Controversy erupts over Zohran Mamdani’s racial identity claim on college application

Is checking a box on a college application a political landmine waiting to explode? That’s the question swirling around New York City mayoral front-runner Zohran Mamdani, whose past decision to identify as both “black or African American” and “Asian” on a 2009 Columbia University admissions form has ignited a firestorm among voters, as the New York Post reports. Turns out, even paperwork from over a decade ago can haunt a campaign.

The uproar centers on Mamdani, a democratic socialist of Asian Indian descent born in Uganda, who marked dual racial identities on his university application despite not gaining admission to Columbia, where his father was and remains a professor.

Fast forward to today, and this old form has become a lightning rod in his bid for mayor, with many black New Yorkers slamming him as opportunistic while others see no issue with his Ugandan roots influencing his self-identification. “He’s a fraud,” snapped an unidentified longtime local, echoing a sentiment of betrayal. Well, if trust is the currency of politics, Mamdani might need to check his balance.

Mamdani’s past sparks current outrage

Let’s rewind to 2009, when Mamdani, a naturalized U.S. citizen since 2018 with dual U.S.-Uganda citizenship, applied to Columbia University under affirmative-action-friendly policies. He didn’t get in, but his choice to check both racial boxes has resurfaced thanks to a recent New York Times report. Sometimes, the past isn’t just history — it’s a political grenade.

Critics, especially in Black communities, aren’t buying his explanation. “He’s a liar. Point-blank, period,” declared Joshua, a Bronx resident, who suspects Mamdani’s motives were to sway voters. If sincerity is the goal, this backlash suggests he’s missed the mark by a mile.

Mayor Eric Adams, himself a Black man, didn’t mince words either, calling the move “deeply offensive” and a misuse of a hard-fought identity. When the sitting mayor weighs in, you know the stakes are higher than a skyscraper. This isn’t just a debate — it’s a cultural clash.

Community voices diverge amid debate

Not everyone is ready to cancel Mamdani, though — some see his Ugandan birthplace as a valid connection. “I think it’s nice that he’s from Uganda,” said Temisan Bazunu, a 22-year-old Nigerian native interning in the city. A kind word, but does it erase the skepticism?

Bazunu added, “I don’t think he’s a liar,” suggesting a generous take on a complex issue. Yet, generosity won’t win elections if core voters feel deceived. Perception often trumps intention in the political arena.

Others, like Michelle Hart, a Trinidad and Tobago native, offer a nuanced view, noting the confusion of racial categories on forms. “I can see him identifying as African American because he saw ‘African,’” she explained. Fair point, but the paperwork isn’t a feelings test — it’s a factual one.

Harsh Words from Harlem to the Bronx

Harlem’s Marjorie, 86, wasn’t nearly as forgiving, bluntly stating, “He’s just trying to get over.” That’s the kind of street-level honesty that cuts through political spin like a knife. When elders speak, candidates should listen.

Marjorie doubled down, adding, “You can look at him and see he’s not [Black].” Her words reflect a visceral frustration that identity isn’t a costume to wear for convenience.

In the Bronx, Maria R., 37, echoed similar doubts, asking, “Why are you claiming something that you are not?” She worries opportunities may have been diverted from others. It’s a legitimate concern in a city where fairness is a constant battle.

Struggles, statements under scrutiny

Mamdani’s own words haven’t exactly doused the flames, as he told the New York Times, “I am an American who was born in Africa.” Fine, but clarity matters, especially when he later admitted to a performance artist that calling himself African American would be “misleading.” Sounds like a man caught between narratives — and voters notice.

Recent polls during the Democratic Party mayoral primary race last month showed Mamdani struggling to connect with Black voters despite a surprising win, and this controversy isn’t helping. Tiffany Francis, a 31-year-old Brooklyn resident who moved to Harlem in 2019, urged honesty, saying, “I think people should tell the truth.” Wise advice in a world where trust is harder to rebuild than a broken bridge.

Ultimately, this saga isn’t just about a box checked years ago — it’s about authenticity in a city that prides itself on grit and realness. Mamdani’s Ugandan heritage is a fact, but so is the lived experience of African Americans, which many feel he’s sidestepped. As New Yorkers weigh his candidacy, one thing is clear: Actions, even on old forms, carry consequences that no campaign speech can erase.