Manhattan, April 10, 2025
Under the soft but warm lights of the New York Stem Cell Foundation, Manhattan celebrated one of its most cherished traditions: unity in diversity. This year’s Eid celebration, organized by Manhattan Borough President Mark D. Levine in partnership with the Muslim Volunteers for New York, carried a powerful and symbolic name: “A Tapestry of Joy.”
This title was no coincidence. It captured the spirit of the evening and reflected the deeply human vision of President Mark D. Levine, for whom every culture is a valuable thread in the great tapestry that is New York.
Mark D. Levine, a Leader Close to the People
Since taking office, Mark D. Levine has placed cultural diversity at the heart of his leadership. During the celebration, he delivered a heartfelt speech honoring the rich backgrounds of those gathered:
“Manhattan’s Muslim communities come from dozens of countries from West Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, Bosnia, Albania… We wanted to bring them all together in a magnificent tapestry of diversity.”
This message wasn’t just a speech it was a reflection of a leader who truly believes in the collective strength that comes from multiculturalism, especially in times when intolerance is on the rise.
A Multicultural Celebration of Color and Tradition
The event’s cultural dress code turned the evening into a vibrant multicultural fashion show:
- South Asian women arrived in stunning silk saris and shalwar kameez.
- West African women shone in brightly colored wax print boubous, with elegantly wrapped gélés.
- The men proudly wore kanzus, dashikis, and Pakistani traditional suits.
It was a living tapestry made of colors, textiles, languages, and shared smiles.
Honoring Those Who Weave the Social Fabric
President Levine also used the event to honor inspiring members of New York’s Muslim community for their civic and humanitarian contributions:
- Abu Syed, Owner , of Joy Curry and Tandoor,a Bangladeshi restaurateur, was recognized for providing halal meals to families in need and supporting education projects abroad.
- Sabeeha Rehman, author and interfaith activist, was celebrated for her lifelong work fostering understanding around the Muslim-American experience.
- Dr. Micha’il DeVeaux,Executive director of Citizens Aganis Recidivism,Inc, a researcher and activist,who was honored for his advocacy for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated and racial justice.
- Adama Bah,Founder of Afrikana, a leading voice for African migrants’ rights, was applauded for her frontline work during New York’s migration crisis.
Each honoree served as a reminder that diversity is not just a word it’s an action.
A Political Statement Without a Political Speech
While the event was not explicitly political, Mark Levine didn’t shy away from making a strong statement in defense of Muslim and immigrant communities:
“At a time when so much hatred is directed at Muslims and immigrants, I want to say this clearly: you make New York stronger.”
In his voice, these words rang true — backed by a rare and genuine sincerity. Levine doesn’t simply represent communities — he walks among them.
A Leadership of Proximity, A City United
Through “A Tapestry of Joy,” Mark D. Levine proved that an elected official can be a builder of cultural bridges, a steward of social peace, and a true champion of inclusion. He doesn’t just represent Manhattan he represents a particular vision of New York: cosmopolitan, open, compassionate.
This wasn’t just a religious gathering marking the end of Ramadan. It was a celebration of New York’s spirit as embodied by Mark Levine proud of its diversity, grounded in its values, and united in its multiplicity.
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