Discover the Impactful Voice of Rama Duwaji Zohran Mamdani’s Wife on Gaza and ICE Following His Election as NYC Mayor
In the wake of Zohran Mamdani’s election as New York City mayor, his wife, Rama Duwaji, has garnered attention for her outspoken art and political activism. During his victory speech, Mamdani acknowledged Duwaji, calling her “hayati,” Arabic for “my life,” underlining her significance in his journey.
The Couple’s Journey
Duwaji, born in Houston in 1997, spent her early years in Dubai. She graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2019 with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications, later earning a Master of Fine Arts in Illustration from the School of Visual Arts in New York in 2022.
The couple met on the dating app Hinge in 2021. They married in February 2023 at the Manhattan Marriage Bureau and later held another ceremony in Uganda, Mamdani’s birthplace.
Highlighting Artistic and Political Impact
Duwaji’s artistic voice carries weight in political discourse. Critiques from some quarters regarding her role as a supporter of Mamdani have been met with his strong defense. He emphasized her identity not just as his wife, but as a respected artist deserving recognition.
- Duwaji’s illustrations have appeared in prominent publications including The New Yorker and Vogue.
- She has collaborated with brands like Apple and Spotify, showcasing her talent in various mediums.
Art as a Political Medium
Rama Duwaji views art as a tool for political expression. She publicly aligned with her husband’s political views, particularly on issues confronting marginalized communities. In an April post, she stated, “Art is inherently political in how it’s made, funded, and shared.”
Her work addresses pressing global issues, including the Palestinian plight. In May, she created an animation highlighting the crisis in Gaza, depicting a young girl with a message about deliberate starvation amidst ongoing conflict. Her closing caption urged viewers to “Keep your eyes on Gaza and support.”
Activism Against ICE
Duwaji has also voiced criticism against the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Following the arrest of Palestinian-Algerian activist Mahmoud Khalil, she illustrated his detention, denouncing it as an infringement on freedom of speech:
“This is an attack on freedom of speech, and sets a scary precedent for anyone who speaks up for what’s right. Resist.”
Conclusion
Rama Duwaji’s contributions as both an artist and an activist continue to resonate profoundly in contemporary political dialogues. Through her work, she amplifies important narratives that intersect with her husband’s mayoral vision while also asserting her individuality in the creative landscape.
