Muhammad Ali Jinnah Way unveiled in Brooklyn
I think the co-naming is a great way to show homage," said Councilman Jumaane Williams
(Web DesK) – The crossroads of Coney Island and Foster avenues in Brooklyn, the USA, witnessed a proud scene on Friday, as community members tossed confetti and waved American and Pakistani flags for the unveiling of "Muhammad Ali Jinnah Way."
The co-naming of the intersection after the founder of Pakistan was the realization of a longtime goal of the Pakistani American Youth Organization (PAYO), a nonprofit based in Midwood, which hopes an official designation of the neighborhood as "Little Pakistan" will soon follow.
“I think [the co-naming] is a great way to show homage," said Councilman Jumaane Williams, who supported the co-naming and revealed the signage at the ceremony. "You see the impact that 9/11 had for this community, the un-American feeling that was here was palpable. So many organizations opened up to try to bring back that sense of community, so when PAYO reached out to do this renaming it made sense. I was excited to do this.”
Dhol [drum beating, folk music in the region of Pakistan] beating was performed by Pakistani national Muhammad Boota on the occasion to highlight the Pakistani culture in American society.
"It was amazing when the Long Live Pakistan slogans were chanted in the American airs," said Pakistani Consul-General in New York Naeem Iqbal Cheema. "Another thing which makes me happy is that crossroads of Coney Island and Foster avenues in Brooklyn is named after Muhammad Ali Jinnah by elected officials of Brooklyn."
Traditional foods, sweet pretzels (Jalebi), samosas, were served during the inauguration ceremony. As attendees ate and celebrated, speakers took to the podium to commemorate the co-naming, including Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, Councilman Mathieu Eugene, and Zubda Malik, the general secretary of PAYO.
Wakil said that PAYO members had worked for years for an official recognition of the Pakistani community even though the area around Coney Island Avenue was informally known as “Little Pakistan”.
“We are overjoyed that our efforts succeeded,” he said, explaining the complex procedures and demands involved and which the PAYO members completed.
Honoring Jinnah means honoring Pakistan and the Pakistani people who live and work in the Brooklyn, Ahmed said.
"This will break the barriers," he said. "It s gonna make us feel proud. Look, we re accepted."
Dr Ijaz Ahmad, head of America-Pakistan Political Action Committee (APPAC), urged the Pakistani community members to take an active part in American politics in order to raise their profile.
