Collective Hispanic Heritage in NYC

This month, I was asked to create a documentary highlighting the beauty and diversity of Hispanic communities across New York City for my school’s Hispanic Heritage Month celebration. As I researched for this project, collecting stories of immigration and settlement, I discovered how neighborhoods across New York city became cultural enclaves. Jackson Heights, for example, was initially a restricted, whites only community, but after World War I, its demographics transformed, and it is now known for its prominent Indian and Colombian communities.

As this theme of this Hispanic Heritage dinner was Collective Heritage, I focused on how these various communities interacted and grew together. Many of them faced similar struggles, and experienced similar triumphs. Additionally, since New York City is so accessible, many of the community spaces in one neighborhood were—and continue to be—frequented by people from across the city. United Palace, located in Washington Heights, is a community center uplifting Latinx art from across the city, and people visit from all over to experience their events. Whether they are hosting Ballet Hispánico, modern Colombian reggae artists, or a community chorus event, United Palace has remained a space for the Latinx community to gather and showcase their art.

I had an amazing time creating this documentary, learning more about New York City and deepening my understanding of Hispanic life in New York!