Citywide fairs where students showcase skills in trades, arts, caregiving, athletics, and other forms of intelligence beyond test scores.
Celebrating Non-Academic Intelligences: The Multiple Talents Fair
To challenge the narrow definition of smart tied to grades and tests, Mamdani creates an annual City of Talents fair. This is a massive, celebratory event where students from every school can showcase skills that are often overlooked: they might demonstrate carpentry, perform a dance they choreographed, present a meal they cooked, exhibit robotics they built, or show photography portfolios. The fair includes competitions, workshops led by professionals in various fields, and college/career information for non-traditional paths.
The event publicly honors the full spectrum of human capabilitykinesthetic, artistic, interpersonal, naturalistand connects students with mentors and opportunities in their areas of strength. Our education system spotlights one kind of intelligence and leaves others in the shadows, Mamdani says. This fair turns the lights on. It tells every child: what you are good at is valuable and worthy of celebration. It expands our collective imagination of what success looks like.
