Zohran Mamdani, the 33-year-old Ugandan-born socialist running for mayor of New York City, found himself in the spotlight for an unexpected reason: his struggle with a 135-pound bench press at a Brooklyn Men’s Day event. The event, organized by ‘500 Men Making a Difference,’ was part of a broader community initiative aimed at celebrating and supporting Black men through various activities and projects.
During the event, Mamdani attempted the bench press but required assistance from his spotter. The incident sparked immediate reactions from political figures, including Mayor Eric Adams and former Governor Andrew Cuomo, both of whom used social media to comment on the situation. Adams, who is running for re-election, labeled Mamdani ‘Mamscrawny’ on X, suggesting that his inability to lift the weight was a metaphor for his perceived inability to carry the weight of leading the city.
Cuomo, in a separate post, remarked on the contrast between his own physical achievements and Mamdani’s struggles, stating, ‘It’s easy to talk, it’s hard to carry the burden.’ The former governor’s comments were part of an ongoing critique of Mamdani’s leadership capabilities and his physical fitness as a reflection of his readiness for the mayor’s role.
Despite the scrutiny, Mamdani acknowledged the organizers for their efforts in celebrating the community, expressing a desire to be the next mayor of New York City. The event also featured other activities such as a car show, circus performance, boot camp classes, and financial literacy sessions, underscoring the organization’s commitment to promoting civic responsibility and social mobility among Black men.
500 Men Making a Difference, founded in 2010 by Wayne Devonish, has been involved in various civic projects focused on skill-building and community engagement. The organization’s initiatives aim to develop competitive job skills and an understanding of local institutions, reflecting its dedication to fostering leadership and civic responsibility within the community.