Congressional Art Competition Winner, Sally Almaklani, Announced By AOC

Rep. Ocasio-Cortez Recognizes Congressional Art Competition Winner

The Bronx, NY – On Thursday, June 9th, Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez unveiled the winner of the Congressional Art Competition from New York’s 14th Congressional District: Sally Almaklani. Sally’s work, titled “My Hijab Makes Me Powerful,” can be viewed here.

“I have selected this artwork because of its striking visuals and the artist’s counter-narrative on hijab: that as a tool of self-expression, hijab can empower young women,” said Rep. Ocasio-Cortez. “The artist’s rendering of a radiant young Muslim woman compellingly counters Islamophobic stereotypes against the hijab. The yellow tones of her scarf juxtaposed against the dark background leaves a lasting impression on the viewer. The beautiful aesthetic coupled with the powerful message certainly speaks to my district.”

Every year, students from across the country participate in the Congressional Art Competition, sponsored by the Members of the U.S. House of Representatives. This serves as an opportunity to recognize and encourage the artistic talent in the nation, as well as in our Congressional District. The winners are then recognized at a reception in D.C., which will be held later this month.

The winning artwork of our district’s competition will be displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol, and is also featured on the United States House of Representatives Congressional Art Competition page.

Banner Image: “My Hijab Makes Me Powerful” painting by Sally Almaklani. Image Credit – Rep AOC Instagram page

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

In January of 2019, Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez was sworn-in as the youngest woman and youngest Latina ever to serve in Congress. Her first piece of legislation was the Green New Deal resolution, which envisions a 10-year national mobilization, akin to FDR’s New Deal, that would put millions to work in good-paying, union jobs repairing the nation’s infrastructure, reducing air and water pollution, and fighting the intertwined economic, social, racial and climate crises crippling the country.