The mayor of Paterson, New Jersey, Andre Sayegh, has come under fire after describing the city as "Hispanic" during a public event, igniting a heated debate among residents and local officials.
Speaking at a gathering in New York, Sayegh referred to Paterson as a "Hispanic city," a remark that quickly drew criticism given the city's diverse population, which includes significant African American, Middle Eastern, and other non-Hispanic communities.
Community Leaders React
Local leaders were quick to challenge the mayor's characterisation. Councilman Michael Jackson argued that while Paterson has a large Latino population, it is not exclusively Hispanic. "We are a melting pot," Jackson stated, emphasising the city's multicultural identity.
Other officials pointed out that Paterson's population is approximately 60% Latino, with substantial representation from other ethnic groups, including a growing Muslim community.
Mayor's Office Responds
In response to the backlash, Sayegh's office clarified that his comments were intended to highlight Paterson's strong Latino cultural influence, not to exclude other communities. The mayor later acknowledged the city's diversity in a follow-up statement.
This incident comes as Paterson, New Jersey's third-largest city, continues to grapple with issues of representation and inclusion in its rapidly changing demographic landscape.
