ALBANY, NY January 28, 2026 – New York Governor Kathy Hochul highlighted the contributions of the state’s Muslim residents in a social media post on Wednesday, sharing a video montage as part of the ongoing celebration of Muslim American Heritage Month.
The video, posted to X (formerly Twitter), features a diverse group of Muslim New Yorkers proudly declaring their identities and hometowns. Individuals from areas including Queens, Bed-Stuy Brooklyn, Rochester, the Bronx, Albany, Jackson Heights, and Buffalo appear on screen, emphasizing the community’s rich backgrounds from regions such as South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.
Speakers in the video affirm shared values of respect, equality, representation, and commitment to family, neighbors, and communities. The montage concludes with a message welcoming the first official celebration of Muslim American Heritage Month in New York State, noting that the state boasts the largest Muslim population in the United States.
In her caption, Governor Hochul wrote: “New York’s Muslim communities make our state stronger. As home to the largest Muslim population in the nation, we are proud to celebrate Muslim American Heritage Month and the people who make our state thrive!”
This post builds on Governor Hochul’s earlier proclamation on January 2, 2026, designating January as Muslim American Heritage Month – the first such recognition in state history. To mark the occasion, 16 state landmarks, including One World Trade Center, were illuminated green, a color often associated with Islam.
The initiative has been welcomed by Muslim advocacy organizations, such as the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY), which praised it as a “historic and affirming” step toward inclusion. Community leaders have highlighted the month as an opportunity to recognize the everyday contributions of Muslim families, workers, students, and business owners.
However, the celebration has faced backlash from critics who argue that illuminating One World Trade Center – built on the site of the 9/11 attacks – in green is insensitive to victims and families affected by the tragedy carried out by Islamic extremists. Some online responses to the governor’s post accused her of pandering and called for resignation or impeachment, while others questioned the need for a dedicated heritage month.
New York is home to an estimated 724,000 Muslims, representing about 3.6% of the state’s population. The proclamation underscores the state’s commitment to honoring diverse religious and cultural traditions.
Muslim American Heritage Month continues through January 31.
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