On Friday, September 12th, Andrew Cuomo made his first visit to a mosque as a candidate for New York City mayor, stopping at the Futa Islamic Center in the Bronx. He was welcomed by congregants and greeted with handshakes and photos before addressing the audience, opening with a cautious “Assalam Alaikum.”
Cuomo highlighted New York as a city of opportunity and inclusivity, connecting his family’s immigrant history to that of many mosque members. He emphasized affordability and public safety, proposing free public transit for households earning under $50,000 and pledging to address rising housing costs.
Cuomo was also asked by Mona Davids of LittleAfrica News how he would support African-owned small businesses and nonprofits. He said increasing inclusion in government would be a priority and criticized current city practices, pledging partnerships to promote growth and hiring.
