In A First For Any Muslim Woman, Shahana Hanif Gets Elected To New York City Council

Shahana Hanif becomes the First Muslim Woman To Be Elected to the New York City Council. So far the New York City Council has never had a person of South Asian descent or a Muslim woman among its members. Hanif has thus created history.

On Tuesday, Shahana K Hanif a former City Council employee won her election in a Brooklyn district. The areas covered are Park Slope, Kensington and parts of central Brooklyn. Hanif Tweeted, "I was born & raised in Brooklyn. I'm the daughter of Bangladeshi Muslim immigrants, a Lupus survivor, & an activist. I'm humbled to be the first Muslim woman elected to the New York City Council and the first woman to represent my district. WE DID IT "

I was born & raised in Brooklyn. I'm the daughter of Bangladeshi Muslim immigrants, a Lupus survivor, & an activist.

I'm humbled to be the first Muslim woman elected to the New York City Council and the first woman to represent my district. WE DID IT 😭✊🏽https://t.co/XjuSiPkOxF

— Shahana Hanif for City Council 🦾 (@ShahanaFromBK) November 3, 2021

In another tweet, she wrote, "We are building an anti-racist, feminist city. We deserve a city that guarantees equitable education, invests in climate solutions, and makes our immigrant neighbors heard and safe. I’m ready to move our city forward in service of our progressive vision every day."

Hanif is a person of Bangladeshi American descent and is the first Muslim woman elected to the Council in its history. It is amusing that it took so long given the city is home to an estimated 769,000 Muslims. In an earlier interview, she said that she wishes to work for the upliftment of communities that have been voiceless.

Hanif was one of two history-making South Asian candidates to win and create history. The other, Shekar Krishnan, won a seat representing Jackson Heights and Elmhurst in Queens. It looks like women will have a majority in this city council ushering in change.

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