2026 New York Muslim Advocacy Day at the New York State Capitol in Albany brought Muslim New Yorkers from across the state into the Capitol and Legislative Office Building for press remarks, community gathering and meetings with elected officials. Participants advocated around issues affecting Muslim communities, including Eid school holidays, immigrant community protections, hate crime awareness education, campus bias reporting and protections for houses of worship.

AME photographed the main press conference and followed one advocacy group as they met with government representatives.

The day offered a clear reminder: American Muslim stories also live in civic spaces. They live in the hallways outside legislative offices, in prepared remarks, in quiet waiting moments, and in the decision to show up.

This work is part of AME’s larger effort to document the lived experiences, public presence and civic contributions of Muslims in America.