Poet Cornelius Eady Stuns Crowd at Mamdani’s Inauguration.
On January 1, 2026 award-winning poet Cornelius Eady delivered a stirring poem titled “Proof” during the inauguration of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. His words centered on identity, resistance, and possibility—framing the historic moment as evidence that those once told “not now” truly belong.
The inauguration ceremony was held on the steps of New York City Hall as Mamdani was sworn in as mayor, marking a significant moment in city politics. Prominent figures including Bernie Sanders, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and other politicians and public figures attended the event, highlighting its national political significance.
Read Eady’s poem, “Proof,” at www.poetryfoundation.org/poetrymagazine/poems/1761421/proof.
