Queens - A Patchwork Of Cultures

The Latinos

Strength in Numbers
Latinos are an indispensable part of the borough, totaling 551,004 in Queens, according to 2000 Census figures. The four main groups within the Latino community are Mexicans, Dominicans, Ecuadorians and Colombians. There are 69,875 Dominicans; 60,298 Colombians; 57,716 Ecuadorians and 55,418 Mexicans. Each of those numbers is roughly the size of the population of Southampton, Long Island (55,000).

Where They Live
Different groups of Latinos are dotted throughout Queens. They hold strong ties to family, country and language. In most Latino communities, residents are very comfortable speaking among each other in their native tongue. Many Dominicans have settled in Corona and Woodside. Colombians are very easy to find in the Jackson Heights area, specifically down Roosevelt Avenue. The number of Mexicans in Queens has soared since 2000; the folks from south of the Rio Grande settle in places like Jackson Heights and Corona.

How They Got There
Latino immigrants are often drawn to Queens because they can get jobs easily-and because they’re turned off by high rent prices in Manhattan. The economic downturn suffered by Mexico and Colombia in the 1980s and early ‘90s lured many to the US seeking work. Colombia’s civil war, also in the ‘80s, was another big reason for migration.

What Makes Them Who They Are
Latinos in Queens are still very much in touch with homeland cultures. Just like many minorities working hard to become Americanized and gain acceptance in their communities, Latinos are becoming stronger by the year within Queens.

Western Queens, including the section of Jackson Heights, has a large Latino population.Tribune photo by Ira Cohen

“All the guys I know are doing great, going to universities and getting Master’s Degrees,” says Gonzado Salvatore, a Bolivian man who has been living in Queens for 7 years.

Hispanic Heritage Month starts on September 15th, the anniversary of independence for five Latin American countries: Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Costa Rica.

The Good Life
Politicians like Assemblyman Jose Peralta of District 39 and Councilman Hiram Monserrate of District 21 are prime examples of Latinos moving up in Queens. There are also many clubs and restaurants that hold plenty of Salsa flavor. Some hot spots in Queens are Club Casablanca on Queens Boulevard, Club Casino in Woodside, Club Melao in Long Island City, and Ilusiones in Astoria.

The Not-So-Good Life
“We have made incremental steps,” says Councilman Monserrate of a Latino representation in government equal to the ever-increasing populations. “[But] we are still working towards adequate representation as far as numbers. We are the largest and fastest growing ethnic group in the city, and the numbers of elected officials do not specifically correspond to that growth we are working this year.”

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