Bayazir Muhammad Osman shares Yemeni American bodega owner's story
Bayazir Muhammad Osman of the Muslim Community Network reads testimony from colleague Salah Hashi, a Yemeni American whose father owns a bodega. She says MENA-owned businesses are not separately identified in disparity studies, leaving their barriers and participation invisible.
Hi everyone, my name is Bayazir Muhammad Osman.
I'm here on behalf of Muslim Community Network.
We are a New York City-based nonprofit organization that promotes civic engagement, community empowerment, and advocacy.
Today I am testifying on behalf of one of my colleagues, Salah Hashi, who isn't able to be with us today, but I wanted to share her story.
This is from her voice.
I'm a Yemeni American, and this issue is personal to me.
My father owns a bodega, and growing up, I saw firsthand some of the challenges he faced as a small business owner.
He experienced his barriers related to language, navigating systems, and accessing opportunities that could help his business grow.
Currently, MENA-owned businesses are not separately identified in New York City's disparity studies.
Without this information, the city cannot fully understand how MENA businesses are participating in public contracting or whether they face any barriers to opportunities.
This specific, Intro 208, would help address this gap by requiring MENA-owned businesses to be included in future disparity studies.
MENA businesses are an important part of the New York City's neighborhoods and economy, as we mentioned before.
Small businesses like my father's bodega provide jobs, serve local residents, and become an important part of communities they are located in.
Their experiences should not be overlooked simply because they're not separately represented in the city's data.
I urge the council to pass Intro 208 and ensure MENA-owned businesses are meaningfully included in New York City's disparity analysis.
Thank you.