U.S. city swears in all-Muslim council

Hamtramck, a city in the U.S. state of Michigan, has sworn in its first Muslim mayor, Amer Ghalib alongside three new council members who are all also Muslim. The city of 28,000 is the first in the United States to have a council and mayor that are all Muslim. “Hamtramck continues to be an example […]

Hamtramck, a city in the U.S. state of Michigan, has sworn in its first Muslim mayor, Amer Ghalib alongside three new council members who are all also Muslim.

The city of 28,000 is the first in the United States to have a council and mayor that are all Muslim.

“Hamtramck continues to be an example of the American dream, big and small,” former Mayor Karen Majewski said during the swearing-in ceremony for the new city leaders.

Ghalib was sworn in alongside three newly-elected members of the City Council, Adam Albarmaki, Amanda Jaczkowski and Khalil Refai, who are Muslim themselves.

The all-Muslim mayor and council reflect how the city has changed from the largely Polish enclave it was in the 20th century to a city that now is home to many Middle Eastern and South Asian immigrants.

“Today, we are witness to the reality of the American dream. We are witness to the opportunity of living in a country where anyone can achieve their dreams,” Kathleen Angerer, Hamtramck’s city manager, said during the ceremony Sunday.

Ghalib, a Yemeni immigrant, beat out Majewski in November during her fourth re-election bid. He worked hard to connect with the city’s immigrant community, helping bolster him to a win.

In his introductory remarks, the city’s new mayor did not focus on the history made but instead on what he expects to come in the future.

“It’s time to focus on the problems at hand. I hope you all maintain the energy displayed during the election season. Never be afraid to call your leaders if they aren’t serving your best interests,” Ghalib said.

“If we would like to see change happen, we must make an impact. I promise you action,” he added. (The Detroit News)