Md. Mashiur Rahman Majumder, New York — Thousands of people gathered along Manhattan’s Madison Avenue on Sunday September 27, 2026 for the Muslim Day Parade, turning out despite heavy rain to celebrate faith, cultural diversity and community unity. Parents accompanied by their children, students, teachers, imams, community leaders and representatives of religious and social organizations took part in the annual event. The strong turnout despite the unfavorable weather highlighted the diversity and community spirit of Muslim New Yorkers.

Held against the backdrop of the 250th anniversary of the United States, this year’s parade carried the theme “United in Faith, Diverse in Culture.” Organizers also promoted the messages “One Ummah, One Nation, Proud Americans” and “Love for All, Hatred for None.”

Participants representing different languages, nationalities and cultural backgrounds joined the procession, reflecting the diverse character of the Muslim American community. Religious and community leaders were joined by Muslim officers of the New York City Police Department (NYPD), members of the Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY), representatives of Islamic organizations, law enforcement personnel and elected officials.

Despite the persistent rain, the participation of community members helped turn the parade into a major gathering celebrating Muslim American identity and community engagement. Mohammad Razvi, president of the Council of Peoples Organization (COPO) and convener of the parade, thanked participants and everyone involved in organizing the event. He also expressed appreciation to organizers, volunteers, partner organizations and sponsors who worked behind the scenes to make the parade possible.

Razvi said New York’s Muslim community represents unity and peace, adding that the large turnout despite the rain demonstrated the strength of that unity. Students and members of the school community from Elham Academy in Queens also participated in the parade. For the students, the event provided an opportunity to celebrate their faith and heritage while taking part in a broader community gathering. Parents and teachers joined the students and shared the experience with them.

Imam Muhammad Shahidullah, founder of Elham Academy and chief executive officer of Save the People, said Islam is a religion of peace. He highlighted the contributions of Muslim Americans to the United States and said Muslims have played an important role in the country’s education, service, culture and development.

Shahidullah said the Muslim community would continue working alongside people of all ethnicities and faiths to showcase the values of Islam and contribute to the continued progress of the United States. The parade’s organizing committee included Tahir Mustafa Kukigi, Rafiq Mohamed, Ibrahim Ahmed, Ainul Haque, Zilfa Baksh, Ed Powell, Sakibeh Mustafa, Souleymane Konate, Bajah Ruhi, Kenan Taskent, Ahmad Ali, Hafida Torres, Moni Lutfi, Imam Muhammad Shahidullah and Mohammad Razvi.

According to the parade’s promotional materials, participating organizations included COPO, Darul Uloom New York, Save the People, Al-Amin School, Jalalabad Foundation for Children and Youth, Africa Community Services, African Cultures Promotions, Albiana Islamic Cultural Center, Al-Ihsan Academy, Al-Iman School, Al-Mamur School, American Council of Minority Women, Basti, Council of African Imams, Islamic Leadership School, Jamaica Muslim Center and Jamaica Bangladesh Friends Society.

The promotional materials also listed numerous mosques, schools and community organizations, including Al-Madani Mosque, Masjid Al-Hikmah, Masjid Al-Ghaffar, Makki Mosque, Masjid Asri, Miraj Islamic School, Razi School, Yankasa Association of USA, Moroccan Society of New York, Yemeni American Association of New York, Yonkers Islamic Center, Elham for All, New York Imam Council, Islamic Schools Association, Caribbean American Muslim Association and Smile of Life.

The heavy rain did little to dampen participation. Organizers said the parade sent an important message to younger generations: people can take pride in their faith and cultural identity while embracing other communities and contributing to a peaceful and united America.

NEW YORK — New York City has launched a new pilot program to address the long-standing shortage of clean, accessible public restrooms across the city. Under the initiative, 17 high-tech modular public toilets will be installed across all five boroughs as part of a $4 million, one-year pilot program launched by Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani. Speaking at a news conference Wednesday, Mayor Mamdani said access to public restrooms is an important part of maintaining clean streets and ensuring dignity for New Yorkers.

“Many New Yorkers and working people—especially delivery workers who spend up to 12 hours on the streets and mothers traveling with children—struggle to find a restroom when they urgently need one,” Mamdani said. “This public health infrastructure will play an important role in keeping our streets clean and ensuring dignity for all New Yorkers.”

Self-contained toilets require no underground utility connections

The modular restroom units are being developed by technology company Throne Labs. The units are fully self-contained, meaning they do not require connections to underground water or sewer lines. That design allows the toilets to be installed relatively quickly in busy intersections, plazas and other high-traffic locations. The units can also be relocated when necessary.

Free access and modern amenities

The public toilets will be free to use and available daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Each unit is equipped with a range of modern features, including a touchless-flush toilet, running-water sink, automated heating and air conditioning, and a baby-changing station. The units are also designed to be ADA-compliant, making them accessible to people with disabilities.

Smartphone, QR code and text-message access

Users will be able to unlock the restrooms through a smartphone app, QR code or text message. For people without smartphones, including unhoused New Yorkers, special tap cards will be distributed through local community organizations.

Ten-minute limit raises eyebrows

One of the program’s most notable features is a strict 10-minute usage limit. Users will receive audio warnings after five and eight minutes inside the restroom. Once the 10-minute limit is reached, flashing lights will activate and the door will automatically unlock. Jessica Heinzelman, chief operating officer of Throne Labs, said the system is designed to prevent individuals from occupying the facilities for extended periods.

“Someone shouldn’t be able to occupy the restroom for a long time,” Heinzelman said, noting that the company estimates a typical restroom visit takes about three and a half minutes.

Initial locations across Manhattan, Brooklyn and the Bronx

The first units are being installed in high-density locations, including Cooper Square in Manhattan, Columbus Park in Brooklyn and the area around Yankee Stadium in the Bronx. City officials say the one-year pilot will help determine how effectively the modular restroom system serves residents and visitors. If the pilot proves successful, the city could consider expanding the public restroom network to additional locations across New York City.