Zohran Mamdani's Identity: Viral Video Sparks Columbia Controversy

Zohran Mamdani's Identity Under Scrutiny

A video featuring New York mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani has ignited controversy after it went viral. In the video, Mamdani explicitly states that he does not identify as Black or African-American.

Columbia Application Discrepancy

The video's emergence coincides with a New York Times report revealing that Mamdani marked both "Asian" and "Black or African American" on his application to Columbia University.

When questioned about potentially claiming African-American status, Mamdani responded that he found it misleading. He acknowledged his Ugandan heritage and middle name, Kwame, but emphasized his Ugandan identity.

Mamdani's Explanation

Addressing the NYT report, Mamdani clarified that his selection of multiple boxes on the Columbia application was an effort to accurately represent his complex background, not to gain any unfair advantage. He also stated that he wasn't admitted to Columbia.

Mamdani's parents, Mahmood Mamdani and Mira Nair, are both of Indian descent. Mahmood Mamdani was raised in Uganda, while Mira Nair later became an American citizen.