In an exclusive interview with LittleAfrica News and the Voice Newspapers, Zohran Kwame Mamdani, the current Assemblymember representing Astoria and Long Island City, talked about his recent announcement of his candidacy for mayor of New York City. Born in Kampala, Uganda, and raised in South Africa and the United States, Mamdani’s diverse upbringing influenced his vision for a more just and equitable city.
Mamdani’s journey began in Kampala, where he spent his early childhood. At age five, he moved to Cape Town, South Africa, where he attended St. George’s Grammar, the oldest school in South Africa, founded in 1848. Mamdani’s father, Mahmood Mamdani, was a professor at the University of Cape Town. His family’s eventual move to New York City when he was seven began his American experience. “Being Ugandan is a great point of pride for me,” Mamdani shared, emphasizing how his father’s choice of middle name—Kwame, after Ghanaian leader Kwame Nkrumah—instilled in him the values of Pan-Africanism.
Both personal and community experiences shaped his political awakening. Before entering public office, Mamdani was a foreclosure prevention housing counselor, assisting low-income homeowners facing eviction. This role made him acutely aware of the human impact of policies prioritizing profits over people, reinforcing his belief in the possibility of change. He emphasizes that these issues stem from decades of pro-corporate policies, highlighting his commitment to addressing the systemic challenges marginalized communities face.
Mamdani’s activism began in high school when he co-founded the first cricket team at the Bronx High School of Science. This early experience taught him the power of organization and collective action. He later co-founded a Students for Justice in Palestine chapter in college, further fueling his passion for social justice. These formative experiences emphasized the importance of collaboration in driving meaningful change, a lesson that remains central to his political philosophy.
Mamdani has fought tirelessly in the Assembly for affordable housing, improved public transportation, and better access to essential services. He represents District 36, which includes parts of Astoria, Queens. Mamdani highlighted the stark reality many New Yorkers face today, where nearly a quarter of his constituents spend half their income on rent. His campaign includes ambitious plans for a rent freeze, enhanced childcare options, and free bus fares. These initiatives reflect a commitment to ensuring that every New Yorker can afford to live with dignity.
Mamdani’s unique perspective as the first South Asian man, the first Ugandan, and only the third Muslim to serve in the New York State Assembly drives his mission to amplify the voices of underrepresented communities. Mamdani, who is a proud African, stated how he hopes to connect with New Yorkers with similar roots across the African continent. “I am deeply excited by the prospect of meeting so many New Yorkers who, like me, have their roots across the African continent,” he said.
Reflecting on his journey, Mamdani recounted a pivotal moment from his father’s past. When his father arrived in the United States as a scholarship student from Uganda, he participated in a civil rights march organized by the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), a defining experience that shaped his understanding of solidarity and struggle. “If you are facing a struggle in your life, it’s not enough to win that struggle; you have to make sure no one else faces that struggle,” Mamdani quoted his father’s guiding philosophy, which now informs his political aspirations.
As he embarks on his mayoral campaign, Mamdani aims to create a city where all residents can meet their basic needs and pursue their dreams. “This campaign is about fighting for freedom and delivering a city that too many New Yorkers are being denied at this moment,” he asserted.
Mamdani’s candidacy represents a new vision for New York City—one rooted in community, justice, and the belief that every person deserves the opportunity to thrive. As he prepares to engage with voters, Mamdani remains committed to his mission of transformative change, ready to amplify the voices of those who have long been unheard. His campaign focuses on community organizing and social equity, positioning itself to confront the current norms and promote a future where dignity and justice are attainable for all New Yorkers.
