Flushing is a neighborhood in New York City’s borough of Queens whose population is approximately 180,000. I’ve lived there for my entire life—my first six years in an area of Flushing close to Forest Hills, the remaining years closer to Bayside. Flushing is also a neighborhood with which I identify. Other than because I’ve lived there for my entire life, I identify with Flushing because I’m proud to be from Flushing. Sure, it’s a schlep from Manhattan and is within one of the “outer boroughs.” And yes, its name is easy to make fun of. But, it’s diverse, bustling, and it’s my home. First of all, Flushing’s population is 19.7% white, 3.5% black, 18.4% Hispanic, 44.3% Asian, and 4.1% “other” (based on slightly outdated but still basically accurate 2000 Census data)—a remarkably diverse mix, providing for a unique, eye-opening experience every time one boards the 7 train. Additionally, Flushing has a lot to offer culturally aside from mere ethnic diversity. Flushing is home to Louis Armstrong’s gravesite, the setting of the US Open, the site of the 1939 and 1964 World’s Fairs, where CitiField is, and the location of many other great buildings, institutions, and landmarks. I love being part of Flushing—a town whose prowess is not defined by its location or even its income, by the great institutions that it houses and by the people who call it home.
Also, it has special places for me—Kissena Park, for example. Its beauty, liveliness, and serenity make it the perfect place for anything. I bike ride there, I take pictures there, I hang out with friends there, I play baseball there. I’ve been going there ever since I was much younger and it’s never really changed. It’s always been the great Kissena Park.
I identify with Flushing because it’s my home and because—while there’s plenty of other places where I’d rather live—I love being from that great neighborhood.
–Jonathan Eckman
