In his paper Color-Full before Color Blind: The Emergence of Multiracial Neighborhood Politics in Queens, New York City, Roger Sanjek provides a multi-faceted account of the multi-racial demographic development and political and communal integration of Elmhurst-Corono between 1983 and 1996. Sanjek starts out with a general explanation of the the “demographic transition” that has stimulated much of the racial dynamics in Elmhurst-Corona and then proceeds to discuss some of the inter-racial tensions and misconceptions that plagued the early diverse communities. Sanjek has discovered a general pattern to the conflicts: prejudice fueled misinformation is propagated by local media outlets. The misinformation is then corrected and addressed by local (usually minority) community representatives who then involve the community in practically addressing any problems.
Sanjek gives a wide perspective on the work and influence of individuals on communal life, both within and outside a political framework. These notable individuals step outside racial, cultural, and ethnic lines and act as community “wardens”. Sanjek notes the efficiency of these wardens in influencing the community from a intra-residential unit level to a communal wide scope, transversing perceived cultural and linguistic boundaries. Activities of these sometimes self-appointed or communally elected “wardens” range from providing translation services to mediating disputes between land lords a tenants.
In general, Sanjek’s paper can be divided into four sections according to explicitly or implicitly delineated advantages of inter-racial community and political partnership. The first of these advantages is most obviously, political. Most obviously, because there is strength in numbers; but also, because politics seem to function more efficiently when irrational prejudices and conflict are thrown aside. The second benefit is personal. In a nutshell: people’s personal lives are enriched when they live an environment that enables and encourages flourishing inter-racial friendships. Sanjek lists a number of instances in which people’s political and communal alliances led to deep personal friendships further down the line. The benefit of these inter-racial friendships cannot be measured in terms of political power or fiscal growth, and yet, their value, implied by Sanjek, is immeasurably high. The third benefit of inter-racial partnership is economic growth. Long time residents help recent immigrants establish, maintain, and grow new businesses. The fourth advantage is that of religious institutions. For those religious institutions willing to adapt and welcome new immigrants, there was a vast pool of opportunity for congregational growth.
In short, Sanjek provides a detailed and orderly account of the development and growth of the Elmhurst-Corona community from it’s mono-ethnic Western-European origins, to it’s diverse (“color full”) yet segregated ( not “color blind”) community, to it’s state today as a richly diverse and integrated community that harnesses it’s racial diversity to grow politically, communally, economically, and personally.
