WASHINGTON: Ghazala Hashmi took the oath of office as Lieutenant Governor of Virginia, becoming the first Muslim woman to hold the position in the United States.
Hashmi took her oath on the Holy Qur’an, symbolizing religious freedom and inclusivity in American democracy.
The inauguration ceremony also marked several other historic firsts for the state. Abigail Spanberger was sworn in as Governor of Virginia, becoming the first woman to assume the office, while Jay Jones made history as the state’s first African American Attorney General.
An interfaith prayer breakfast was organized in connection with the swearing-in ceremony, where Imam Sharif led prayers emphasizing unity, harmony, and mutual respect among diverse communities.
Prominent community leaders and lawmakers, including Senator Saddam Azlan Saleem and Senator Kanaan, attended the event. Organizations such as Adams Scouting America and the Girl Scouts participated in a celebratory parade led by community figures including Rizwan Jaka, Ahsanullah, and Bethany Rashid.
Speaking on the occasion, Rizwan Jaka expressed hope that the new leadership would promote unity and diversity across the state.
Mansoor Qureshi, Chair of the Virginia Governor’s Asian American Advisory Board, said he was confident that the governor, lieutenant governor, and the entire cabinet would serve all Virginians fairly, with special attention to the South Asian community.
The inauguration is being widely seen as a powerful symbol of representation, inclusion, and progress in American political history.
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