Councilman Ashfaq Syed’s campaign shoes are now part of the America 250 exhibit, celebrating immigrant contributions and grassroots democracy in Naperville as the nation prepares for its 250th anniversary.
In a poignant tribute to civic engagement and representation, the campaign shoes worn by Ashfaq Syed, Naperville’s first Indian American and Muslim councilman, have been included in the America 250 commemoration. This exhibit symbolizes the ongoing evolution of American democracy.
“These shoes represent far more than a campaign,” Syed remarked. “They embody listening, trust, and the relationships built one conversation at a time. Every step reminds me of a resident who shared their concerns, hopes, and ideas for our city.”
The year 2026 holds special significance for Americans as the nation gears up to celebrate its 250th anniversary. Across the country, various events and festivities are planned leading up to the quarter-millennial celebration of the U.S. Declaration of Independence on July 4.
In Illinois, Naper Settlement, a 12-acre outdoor history museum located in Naperville, kicked off its year-long celebrations on February 16, coinciding with President’s Day. The new exhibit, titled “We the People: Naperville and the American Story,” aims to showcase local narratives and heritage through artifacts and memorabilia, including the oldest surviving map of Naperville from 1842.
Among the items on display are the well-worn campaign shoes of Councilman Ashfaq Syed. Born in Hyderabad, India, Syed made history as the first Indian American and first Muslim elected to the Naperville City Council. His shoes, which he wore while campaigning door to door, serve as a powerful reminder of community engagement and grassroots democracy.
Reflecting on the significance of his shoes, Syed shared with The American Bazaar, “After winning my 2025 Naperville City Council election, the team at Naper Settlement reached out and asked if I could share some campaign materials — T-shirts, my cape, flyers, handwritten notes, and speeches.”
He added, “I also included something unexpected: my shoes.” For Syed, these shoes held deep personal meaning. “For two years, I wore them almost every day — door knocking across neighborhoods, walking in parades, attending community events, and meeting residents one conversation at a time. I had walked thousands of miles in them.”
Even before the idea of displaying them in an exhibit emerged, Syed felt a strong attachment to the shoes. “After the election, I couldn’t bring myself to throw them away. They were worn out — the soles thin, the stitching loose — but every mark told a story. Each scuff represented a doorstep conversation. Every crease carried someone’s hopes, frustrations, or ideas about our city. They had become a physical record of civic engagement.”
At that time, Syed did not fully realize that his personal journey could serve as an inspiring narrative about an immigrant’s experience in American civic life and politics. “While speaking with the museum team, I learned they were preparing an exhibit for America’s 250th anniversary. The goal wasn’t just to highlight famous figures, but to capture everyday participation in democracy — how ordinary people shape the American story at the local level.”
He continued, “We discussed how history is often preserved through objects: letters, tools, uniforms, photographs. Naturally, the question arose — what represents civic participation today? In earlier generations, it might have been a farmer’s ledger or a factory badge. Today, grassroots democracy often looks like walking neighborhoods and knocking on doors. That’s when the shoes became meaningful beyond me.”
The curators echoed Syed’s sentiments. “They saw them as a symbol of face-to-face democracy — not advertising, not social media, but human connection. Thousands of conversations, one home at a time. They asked about the miles walked, the neighborhoods visited, and the people I met. The more we discussed it, the clearer it became that the shoes weren’t about a campaign — they were about access, trust, and participation.”
Syed emphasized that his immigrant aspirations and the realization of the American dream were stories he wanted to share widely. “I shared my journey — arriving as an immigrant, building relationships, and eventually earning the community’s trust to serve. We decided the shoes should be presented not as a political artifact, but as a community artifact — belonging to the residents who opened their doors.”
Ultimately, Syed found a more meaningful home for his campaign shoes than in his own residence. “I formally donated them for permanent preservation. The team documented their condition and included them in the America 250 exhibit as part of how local civic engagement shapes the American story.”
Reflecting on the emotional experience of seeing his shoes displayed, he said, “They no longer felt like mine. They became a shared memory. In the end, the exhibit isn’t about footwear. It’s about footsteps — thousands of them — taken together with the community.”
Syed concluded, “To see a small piece of my journey preserved in the history of the community that welcomed me is humbling beyond words. This does not belong to me — it belongs to the people who opened their doors and placed their trust in me.”
According to The American Bazaar, Syed’s shoes serve as a testament to the power of grassroots democracy and the importance of community engagement in shaping the American narrative.