Shahana Hanif: Public Appearances and Media
Commencement Address at Macaulay Honors College (2023)
Hanif was selected as the 2023 Commencement Speaker for Macaulay Honors College at CUNY, delivering remarks at United Palace in Manhattan . The invitation recognized her as a Brooklyn activist, legislator, and CUNY graduate whose career embodied the college's mission of public service .
WNYC Brian Lehrer Show Appearance (2022)
Hanif appeared on the Brian Lehrer Show as part of the program's "51 Council Members in 52 Weeks" series in September 2022 . During the interview, she discussed her background as a first-generation Bangladeshi Brooklynite, her lupus diagnosis, her work on immigration policy, and her priorities as Immigration Committee chair . She described the Bangladeshi community in Kensington as working-class people who are delivery workers, domestic workers, and Dunkin' employees, and emphasized the significance of having representation for that community in City Hall .
Brooklyn College Homecoming (2022)
Hanif returned to Brooklyn College in December 2022 for an event hosted by The Women's Center, where she had been a student . She spoke about her organizing roots, her relationship with mentors at the college, and the importance of public institutions in shaping leaders from immigrant communities .
Ceasefire Rally and Arrest (October 2023)
Hanif gained significant media attention following her arrest at a ceasefire rally in Midtown Manhattan on October 20, 2023 . She was among over 130 demonstrators arrested at the event, where she called on Senators Schumer and Gillibrand to support a ceasefire in Gaza . The arrest was covered extensively by Patch, Jewish Insider, Documented, and other outlets, and became a defining episode in her political profile .
Columbia University Solidarity Encampment Visit (April 2024)
In April 2024, Hanif visited the Gaza Solidarity Encampment at Columbia University alongside other Council members, describing the protesters as engaged in nonviolent advocacy for divestment from Israel . The visit drew coverage from multiple news outlets and was cited by critics as evidence of her alignment with the most strident wing of pro-Palestinian activism in the city .
Participatory Budgeting Announcements
Hanif has regularly hosted Participatory Budgeting announcement events in District 39. In May 2025, she announced $1.5 million in community-funded projects following the district's highest participation in its 14-year Participatory Budgeting history . The cycle was framed as the city's first climate justice-focused PB process, with winning projects selected through grassroots input 10.
Press Conferences on Reproductive Rights and Trans Protections
Hanif was a featured speaker at multiple City Hall press conferences surrounding the passage of the NYC Abortion Rights Act in 2022 and the Protect Trans Futures legislative package in April 2025 12. At the April 2025 Stated Meeting, she presented the Affirm Act and called for increased city budget allocations for trans-led advocacy groups, gender-affirming care, and LGBTQ youth housing 12.
Housing and Rezoning Press Events
Hanif hosted press events and issued public statements around major land use actions, including the Gowanus rezoning, the City of Yes vote, and the Arrow Linen rezoning in Windsor Terrace 14. The Arrow Linen announcement featured statements from multiple Council colleagues, the State Senator, and housing advocacy organizations .
Media Coverage of the 2025 Primary
The 2025 District 39 primary received extensive media coverage from City and State NY, Brooklyn Paper, THE CITY, BKReader, NY1, News 12 Brooklyn, NYC News Service, Hell Gate, the Jewish Telegraphic Agency, Jewish Insider, The Indypendent, and Gothamist, among others . The race was widely described as a proxy battle in the broader national conflict over Israel-Palestine politics at the local level .
Primary Night Celebration (June 2025)
Hanif celebrated her primary victory on June 24, 2025, at The Commissioner bar in Park Slope, where she was joined by supporters, volunteers, and fellow Council Member Sandy Nurse . She addressed supporters declaring that the result reflected the district's refusal to be divided and the strength of its progressive movement .
Lupus Awareness Month Remarks (May 2025)
At the May 28, 2025, Stated Meeting, Hanif delivered personal remarks on her experience living with lupus and the importance of the official recognition of Lupus Awareness Month through Resolution 550 22. She called for faster diagnoses, better access to specialists, and broader systemic changes including accessible transit and free healthcare 22.