Rev. Al Sharpton, a prominent MSNBC host and progressive activist, recently condemned what he called ‘ugly Islamophobia’ in New York City’s mayoral race. During an event he hosted for Zohran Mamdani, a Democratic socialist candidate, Sharpton criticized those who label every Muslim a terrorist, accusing them of attempting to undermine Mamdani’s campaign. The event took place in Harlem, where Sharpton also joined other faith leaders, including Pastor Miles Travis Boyd, whose mother died in the 9/11 attacks, to emphasize the importance of unity against Islamophobic rhetoric.
Mamdani, in turn, targeted President Donald Trump, accusing him of smearing and gutting welfare programs. He drew parallels to the Reconstruction-era Freedmen’s Bureau, which provided aid and support to newly freed slaves after the Civil War. Mamdani suggested that Trump would similarly target modern welfare programs, such as SNAP, Medicare, and Medicaid, if they were to exist today. This argument was part of his broader critique of Trump’s economic policies and his approach to social welfare in America.
The controversy extended to former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, who faced backlash from Mamdani after an exchange with radio host Sid Rosenberg. Rosenberg claimed that Mamdani would be ‘cheering’ if another 9/11 occurred, which Cuomo used to argue that Mamdani was unprepared to lead the city in a crisis. Cuomo, in response, accused Mamdani of fueling division and antisemitism for allegedly refusing to denounce calls for an ‘intifada’ and for past statements he described as offensive toward Jews.
Sharpton also addressed Mamdani’s meeting with Siraj Wahhaj, a Brooklyn imam linked to the 1993 World Trade Center bombing. Sharpton criticized this association, though he still supported Mamdani, emphasizing that simply showing up at an event or shaking hands does not equate to shared blame. Sharpton denounced the attacks in Israel and the subsequent war in Gaza, stating that he is against Islamophobia but opposes its use in the political discourse of the world’s largest city.
In a passionate speech, Mamdani called for moral and economic renewal across New York City, emphasizing his campaign’s focus on supporting the poor, restoring faith in City Hall, and creating a more just society. His vision includes a comprehensive system of aid for those in need and a commitment to justice and fairness for all New Yorkers.
As the mayoral race intensifies, both Sharpton and Mamdani have positioned themselves as voices against division and for the empowerment of marginalized communities. The intersection of race, religion, and politics continues to shape the narrative of the campaign, raising important questions about the role of faith and ideology in governance in a diverse urban environment.