Shahana Hanif gets accessible

The first female Muslim city councilmember, Shahana Hanif was politicized early in her life. She was 10 on 9/11 and came of age during a time of discrimination against people who look like her. At 17, a diagnosis of lupus galvanized her to become interested in community infrastructure. Born and bred in Kensington, where she still lives today, Hanif represents a swath of Brooklyn that is both old and new. She takes a high profile seat that was most recently held by her former boss, Brad Lander, now the city comptroller. Today, we talk about accessibility, policing, immigrant communities, what she is prioritizing in her new role—and where to eat in Kensington.   Brooklyn news and views you can use: bkmag.com Email: [email protected] Follow along on Facebook: Brooklyn Magazine Twitter: @brooklynmag Instagram: @brooklynmagazine Follow Brian Braiker on Twitter: @slarkpope