In Inwood, people of different backgrounds are bound to interact with one another. Sometimes, this turns into something positive, achieving cultural diffusion.

In 1935, The Church of the Good Shepherd, a Roman Catholic Church, was moved to its present location (at the corner of Broadway and Isham Street) to appeal to Inwood’s Irish population, which consisted of many Catholics. Today, however, Inwood has a large Dominican and Puerto Rican population. The church has adapted to this change in demographics by holding masses in both English and Spanish.

A clip of a congregation reciting a prayer in Spanish:

According to Census Data from 2000, the population of Manhattan District 12, which includes Inwood, consists of 74.1% Hispanics, 13.6% Non-Hispanic Whites, 8.4% Black/African American, and 2% Asian.

Residents can testify to the growth of certain populations in Inwood, as well as the general changes occurring in the neighborhood:

“Today, there are some Asians in this neighborhood… There’s even a new Chinese buffet restaurant that they opened [in the area] recently”

– Linda Fang, Resident of Chinese Descent

” I love the diversity here. There are Dominicans, Puerto Ricans, Greeks, and even some Asians in this area”

– Irish resident of 63 years (preferred not to have her name disclosed)