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www.desitalk.com – that’s all you need to know 6 CITY VIEWS February 27, 2026 NYC Awards 12 Organizations Its ‘Community Project Grant To Prevent And Address Bias And Hate’; Includes Hindus For Human Rights F or the fourth consecutive year, New York City’s Office for the Preven- tion of Hate Crimes (OPHC) and the NewYork City Commission on Human Rights (CCHR) announced the 12 recipients of the 2026 Community Project Grants to Prevent and Address Bias and Hate. The OPHC is part of the Mayor’s Of- fice of Criminal Justice. Each awardee receives up to $10,000 to develop and implement creative com- munity-based projects aimed at reducing hate crimes, bias-motivated incidents, and discrimination across NewYork City, a Feb. 17, 2026 press release from the OPHC said. This year’s winners include organiza- tions and individuals working across faith communities, intercultural spaces, and youth programs. Among the winners is Hindus for Hu- man Rights, which is described in the press release as “a grassroots organization advancing pluralism and human rights through interfaith solidarity and anti-hate advocacy. Its Eid/Holi/Vaisakhi for Inter- cultural Solidarity project brings Hindu, Sikh, Muslim and allied communities together through youth roundtables and public celebrations to counter Islamopho- bia, anti-Sikh hate, caste oppression, and polarization.” “The Community Project Grants reflect NewYork City’s commitment to invest- ing in the communities most vulnerable to hate,” said Vijah Ramjattan, executive director of the Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes. “Through these grants, OPHC strengthens community-driven strategies that empower everyday New Yorkers to be part of the solution.” Other groups and individuals recog- nized for the award are: Jiayi “Zoe” Yue (Queens), a 15-year-old youth advocate advancing mental health awareness and youth leadership through civic engagement and community-based programming. She has worked with The International Foundation of Freedom and Awareness.r empathy, conflict resolution, and inclusive action. Miah Artola (Manhattan), an interdis- ciplinary artist and educator whose work centers the experiences of asylum seek- ers, refugees and diasporic communities. Grevil King-One Music Group (Bronx), a Bronx-based creative director, music executive, and community arts leader who founded ONE Music Group to support artist development and youth empower- ment. Homecrest Community Services (Brooklyn), a nonprofit serving immigrant older adults, youth and families through culturally responsive programming. Michael Peterson (Brooklyn), a Brook- lyn-based artist and educator who creates community-driven art experiences that transform public spaces through storytell- ing. Yohanna Baez & Jasmin Benward (Citywide) are multidisciplinary artists collaborating on The Map Belonging Proj- ect, a citywide initiative that transforms personal stories into poetry and audio tours. Jewish Community Council of Greater Coney Island (Brooklyn), which will launch Holocaust Survivors Against Hate, an initiative that amplifies survivor testi- mony to educate the public and combat bias and discrimination. Bangladesh School of Fine Arts (BAFA) (Bronx and Queens), a Bronx-based cul- tural organization dedicated to preserving South Asian arts and fostering community empowerment. Big Apple Immigrant Center (Manhat- tan), a Chinatown and Lower East Side nonprofit providing culturally and linguis- tically accessible services to immigrant families. Staten Island Pride Center (Staten Island, NewYork) which supports LG- BTQIA+ and allied communities through advocacy, education, and community- building programs. Kayhan Irani, an Emmy Award-winning interdisciplinary artist and cultural worker whose practice blends storytelling, the- ater, education, and participatory art to advance community healing and belong- ing. PHOTO:SCREENSHOT FROMVIDEO PROVIDED Vijah Ramjattan, executive director of the OPHC, getting ready to inform the winners of the Community Grant. O n the eve of Ramadan, NewYork City Council Speaker Julie Menin convened Muslim community leaders at City Hall on Tuesday for a roundtable discussion focused on combating Islamophobia and expand- ing access to halal food across the city. Council Member Shahana Hanif joined the conversation, which addressed con- cerns about rising anti-Muslim hate and barriers facing halal food pantries. The meeting brought together religious and community leaders from organizations and mosques throughout the five bor- oughs, along with City Council staff. “I’m proud to convene this group of dedicated leaders to strengthen how we support Muslim NewYorkers, from con- fronting Islamophobia to ensuring cultur- ally competent services such as access to halal meals,” Menin said in a statement. “As we begin the holy month of Ramadan, we must also recognize the heightened safety concerns many Muslim families are feeling. The Council remains committed to ensuring that Muslim NewYorkers are safe, respected, and celebrated: in their mosques, in their schools, and in every neighborhood across our city.” Among the issues raised were the need to improve hate crime reporting systems, including expanding language access, and addressing financial and contracting chal- lenges that limit the ability of halal food pantries to serve families in need. Menin, who has made community safety a legislative priority, noted that one week into her term the Council voted to establish the Committee to Combat Hate. She appointed Council Member Yusef Salaam as chair. Salaam also participated in Tuesday’s roundtable. Menin has introduced legislation aimed at ensuring safe access to houses of worship, including mosques, and is working with colleagues on measures to strengthen protections and expand secu- rity funding for Islamic schools and other faith-based institutions. “As the only Muslim woman serving in the NewYork City Council, I’m grateful to join this roundtable as we begin Ramadan and address the issues facing NewYork City’s Muslim community,” Hanif said. “Protecting Muslim NewYorkers from Islamophobia and ensuring access to halal food are fundamental to our dignity and safety.” Salaam, chair of the Committee to Combat Hate, said the roundtable was an opportunity to hear directly from commu- nity members and advance policies that protect religious freedom. “Confronting Islamophobia and ensur- ing meaningful access to halal food are not symbolic gestures — they are neces- sary steps toward equity, safety, and full participation in daily life for our Muslim communities,” Salaam said. Community leaders welcomed the dis- cussion and called for sustained action. Erum Hanif, co-founder and CEO of APNA Community Services, said the meeting was a critical first step toward developing a comprehensive strategy to combat discrimination and ensure access to culturally appropriate resources. Dr. Debbie Almontaser, CEO of Bridg- ing Cultures Group, said she looks forward to working with the Council on a plan to address the rise in anti-Muslim hate. Heba Khalil, state director of Emgage NewYork Metro Chapter, said Muslim NewYorkers deserve “measurable action and sustained accountability” to ensure their safety and dignity. Staff from Salaam’s office, as well as the Council’s legislative, community engage- ment and finance divisions, attended the meeting to identify potential next steps for advancing protections and resources for Muslim NewYorkers. NYC Council Speaker Julie Menin Convenes Muslim Leaders Ahead Of Ramadan To Address Islamophobia, Halal Food Access By a StaffWriter PHOTO:X ACCOUNT OF SPEAKER JULIE MENIN Speaker Julie Menin stands with Muslim community and faith leaders at City Hall after convening a round- table discussion on combating Islamophobia and expanding access to halal meals ahead of Ramadan. The New York City Council reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring Muslim New Yorkers are safe, respected and celebrated in every neighborhood. By a StaffWriter