GLOBAL IMPACT
Why Brooklyn?
Brooklyn is celebrated for its creativity, diversity, and global influence—its ideas inspire people everywhere. Yet, the city’s Muslim community is often overlooked. Despite limited resources, they've achieved so much, and with a bit more support, their influence and impact could extend far beyond local borders.
A BIRD’S-EYE VIEW
Some Challenges
Central Brooklyn’s Community Districts 12 and 14 have the distinction of being the most ethnically diverse in the entire borough. A steady influx of immigration, large households, and a very young population add to the religious, social and economic challenges faced by the area’s ever-growing Muslim population.
BROOKLYN DISTRICTS 12 & 14
The Numbers
Brooklyn is the third-largest “city” in the United States with a population of over 2.7 million people and is New York City’s fastest-growing borough. Goodlyn Islamic Center’s neighborhood is particularly unique.
25,000+
Muslim Residents
Central Brooklyn is home to an extraordinarily diverse Muslim community. Muslims of South Asian, Middle Eastern, Central Asian, and European descent all add to a special blend of peoples.
44% of Households Speak a Non- English Language
Brooklyn is one of the U.S.’s major economic and cultural hubs. This creates a unique challenge in which both immigrants and those born or raised in the US have to be accommodated and served.
0 Purpose-Built
Islamic Centers
The area is home to a few mosques that have been serving the community for many years by providing a space to pray. However, there are no purpose-built, full service Islamic centers.
29% of the Population
is Under 18 Years Old
Central Brooklyn has one of the youngest populations in all of New York City and a thoughtful engagement plan can impact the city immensely as these kids grow older and enter the public sphere.
sources: US Census, NYC Population Fact Finder, DataUSA
WHAT BROOKLYN NEEDS
The unique circumstances of this section of Brooklyn and the limited resources and facilities serving the community all require a space to be created that addresses the community’s spiritual, educational, and social needs and helps them realize their potential.
THE SOLUTION
Enter Goodlyn.
With its decades of experience, The Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) plans to uplift and empower the area’s Muslims by establishing a dynamic Islamic center in the heart of Brooklyn.
