Chinatowns of New York
From Decoding New York
| Introduction |
| Manhattan |
| * Evolution |
| * What's Real |
| * Here v. There |
| * Economy |
| Flushing |
| * Evolution |
| * What's Real |
| * Here v. There |
| * Economy |
| Brooklyn 8th Avenue |
| * Evolution |
| * What's Real |
| * Here v. There |
| * Economy |
| Comparison |
| * Photo Gallery |
| * Sources
|
Chinatown was the first introduction for many Chinese immigrants settling in New York in the 1850s. Over a century later, Chinatown is as important of an asset for immigrants as it ever was. As Chinatown's population grew, two more Chinese communities were established in the outer boroughs and are now perhaps even more important for new immigrants to New York. Flushing, in northern Queens, is a busy center of commerce and Eighth Avenue in Brooklyn's Sunset Park is a steadily growing ethnic community. Both Flushing and Eighth Avenue provide a strong network and support for immigrants. Immigrants rely on Chinatown, Flushing and Eighth Avenue for help with English, employment, social networking, goods, and places of residence. The first waves of Chinese immigration helped establish these Chinatowns of New York and these areas remain ethnic enclaves with thriving resources for new New Yorkers. Even as other ethnic neighborhoods become more gentrified, Chinatown, Flushing and Eighth Avenue have managed to retain their cultural identity while still accepting of new immigrant groups. The identity of these areas remain intact despite the changing times. The evolution of what we now know as Chinatown in many ways reflects the classic immigrant story - contacts, financial networks, culture and success achieved from nearly nothing. Flushing and Eighth Avenue, though "satellite" communities, are no less important than Manhattan's Chinatown in the history of Chinese immigration. As rents rise and gentrification takes hold on the outskirts of Chinatown, many immigrants are unable to find housing or employment in Chinatown. Flushing and Eighth Avenue provide areas for new immigrants to continue to make their homes in New York. The three Chinatowns of New York reflect the many different cultures of Mandarin, Cantonese, Hong Kong, Taiwanese as well as Hispanic immigrants. The individual cultural mix and identity of each neighborhood is felt very strongly, and each neighborhood contributes something distinct and different to New York City.
This section on Chinatown, Flushing, and Eighth Avenue developed by Victoria Cheah, Shane Gellerman, Matt Kosiewska, and Wilson Leung.
