1) 1990-2000:
GOLDMAN, ARI. “For Immigrants, a Four-Language Church.” The New York Times. The New York Times. Web. 04 Apr. 2012. <http://www.nytimes.com/1989/11/23/nyregion/for-immigrants-a-four-language-church.html?src=pm>.
Although this article was published in 1989, I figured it was close enough to 190 to use for this summary. The focus of this article is the Community United Methodist Church at 81-10 35th avenue. What’s interesting about it is that prayers are said in four different languages; it’s provides multiethnic services, which speaks to Jackson Heights’ theme of “unity while preserving identity.” The article goes on to describe which ethnic groups specifically attend this church, and how it is managed.
2) 2000-2010:
WOODBERRY, WARREN. “Bustling 74th St. Is a Multiethnic Mart.” New York Daily News. Web. 03 Apr. 2012. <http://articles.nydailynews.com/2003-10-26/local/18237032_1_indian-owned-shops-indian-area>.
This article exemplifies Jackson Height’s strong sense of ethnic identity and diversity, specifically on 74th street, the gateway to “Little India.” The multiethnic business market that defines the area is filled with hundreds of stores of Indian, Pakistani, and Bangladesh themes. Many residents praise the ethnically varied stores of their district, some because specific shops target their demographic, and some because of the idea that multiculturalism “Is part of being a New Yorker. You sample different ethnic restaurants…” The rest of the article expounds a bit on the sense of community created in these close quarters, and some details of managing a business on 74th street.
3) 2010-2012:
Heights of Diversity: Daily News (New York), August 25, 2011 Thursday, QUEENS NEWS; Pg. 40, 385 words, BY SAM LEVIN DAILY NEWS WRITER With Nicole Lyn Pesce
Sam Levin’s article is demographic-oriented, with an overview of the population breakdown. According to the 2000 Census data, tract 281 (3 blocks in JAckson Heights) is composed of 31% whites, 2% blacks, 11% Asians and 54% Hispanic, a statistic which nicely illustrates Jackson Height’s diversity. Immigrants from 51 different countries speaking 21 different languages populate the area, and more than 70% of the population speak languages other than English, including Spanish, French, Hindi, etc… This article also mentions that Jackson Height’s is appealing to immigrants because of the established multiethnic identities that make them feel at home.
