Jackson Heights is known for its delicious food and its Colombian culture.
But the neighborhood has also become a headquarters for high-powered politicians.
Woodside, has seen massive political progress in the last ten years as activists and immigrants have been elected as local legislators.
“Now we have people like Councilor Shekar Krishnan, like myself, who come from immigrant families, who are immigrants ourselves, and have experiences and understandings of the community,” said Queens Assemblywoman Catalina Cruz.
This area was previously represented by Congressman Joe Crowley, former leader of the Queens County Party who in June 2018 was defeated by community activist and member of the Democratic Socialists of America, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
Since then, this community has seen other local leaders gain positions as elected representatives.
State Assemblywoman Catalina Cruz, who defeated incumbent Ari Espinal. Espinal barely lasted a few months as a representative.
Also Councilor Shekar Krishnan, who was one of the first leaders of South Asian origin elected to the City Council.
Similarly, Senator Jessica Ramos, who in September 2018 defeated Democrat José Peralta. This had been one of several Democrats voting alongside Republicans in the Senate.
The elect of now are very different from those of before. They are more progressive and sometimes fight against the principles of the Democratic party.
For example, Senator Ramos’s was one of the votes that rejected Héctor LaSalle as New York’s new chief judge.
The three political leaders represent a change in principle in a neighborhood that is populated by immigrants and workers.
Officials say the issues in the area were ignored for too long.
“I have a history with the community and I would say that more than a sense of responsibility it is like a commitment to the community to honor their experiences, to listen to their needs…, Cruz maintains.
“The need for the streets to be cleaner, to improve access to education for our children and schools, health care, affordable housing, for the seven train to finally work in the way it has to work,” added the assemblywoman .
Walking through Jackson Heights with Senator Ramos you can tell that the politicians are known and respected.
The Colombian-born senator took us to a historic corner in the area, Colombia Street.
“When the first Colombians arrived, there was a lot of activism that happened on this corner. My father helped with the effort to gain dual citizenship and register more Colombians to vote. In the eighties there was also a great effort to elect Latinos here, ”he adds.
With a new generation, the themes of work, home and education have also seen a resurgence.
