New York City’s 112th mayor, Zohran Mamdani, celebrated his inauguration with a performance by singer-songwriter Lucy Dacus, who captivated the audience at City Hall with a rendition of “Bread and Roses” after the formal swearing-in ceremony at midnight.
A Song of Protest and Promise for a New Era
The performance underscored the new mayor’s commitment to inclusivity and progressive values.
- Zohran Mamdani was inaugurated as the 112th mayor of New York City.
- Lucy Dacus performed “Bread and Roses” at the inauguration ceremony.
- Mamdani envisions a New York City that is inclusive and affordable for all residents.
- Dacus is also slated to perform at a benefit concert for Sudan and palestine aid.
“Bread and Roses” holds a significant place in political history,originating from a 1911 poem by James Oppenheim and becoming a rallying cry for both women’s suffrage and workers’ rights movements. The song’s message resonated with the occasion, and it’s a tune familiar to fans of Dacus’s supergroup, boygenius, who incorporated it into their song “Stay Down.” The song has also been covered by a diverse range of artists, including Judy collins, Phil Collins, Pete Seeger, and Utah Phillips.
what kind of city does Mamdani envision for New York? He aims to create a city where trans New Yorkers are cherished, queer neighbors are celebrated, and every resident can thrive affordably, as he stated during a previous performance with Dacus at the All Things Go Festival in September.
Dacus and Mamdani previously shared the stage at the all Things Go Festival in September. At that event, Mamdani articulated his vision for the city, stating, “This is what our city should feel like. It should be a city where trans new Yorkers are cherished, a city where our queer neighbours are celebrated, and a city where each and every New Yorker can be the fullest version of themselves. And it has to be a city that all of us can afford.”
Mamdani secured a decisive victory in November’s mayoral election, defeating former governor Andrew Cuomo, an autonomous candidate, and Republican Curtis Sliwa. During his inaugural speech, he acknowledged the rarity of such a moment, stating, “a moment like this comes rarely and rarer still is it that the people themselves whose hands are upon the levers of change.”
He continued, emphasizing a bold approach to governance: “The only expectation I seek to reset is that of small expectations. Beginning today we will govern expansively and audaciously. We may not always succeed but never will we be accused of lacking the courage to try.” Mamdani also affirmed his commitment to his political ideology, declaring, “I was elected as a democratic socialist and I will govern as a democratic socialist.I will not abandon my principles for fear of being called radical.”
In related news, Dacus is set to participate in a Sudan and Palestine aid benefit show in Los Angeles next week, organized by Mustafa. The event will also feature performances by Clairo, Geese, Pedro Pascal, Alex G, blood Orange, Daniel Caesar, Faye Webster, Jazmine Sullivan, Noname, Noor Hindi, Omar Apollo, Raphael Saadiq, Ravyn lenae, Rex Orange County, Safia Elhillo, Shawn Mendes, Snoh Aalegra, Tamino, and 070 Shake.
Lucy Dacus performing ‘Bread and Roses’ today at Zohran Mamdani’s Inauguration Ceremony today in New York City! pic.twitter.com/s2Lvm5S1DI
– boygenius source (@boygeniussource) January 1,2026
