New York City witnessed a historic moment as Mamdani was sworn in as the new mayor, marking the beginning of a transformative era for the city. In his inaugural address, he reached out to those who did not support him, acknowledging their distrust and disdain for politics. He emphasized that while only action can change minds, he is committed to serving all New Yorkers, stating, “If you are a New Yorker, I am your mayor.”
In a moment of levity, Mamdani joked about being either the 111th or 112th mayor of New York City, referencing inconsistencies in the city's historical records. This light-hearted comment set a positive tone for the event, which was filled with exuberant support from the crowd.
As Mamdani took the stage, he was publicly sworn in by Senator Bernie Sanders, amid cheers from the audience chanting “Zohran, Zohran, Zohran.” The new mayor placed his hand on his grandmother’s Qur’an to take his oath, symbolizing a deep connection to his roots and a commitment to his community.
In a passionate speech, Sanders articulated a strong message to the billionaire class, insisting that they cannot hoard all the wealth in America. “America must belong to all of us, not just the few,” he declared, emphasizing that the wealthy and corporations must start paying their fair share of taxes. The crowd enthusiastically responded with chants of “tax the rich,” underscoring the urgency of addressing economic disparities.
Sanders continued to advocate for progressive ideas such as affordable housing, free childcare, free public transportation, and accessible quality food. He asserted that these initiatives are not radical, but rather “the right and decent thing to do.” He highlighted that numerous countries have successfully implemented these policies for years, urging New Yorkers to embrace similar solutions.
During his address, Sanders acknowledged a growing sentiment of disillusionment with democracy throughout the country and the world. However, he praised Mamdani's campaign for inspiring thousands of volunteers, stating, “When working people stand up, there is nothing we cannot accomplish.” This message resonated deeply with the audience, fostering a sense of hope and collective action.
As the ceremony continued, the atmosphere was electrified when Lucy Dacus performed “Bread & Roses,” a song symbolizing social justice and labor rights. The emotional highlight came when Williams addressed his younger self, affirming, “Little black boy, you are worth it, and you always were.” His heartfelt message of self-worth and protection for the youth was met with a standing ovation, as the crowd joined in saying, “We gon’ be alright.”
Mamdani concluded by directing attention to the root causes of inequality, stating, “The reason so many New Yorkers have too little is not because of those who have less, but because of the systems entrenched at the top. That’s where we should focus our anger and our actions.” This powerful statement underscored the need for systemic change to create a more equitable city.
The inauguration of Mamdani as mayor represents a pivotal moment for New York City, signaling a commitment to progressive values and a renewed focus on justice for all residents.