New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Kwame Mamdani finds himself at the center of a heated debate about identity that spans the US and Uganda. Born in Kampala to Indian parents, Mamdani’s heritage reflects a common Ugandan reality: a blended “African Indian” identity. This complexity, however, clashes with America’s rigid racial classifications, as seen when old university application details surfaced showing he had identified as both Asian and Black. This revelation sparked criticism from those accusing him of exploiting identity politics. But in Uganda, this multi-hyphenated identity is entirely normal and accepted, with a long history of Indian families deeply integrated into the social fabric. The controversy highlights a fundamental divide: where Americans often see mutually exclusive categories, many Africans see a rich, layered identity that is not defined by race alone.
The Guardian
