Salman Hamdani Way in Queens, NY is more than just a street, says long time civil rights activist Deepa Iyer.
Hamdani was one of the first responders to arrive at the World Trade Center on September 11.
But unlike other heroes of September 11 who perished saving others, his legacy was almost lost simply because Salman is South Asian American.
His family had to deal with allegations that Salman was somehow linked to the terrorists.
But Salman’s determined mother Talat wouldn’t let the racist, bigots and right wing conspiracists ruin her son’s name.
She wouldn’t allow them to distort the truth.
Her reward–Salman Hamdani Way which was dedicated this week.
You can read about Talat’s long battle and what her little act means to South Asians, Arab Americans, Sikhs and Muslims in a blog from @Dviyer.