A wave of impassioned condemnation swept through Harlem Saturday as Reverend Al Sharpton fiercely denounced what he called a disturbing rise in Islamophobia within New York City’s mayoral race. Sharpton accused opponents of a Democratic candidate of resorting to dangerous generalizations, effectively labeling all Muslims as potential terrorists.
The rebuke came during a rally hosted by Sharpton for mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, who himself leveled sharp criticism at former President Donald Trump. Mamdani argued Trump deliberately undermined vital welfare programs, drawing a powerful parallel to the historical context of the Reconstruction era and the Freedmen’s Bureau.
Standing alongside Sharpton was Pastor Miles Travis Boyd, a man deeply marked by tragedy – his mother lost her life on 9/11. Their presence, along with other faith leaders, underscored the gravity of the accusations and the broad coalition uniting against what they perceived as divisive rhetoric.
“I am outraged,” Sharpton declared to the energized crowd gathered at his National Action Network headquarters. “This ugly Islamophobia, acting as though every Muslim is a terrorist, is an insult to the intelligence of all New Yorkers.” He challenged opponents to debate on their merits, rather than exploiting fear and prejudice.
Sharpton directly addressed a recent meeting between Mamdani and Imam Siraj Wahhaj, a controversial figure linked to past terrorist activity. He argued that a simple encounter shouldn’t equate to shared responsibility for another’s alleged actions, emphasizing the importance of individual accountability.
Sharpton unequivocally condemned both the October 7th attacks in Israel and the ensuing conflict in Gaza, reaffirming his stance against all forms of extremism. He insisted that bringing religious bias into a major political campaign was unacceptable and demanded it be challenged.
“We are not going to sit by silently,” Sharpton proclaimed, extending a hand of solidarity. “I’m a born-again Baptist, but I embrace the Muslim community, the Jewish community, and let’s walk down Broadway together.” He then firmly endorsed Mamdani as the candidate who consistently showed up and listened.
Mamdani followed Sharpton’s powerful words by invoking the spirit of the Reconstruction era, painting Trump’s policies as a direct assault on programs designed to uplift the vulnerable. He argued that Trump would dismantle any initiative aimed at helping the poor, labeling it as socialist overreach.
Mamdani described his campaign as a movement for moral and economic renewal, extending from the streets of Harlem to the diverse neighborhoods of Queens and Bay Ridge. He envisioned a city where aid reaches those in need, hard work is rewarded, and injustice is banished from City Hall.
“Over the past 12 months, we have built a movement around creating a society where the poor receive aid, where those who work long nights are set free in the day, where injustice is banished, and where faith is restored,” Mamdani stated, outlining his vision for a more equitable and just New York City.
