events like Diwali and other heritage months.
The debate extends beyond the choice of color or landmarks; it touches on broader issues of public space utilization for cultural recognition, government symbolism, and the balance between inclusivity and respect for historical events. While some conservative commentators continue to describe the move as politically opportunistic, supporters see it as a positive step in acknowledging the contributions of Muslim Americans.
The controversy has sparked a broader conversation on how public spaces are used to celebrate cultural identities and whether such gestures can coexist with respect for historical sensitivities. As the green lights illuminate New York's skyline, the discussion on this issue continues to evolve, reflecting the state's diverse and often complex social landscape.
