I heart New York by Brianna Spause

I heart New York

Cover Photo by Brianna Spause 4

Contributors Maggie Andresen, Harrison Brink, Yuxuan Jia, Matthew Leister, Robert Kennedy, Matt McGraw, Alisa Miller, Marissa Nicole Pina, Joe Schaefer, Brianna Spause, Kathryn Stellato, Aaron Windhorst

Contents

prologue..................................................................................8

in the wee small hours of the morning....10

italy............................................................................................14 Judaism................................................................................34

China.......................................................................................48 Middle East.......................................................................62

Harlem...................................................................................74 epilogue..................................................................................86 6

I heart New York

Photo by Robert Kennedy 7

Photo by Yuxuan Jia 8

I heart New York

prologue New York was my first city. From birthdays in Central Park to sick days spent at both my parent’s urban workplaces, it is close enough to me that it feels like a second home. Every day I spend in New York yields new knowledge and new friends, giving me small impressions of meaning even when lost in the big city. What is it about those small islands we love so much? Why do people uproot everything for a chance of recognition in the city that never sleeps? It is a place immortalized in countless songs, stories, films, and physical art forms. People once spent hellish weeks and months on the water from their indigenous countries, risking everything for a life in the greatest city on earth. New York will drive you crazy. It will chew you up and spit you out, then it will whisper ‘I love you,’ and throw you away all over again. Its hold is hypnotic, millions have lived and died in its hold. Manhattan was the first stop for immigrants after processing on Ellis Island. It represented freedom, equality, and community. Urban ethnic neighborhoods emerged as incoming families preferred to settle with others who spoke their language and shared their traditions. Some remain strong today, others have dissipated, and still others are the process of extinction. We traveled to Manhattan as a class to explore these enclaves. What we found was a virtual diaspora of culture, a ‘moving-out’ syndrome that has dispersed once flourishing ethnic pockets to outer boroughs; or condensed them in one or two businesses remaining from the old neighborhood. New York has changed, while some vestiges of the old city remain so much of the real estate has been renovated that it’s sometimes hard to recognize the same streets. This is what we went to New York to document, this is what we went to New York to discover. And we did. - Maggie Andresen Maggie

Forward

In the wee small hours of the morning...

Photo by Marissa Nicole Pina 10

I heart New York

Photo by Maggie Andresen

Photo by Matt McGraw

Photo by Brianna Spause 11

Photo by Matt McGraw

Photo by Robert Kennedy 12

Photo by Brianna Spause

I heart New York

Photo by Matt McGraw

Photo by Maggie Andresen

Photo by Marissa Nicole Pina 13

Photo by Alisa Miller 14

On Italians in Manhattan… Little Italy was once home to thousands of Italian immigrants, looking for a niche in the greatest city on earth. The late 1800s and early 1900s gleaned unprecedented growth in immigration from Southern Europe, something the already established AngloAmerican population was not thrilled over. Urban ethnic neighborhoods emerged out of a need for community ties from the old country, a place these new immigrants would not be discriminated against because they were not English-proficient, or because their skin may have been swarthy instead of pale. Italians in New York City developed repute for their cuisine, their work ethic, and their refusal to assimilate away from their old traditions – retaining a cultural pride that continues to define Italian Americans today. The areas between Canal and Mulberry Streets on the lower East side on New York City were the most densely populated by Italians, as time goes on the area has shrunken and become more absorbed by the neighboring Chinatown, which continues to flourish while Little Italy recedes more and more into memory as those who remember its prime dwindle in their old age. East Harlem, once known as Italian Harlem, was considered the second Little Italy in its prime. Protected by the Genovese Crime Family, the area was so safe one could sleep on the fire escape, or with the doors wide open. Established bars and restaurants were joked to not even sell food as a front for Mafia activities, of these only three or four old Italian-run businesses remain. Rao’s and Pasty’s restaurants are the last of the timehonored Italian eateries in East Harlem. The closing of the 116th Street Morrone Bakery in 2007 serves as a reminder of the nearly extinct Italian

community. The bakery was once central to the Italian neighborhood that dominated East Harlem before the projects built in the 1960s introduced the Puerto Rican and African American population now thriving there. Race riots following the change in ethnography however, signaled a shift in the neighborhood. Located on East 116th street, the bakery watched as Italians fled to the Bronx, Queens, and Brooklyn. Two gentlemen of the old neighborhood, Gerry and Joey, spoke about their upbringing in the old neighborhood. “This was the best neighborhood in the world, don’t let anyone tell you different. There’s nothing I can compare it to.” Things began changing, they said, about fifty years ago when the projects were erected on 120th and between 114th and 115th. Racial induced violence flourished between the Italians, Puerto Ricans, and African Americans, causing an Italian migration to other boroughs and neighborhoods. “Now we’re friends with the minorities [sic], everyone knows us cause we been here so long.” The men spoke about the ways people used to look out for one another, how that has changed colloquially as time has gone on. “Police today are weak, they rat each other out to the department. How can you have a partner if you’re not looking out for each other?” Their own upbringing in the neighborhood discourages them from giving out information, they say anyone who was raised Italian in old New York would say the same thing. Pictures and video were prohibited – though they seemed to enjoy reminiscing about the old neighborhood. - Maggie Andresen

On the Streets...

Photo by Maggie Andresen

Found between Canal and Mulberry Streets. Oct. 25, 2014.

Photo by Alisa Miller 16

Photo by Alisa Miller

I heart New York

Photo by Maggie Andresen 17

Photos by Maggie Andresen

I heart New York

Photos by Alisa Miller

Italian

Local Business...

tâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an early Saturday,

Little Italy smells like the bleach that store owners pour over their storefronts each morning to keep the street looking pristine for the slew of tourists who frequent Mulberry street. Several tall bags of Italian bread stand like soldiers in front of Paesano, located at 136 Mulberry Street. I heart New York

Photo by Maggie Andresen

An older man walks out of the establishment, stands next to the bread and calls out, “You ever take a bus? Don’t get caught, they belong to the company.” He smiles, happy to have an audience, and his eyes show the shadow of a lost era. This is Red, he knows the owners of Paesano, takes their daily bread deliveries into the restaurant and has watched the neighborhood evolve through the years. Red grew up in the area between Canal and Mulberry streets known as Manhattan’s Little Italy. He’s watched the neighborhood change around him, seen Chinatown absorb the areas around Novilito, and stayed as the Italians moved away and tourists took their place. He accounts the cultural move to the small quarters of the surrounding apartments, which do not suit the larger Italian families that once squeezed into them. After saving enough money, Red says the majority moved away to Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Queens. “We used to play stick ball in the street, we played when I was growing up,” Red remembers. He attended the annual Feast of San Gennaro in his boyhood, a time-honored tradition that persists even while the Italian population in Little Italy diminishes. “The whole city is changing, the rent goes real high, the buildings go up, its like every street has new apartments.” - Maggie Andresen

Photo by Maggie Andresen Red grew up in Little Italy, and has watched the neighborhood evolve.

Photo by Alisa Miller Photo by Alisa Miller 21

Photo by Alisa Miller 22

Photo by Alisa Miller

I heart New York

Freshly made baguettes are delivered every morning to Paesano at 136 Mulberry Street. The restaurant has been a fixture in the Little Italy community for the past forty years. Oct. 25, 2014. | Alisa Miller

Religion...

The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, located on East 115th Street, Harlem. Originally known as â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The Parish of the Italians in New York,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; the church was build by Italians, for Italians. The church became known for the feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, an annual celebration celebrated through July. The parish became a Sanctuary with the arrival of the statue of the Madonna, made the centerpiece of the church. It was blessed and sent from Italy, is one of only three images of the Virgin coroneted by the papacy, and considered a guardian angel by the Italians living in East Harlem. October 25th, 2014. Photos by Maggie Andresen

Photo by Alisa Miller 26

I heart New York

Photos by Alisa Miller

History...

Photo by Maggie Andresen 28

I heart New York

The Italian American Museum is located at 155 Mulberry Street, a historic site which used to house Banca Stabile, where new immigrants would be provided with banking services, telegraphs, mail service, and other avenues which helped them adjust to America. The Museum promotes awareness of Italian American issues, holds exhibitions and brings in guest speakers, and archives objects of historical and cultural significance.

Photos by Maggie Andresen

The Basilica of St. Patrick, located at 260-264 Mulberry Street, began construction in 1785 and ended in 1815. Centered in the Nolita neighborhood above Little Italy, the cathedral was the first Roman Catholic church in New York City. It housed the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York City until 1876, when the better-known St. Patrickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cathedral located in Midtown on 5th avenue was erected. Photo by Maggie Andresen

Photos by Alisa Miller

I heart New York

Italian

31 Photo by Maggie Andresen

Photos by Maggie Andresen

Morrone Bakery, closed since 2007, was once central to the Italian neighborhood that dominated East Harlem before the projects built in the 1960s introduced the Puerto Rican and African American population now thriving here. Once dominated by the Genovese crime family, Italian Harlem was considered more culturally relevant than Manhattanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Little Italy. Race riots following the change in ethnography however, signaled a shift in the neighborhood. Located on East 116th street, the bakery watched as Italians fled to the Bronx, Staten Island, and Brooklyn; while remaining a fixture in the now changed community.

I heart New York

Rao’s, built in 1896, is one of the last remaining Italian businesses in East Harlem today. Located at the corner of Pleasant Avenue and East 114th street, Rao’s is known locally for its reputation as an old Mafia watering hole. East Harlem was run by the Genovese crime family for the first half of the twentieth century, protected by the ethnic bonds that defined the neighborhood. It has only been in the last fifty years that the Italian population has dissipated while the Puerto Rican and African American community has thrived; in response to the building of two separate projects in the area.

Photo by Maggie Andresen

Pasty’s Pizzeria is one of the few remaining Italian businesses left in East Harlem today. Located at 2287 First Avenue, the eatery has been part of the neighborhood since 1933. It is one of the recognized birthplaces of the ‘family style pizzeria,’ a destination for dignitaries such as Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Joe DiMaggio, and Yogi Berra. Francis Ford Coppola is said to have used its ambiance to shape the performance of actors in his Godfather trilogy, using the restaurant as a late-night haunt. Today the restaurant supports local charities and businesses with donations, and remains a fixture in the East Harlem community. Photos by Alisa Miller 33

On Jews in Manhattan... Diversity in cultural makeup is what defines New York City. In it’s heyday, Manhattan filled to the brim with immigrants who flocked to the United States, longing to exercise their rights in “The home of the free.” They were brave, picking up undesirable jobs for meager pay - all to support the cherished American Dream. Over 2 million Jewish immigrants migrated to the United States and settled in the Lower East Side of Manhattan between 1881 and 1945 . They dominated the garment industry, and fought anti-Semitism to build synagogues and a basis of respect. The Shearith Isreal towered over Mill Street on the Lower East Side as America’s first synagogue in 1868, creating a safe place for worship and sharing ideas. Finally equipped with a central meeting place, the Jewish culture could finally thrive and take over as the dominating culture in the neighborhood at the time. Sharing the area of the Lower East side with a dense Chinese population, Jewish culture in Manhattan has adapted to the changing times by losing some of it’s distinct features. Its close proximity to Ellis Island encouraged the idea of a melting pot in the city that has only been further stirred to defeat the idea of a culture-specific neighborhood and replace that with a non-denominational label. Since, their tenement houses have been transformed to apartments and Co-op housing, their beloved synagogue transformed into a museum, and religious meeting places forced into the basements of residential homes. The now minute population of Jewish residents of Manhattan has become predominately Orthodox, and largely resides between Grand and Clinton Streets on East Broadway, the neighborhood that lines up to the Williamsburg Bridge. The Orthodox population that is left in Manhattan is a very private one. It became evident that outsiders were unwelcome into the lives of these very traditional people. It quickly became evident that a Saturday was most definitely the wrong choice to explore the Jewish culture in Manhattan, as it is reserved for reflection. According to biblical texts, God created the Earth in six days and then took a day for rest. The Sabbath, or Shabbat as it is named in Hebrew, is 34

the Jewish observation of God’s efforts where members of the community gather in prayer and celebrate over meals. From sundown on Friday until three stars can be seen in the night sky on Saturday, the Jewish observe a tradition of refraining from any work activity, and getting lots of rest. In the Orthodox branch of Judaism, there are 39 prohibited activities on Shabbat, including baking bread, making garments or building a structure . It is encouraged on their holy day to spend time with family, attend temple, host guests and discuss the Torah. Sitting on the corner of Clinton and E. Broadway streets, two things became very evident. The first was that no one on their way home from, or to services was interested in speaking with outsiders. As later confirmed from a non-Orthodox woman, Orthodox Jewish men will not even speak to women other than their wives and family. The second was a peculiar note which seemed irrelevant at first, but grew in interest as families past. There were a noticeable amount of Orthodox men who appeared to have special needs. Several of these men were hooked arm-to-arm with their brothers and fathers, facilitating movement down the street. As the number of suspected cases grew, it was clear that research was necessary. Due to a history of consanguineous marriages in the Orthodox Jewish community, studies have emerged the community is subject to 19 genetic diseases, including Tay-Sachs Disease, Cystic Fibrosis and Caravan Syndrome, a disease that makes it impossible for the affected to walk without assistance . In making the trip to Manhattan to study Judaism in the area, it became clear that the culture does not have nearly the same foothold it did during the immigration period. As tenement and working conditions became harsh in the Industrial Era, many families migrated to the more relaxed atmosphere of Brooklyn over Manhattan. Still holding it’s title as the Jewish capital of the United States, the Borough Park area is home to a thriving population of both Orthodox and non-Orthodox Jews . - Brianna Spause

Photo by Brianna 35 Spause

On the Streets...

Photo by Harrison Brink

36 Photos by Harrison Brink

I heart New York

Photos by Brianna Spause

Local Business...

38 Photo by Brianna Spause

Hyman Moscot started out by pushing a peddle cart down Orchard Street on Manhattanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lower East Side. Moscot, a Jewish immigrant from Eastern Europe hit the New York City Streets in 1899 with the attempts to make an honest living to support his family. The luxury eye wear company is still in business today, serving as a historical and cultural landmark for the Jewish community in Manhattan. The flagship shop still operates on 108 Orchard Avenue in the remnants of what once was a thriving garment factory district. Their frames have been worn by celebrities such as Johnny Depp, Sting and Lance Armstrong, and they wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let you miss it. Celebrity photos and newspaper clippings line the walls of the old school shop, where quick and friendly service has been a priority for over 100 years. Photos by Brianna Spause

39 Photos by Brianna Spause

Photos by Brianna Spause

I heart New York

41 Photo by Brianna Spause

Religion...

Photo by Brianna Spause

I heart YorkSpause Photo by New Brianna

Photo by Harrison Brink

Profeti della Quinta visited the Metropolitan Art Museum on October 25 to serenade an older crowd with a two-hour concert. The quintet performed traditional psalms in Hebrew to music, their sweet harmonies resonating through the vast auditorium. The musical group that is traveling around the world from their home in Galilee performed Songs of Solomon, the first collection of originally composed music for psalms and prayers.

43 Photos Spause Photos by Brianna BriannaSpause Spause Photo by by Brianna

History...

“Hot sandwiches, right here! Line up in front of a man behind the counter!” A man in a green Katz hat shouted, ushering guests both in and out of the door. The lines were enormous as tourists and neighbors alike stopped in for a hearty lunch, and struggled to find a seat for lunch. Established in 1888, Katz’s Delicatessen has been a staple of New York’s Lower East Side for longer than any of its patrons have been alive. Passed down from generation to generation through family and close friends, their process of creating huge sandwiches has changed very little of the course of over a century. “We make everything ourselves from the pastrami and the 44

Photo by Brianna Spause

corned beef to the pickles and the mustard,” said Jake Dell, current owner of the restaurant, “it’s the old fashioned way, the way it was done at the turn of the century.” Three quarters of a pound of meat are slapped in between slices of bread, and topped with what may very well have been a whole head of lettuce. At Katz, there is a long-standing tradition of both quality and quantity. Creating a nation-wide reputation for the historic deli is their “Orgasmic pastrami sandwich,” featured in the 1989 film When Harry Met Sally where the term “I’ll have what she’s having,” was coined. According to Dell, anywhere from 400 to 4000 people come in and out of the restaurant

I heart New York Photo by Brianna Spause

on any given day. The deli is known for its handcrafted and cut sandwiches around New York and across the country. “It’s one of a kind,” said Justin Herman, a diner at Katz’s, “where I live, there’s not really any good delis and it’s just something you’ve gotta do. The inner Jew in me cries for it.” Katz’s is a Jewish deli at its heart having started as a Jewish business and remaining one to this day. “It’s Jewish food that you don’t see in a lot of places,” said Dell, “the tradition of ‘deli ‘is very much inherently a New York, Lower East Side, Jewish thing.” Dell started working in the deli in 2009 and is now managing all of its major operations. The gravity of his position is not lost on Dell. “It’s an honor, really, to be a part of this place,” said Dell. In the end he believes that it’s about producing a great product, “you gotta treat them well, you gotta treat them right and you gotta give you give them the best damn sandwich they’ve ever had.” - Harrison Brink

Photo by Harrison Brink

Photos by Brianna Spause

45 Photo by Brianna Spause

Photo by Brianna Spause

When the Jewish Immigrants moved to Manhattan, anywhere from three to five families would take shelter in one home. The landlords of the area then tore these row homes down to build the tenements. These apartment-style buildings were too small to appropriately fit a family, and the close perimeters for living lent itself to a dirty, and unhealthy lifestyle. Some rooms had no access to sunlight, and the entire building was without indoor plumbing. Their horrific conditions were the subject of muckraking in the Progressive Era, including Jacob Riisâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s expose, â&#x20AC;&#x153;How the Other Half Lives.â&#x20AC;? Left: A sleek, modern building can be seen towering over a refurbished tenement building that is now inhabited as apartments. Bottom: Clothes hangout to dry on the fire escape of an old, and refurbished tenement building.

Photo by Harrison Brink

48Photo by Yuxuan Jia

On the Chinese in Manhattan... Chinatown, New York, the largest Chinatown in the United States, is nestled along the lower east side of Manhattan. Chinatown has hundreds of restaurants, booming fruit and fish markets, shops of knickknacks and sweets, street vendors and shady salesmen or women on winding and crowded streets New York city streets operating into the evening. This history of this region is interesting as the Exclusion Act of 1888 outlawing racially Asian immigration had a large impact on the early makeup of the area. Unlike other ethnic-dominated areas, Chinatown was largely self-supported. They had their own businesses, which supplied jobs, social services, and provided protection to immigrants. Most of the earliest Asian-Americans began their journey in the west, coming along with the gold rush, but after wartime pressures, the Exclusion Act was born. The already imbalanced male-female ratio in Chinatown was radically worsened by this Exclusion Act and in 1900 there were only 40-150 women for the upwards of 7,000 Chinese living in Manhattan. This made the society very compartmentalized and limited, with most of the early New York Chinatown population working in under the table situations or in primarily low-wage workplaces. When the Exclusion Act was finally lifted in 1943, China was given a small immigration quota, and the community continued to grow, expanding slowly throughout the ‘40s and ‘50s. Chinatown’s Chinese population came largely from the China’s mainland. After the quota was raised in 1968, Chinatown’s population exploded and began to expand into Little Italy. Investment overseas, from places like Hong Kong, flowed into Chinatown, and helped its development. Now, Chinatown is a highly packed and still sprawling area, always growing. Like Little Italy, it is

now perceived more as a tourist spot rather than a living area. Restaurants and tourist stores stereotyping Chinese products are on every corner. This continues to make Chinatown a first destination for immigrants when they first arrive in New York, though many will move to other areas a couple months or few years later. The majority citizens in Chinatown now are the elderly, as a result many businesses cater to that demographic specifically. What we see today in Chinatown is really and totally an attempt or reflection of Chinese culture and lifestyle in the streets of New York. We find temples, the elderly in parks listening to live traditional Chinese songs, playing card games if they are very old, doing morning exercises otherwise. A different style of pace, sound of language, feeling of connectedness is found, only within a pocket of this vast city. Now, Chinatown is a highly packed and still sprawling area, always growing. Like Little Italy, it is now perceived more as a tourist spot rather than a living area. Restaurants and tourist stores stereotyping Chinese products are on every corner. This continues to make Chinatown a first destination for immigrants when they first arrive in New York, though many will move to other areas a couple months or few years later. The majority citizens in Chinatown now are the elderly, as a result many businesses cater to that demographic specifically. If you were to wonder only a few blocks further you would find Little Italy, and immediately this concept of cultural immersion begins to be rewritten and becomes the reality of your experience. I found this to be incredibly unique and inspiring, to think of what cultures and legacies are left behind and reflections of why. - Yuxuan Jia and Robert Kennedy 49

On the streets...

Photo by Robert Kennedy Seniors in Chinatown do their morning exercises by dancing with music, this is also practiced by the elderly in China. Chinatown, New York. October 25th, 2014. 50

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Photo by Yuxuan Jia Seniors in Chinatown do their morning exercises by dancing with music, this is also practiced by the elderly in China. Chinatown, New York. October 25th, 2014. 51

Photos by Yuxuan Jia

I heart New York

Photos by Robert Kennedy

Photo by Yuxuan Jia Chinese is widely used in Chinatown more often than English, some stores only use a Chinese name. This is a result of fragmented translations from Chinese, or the lack of an English equivalent. Chinatown, New York. October 25th, 2014. 54

I heart New York

Photo by Yuxuan Jia Chinatown resident carries a bag of rice on his head. Chinatown, New York. October 25, 2014.

Local Business...

I heartJia New York Photo by Yuxuan

Jun and Zhang are the Owners of “Ocean Treasure Trading” in New York Chinatown, they sell dry seafood, Chinese sauces and spices. The seafood products are mostly from South America, while other Chinese sauces and spices are from China. Jun comes from South Mainland China. He has worked here for couple months, and his store has only been open for a year. They also offer business deliveries to other cities. Such as Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. Jun says the seafood business is not easy in Chinatown, because too many people are doing it and the profit is not really high, but it is a good place to start. Chinese sellers tend to work with a place for a couple of years to learn how to run a business, and then when they think they are ready start up their own. This was how Jun and Zhang started their business. They had a hard time a year ago when they first opened, but business has been booming. Almost all of their customers are Chinese and most of them are elderly, because the younger generation’s life style changed and most of them don’t really cooking anymore.

Photo by Robert Kennedy

Photo by Rob Kennedy

Photo by Yuxuan Jia 57

Religion...

Photo by Robert Kennedy 58

I heart New York

In Chinese lettering and accented rooftops, red doors with golden edging leads ones eyes directly into the Mahayana Buddhist Temple. When observing religions throughout Chinatown this destination was particularly interesting. Found in 1962, the Mahayana Buddhist Temple is the oldest Chinese Buddhist temple on the eastern coast of the United States. It was originally started by Mrs. Annie Ying and funded by her husband Mr. James Ying. While the first Buddhist temple in America was built in 1853 in San Francisco by the Sze Yap Company, a Chinese American fraternal society. Never the less the goal was simply to fulfill the needs of Chinese Buddhists in the greater New York area, a population that experienced significant growth after the 1940â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s when the Chinese Exclusion Act was lifted. This policy was a long standing racist policy implemented during wartime in 1882. The inside of the temple is highly adorned. With fresh fruits such as oranges lining the clothed tables with shrines in dedication to diseased. Those locations are prohibited from photography, but mostly the rest of the temple was accessible for photography. The large cleansing bell with wooden mallet and a gong were along the back walls and front isle of the temple. There was also a very large center looking alter covered with citrus fruits where donations were accepted. A large Buddha sat at the back of the alter highlighted and shrouded with neon lights and background. Along the walls was what I noticed as something extremely similar to what is seen in the Catholic church as the Stations of the Cross. There were more then 14 as these were depictions of the Buddhas 35 mantras. There was a lot of information and history about this temple, it even had a gift store which edged more into the reality of tourism in Chinatown on both floors of its facility but overall the staff and atmosphere was very peaceful and kind. - Robert Kennedy

Photo by Robert Kennedy 59

History... New Yorkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Chinatown is the largest Chinatown located in the United States is nestled along the lower east side of Manhattan, with a population about 70,000 to 150,000 residents. It became a gathering area of Chinese traders and sailors in the mideighteenth century. After the mid-nineteenth century it became a main destination for Chinese immigrants, who were brought by labor brokers from China to build the Central Pacific Railroad. After working in America for many years, most of them settled and began a new life here, instead of earning enough money to return to China.

Photo by Yuxuan Jia 60

Photo by Robert Kennedy

I heart New York

Photo by Yuxuan Jia 61

On finding the Middle East in Manhattan… As one of the most prolific religions in the world, Islam plays a significant part in both American and New York City’s history. Muslims have a long tenure as citizens of this country. The earliest documentation of Muslims in the United States dates to the Revolutionary War. Muslims from various parts of the world traveled to America at their own free will, but were mostly brought in from Africa through the slave trade. An estimated 10 to 20 percent of the slaves brought from Africa identified as Muslim. Countless cultural artifacts were mistreated and destroyed during America’s Civil War, including relics of religious significance. Included was the library at the University of Alabama, where an original copy of the Qur’ran was saved. To find the Qur’ran in America at this period in time was exceptionally rare. Free Muslims came to New York City through passage of Ellis Island. They settled in various places in New York City, largely concentrating in Queens but also settling in certain areas of Manhattan. Mosques began to appear across the city to satisfy the needs of both Sunni and Shia. This includes the Islamic Cultural Center of New York (ICC), one of the largest and most frequented mosques in central Manhattan, located near Central Park. The ICC is open to all Muslims, regardless of sect and welcoming to various ethnicities and nationalities. Muslims are more likely to identify on the basis of their religion than they would their ethnic background. Being a Muslim is a defining characteristic of their daily life, versus their ethnic background, according to Imam Sheikh Saad Jalloh of the ICC. This does not take away from the influence of Middle Eastern culture found in New York City. Halal carts offering traditional Islamic food and drink are found all over Manhattan. There are also multiple 62

grocery stores and restaurants dedicated to Middle Eastern cuisine. This culture founded on pride, compassion and prayer can be found in various corners of Manhattan, with the common goal of worship and live a fruitful life towards Allah. - Kathryn Stellato

Photos by Aaron Windhorst

On the streets...

Above: On 115th and Amsterdam in Manhattan, New York, on Sunday, October 26, 2014, Mohammad prepares for the end of his 12-hour shift. I heart New York

On 114th and Broadway in Manhattan, New York, on Sunday, October 26, 2014, Sahir cleans his cart. Sahir has worked in Halal Carts for three years at this location.

Photos by Aaron Windhorst 65

Local Business...

On 123 Lexington Ave, in Midtown Manhattan, Kalustyan’s doubles as a deli and a grocery store that focuses on Middle Eastern and South Asian herbs and spices. Founded in the same location in 1944 by K. Kalustyan, the nominal grocer initially concentrated on Indian herbs and spices until management shifted to Marhaba International Inc, who decided to include and specialize in Middle Eastern cuisine. Despite the shift in ownership, Kalustyan’s has remained a decidedly local, neighborly business and, as a result, has become a staple of Midtown Manhattan’s food culture: “One of my favorite food spots,” wrote Sylvia Carter for New York Newsday. “This is because the folks who work there have genuine smiles; they are glad to see you and miss you when you are away too long. In New York, this is all too rare.” Kalustyan’s has enjoyed stable success since its inception in 1944, becoming a self-proclaimed “landmark

for fine specialty foods.” In fact, Kalustyan’s treasures the diversity of New York City and prides itself on the ability to provide herbs and spices to an undeserved populace: “Our customers come from a diverse walk-of-life and profession,” their website boasts. “Many of the Greater New York City chefs choose to buy from Kalustyan’s for its wide selection of Photo by Joe Schaefer finest and fresh ingredients.” - Aaron Windhorst

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Religion...

Photo by Kathryn Stellato

Top: The Islamic Cultural Center of New York houses a school, which teaches the children the importance of Islam and their religion. Located on 1711 3rd Ave, the religious center is considered one of the major mosques in New York. Left: Prayer glass is layered inside a prayer hub in the Islamic Cultural Center where an Imam prays towards Mecca.

Photo by Aaron Windhorst

PhotoI by Aaron heart NewWindhorst York

Photos by Aaron Windhorst

The Islamic Cultural Center at 1711 Third Avenue in the Upper East Side of Manhattan, New York City, on Saturday, October 25, 2014. The Islamic Cultural Center was the first mosque built in New York City, and over 46 Muslim countries contributed funds for its construction.

Photos by Aaron Windhorst

History...

Photo by Aaron Windhorst

Imam Sheikh Saad Jalloh believes in interfaith dialogue. The Imam of the Islamic Cultural Center, located in the Upper East Side of Manhattan at 1711 3rd Ave, leads prayer at one of the most heavily trafficked mosques in the city. Imam Sheikh Saad Jalloh believes that keeping a dialogue between religions in a diverse city like New York helps build bridges to achieve mutual understandings between religions. Muslims of various nationalities come and speak to the Imam who advises them in weekly prayers. Usually on Fridays, typical conversations typically range from Allah to the Ebola virus that was reported in Brooklyn. The Imam listens to the nearly 18 to 20 converts that come visit him a month. Jalloh listens to the stories of the people who come to talk him and advise them. He helps them find the true meaning of Allah. Jalloh, while frustrated by the media’s portrayal of Islam and the misinterpretation of his religion, also finds that it brings people to Islam. “The media, themselves they contribute to spread Islam. Even though, the way they presenting it is the ugly way, but this also make many people want to know what is this religion. And as soon they read the real source of Islam, they discover the truth of it,” Jalloh who is proud of his religion and the

importance of his mosque, said. “Muslims in this country care for this country like any other person. Mosques in any area help to clean the area, bring crimes down and stop people from dealing drugs or certain things. Islam in general, it does not like these harmful things. So it’s really creating a good community, uniting the people and bringing them together and for them to help one another and care for one another and love one another.” - Kathryn Stellato

Photo by Kathryn Stellato 73

Photo by Joe Schaefer

On the cultural mecca of Manhattan… Walk down 125th Street, over to Lexington Avenue, or even peruse the businesses that are hosted on 116th Street and you will be hit with a mix of sights, scents, and sounds. Historically segmented into multiple cultures, Harlem has grown to be known as the mecca of all cultures today. “Harlem is everything man, it’s multicultural first of all. We got everything, we’ve got brothers and sisters walking through here with all types of religious backgrounds, sexual preferences, whatever you wanna call it,” said Black Jesus, a Harlem native and member of Harlem 6, a music group based in the area. Harlem has historically been known as a neighborhood in New York City that has transitioned through many different cultures and identities since the mid 1600s. The name in itself has historical and cultural origins that are unknown to most people today. Harlem was founded and named based on its first cultural identity, Dutch. Settlers from the Netherlands that resided in New York City named this neighborhood after the city of Harlem in the Netherlands. However, Harlem’s cultural influence began to shift as time went on. Harlem has also been a host to various other cultures throughout history. These cultures include: Irish, Italian, German Spanish and Jewish. Years and years later, after many booms and crashes in financial stability, African Americans most famously claimed Harlem in the early 1900s. This influx of African Americans was due to the slavery becoming illegal and socially looked down upon, which allowed a lot of blacks to travel north. Others came from the Caribbean and lower Manhattan as well. A lot them settled in Harlem and began to take it as their own. This claim gave way to the most influential time in history for African Americans all over

the country, the Harlem Renaissance. During the 1920s the Harlem Renaissance, the influx of cultural and artistic expression. This opened the door to the rest of the world to see that African Americans could be considered equal culturally and artistically. Harlem has historically been the launching pad for many different cultural, political and artistic movements. Many lifelong residents have said people go to Harlem to see it all, to experience all that life has to offer. People look towards the residents of Harlem for fashion and creative inspiration. All eyes turn towards Harlem in anticipation for the next big cultural and artistic movement. Today Harlem embraces its multiculturalism and many residents feel that it is a benefit to live among different types of people. The neighborhood itself is currently embracing a new renaissance of sorts. “You got everybody man, you got Spanish, you got Russians, you got Germans, you got Asians, you got everybody man,” said Black Jesus. “I believe we stepped up because now everybody comes to Harlem and nobody gets messed with.” The new renaissance Harlem is currently welcoming in with open arms is due to a financial boom and acceptance of cultures. Residents are seeking to preserve the cultures present within Harlem, which will promote and enrich the melting pot that Harlem already has become. Tourists flock to Harlem to walk through the streets that are rich in cultural history. Harlem takes pride in its multicultural heritage and wants nothing more than to see it grow and create an open and welcoming environment. - Marissa Nicole Pina 75

On the streets...

Photo by Marissa Nicole Pina

Photo by Marissa Nicole Pina 76

Photo by Marissa Nicole Pina

I heart New York

Photo by Marissa Nicole Pina

Photo by Marissa Nicole Pina 77

Photo by Joe Schaefer

Photo by Marissa Nicole Pina 78

Photo by Joe Schaefer

I heart New York

Photo by Joe Schaefer

Photo by Marissa Nicole Pina 79

Photo by Joe Schaefer

I heart New York

Photo by Joe Schaefer

Local Business... A steady rotation of customers rotates in and out of the hair salon seats on a warm day in October in Harlem, New York City. “Harlem has everything here, I found my hair dresser here and I love her.” Said Maame, a customer and Harlem resident, originally from Africa. Located a half of block off of the corner of 123rd and Lexington Avenue, Rico London’s Hair Spa is one of the many thriving businesses that exists amongst the Harlem community. Louis, a barber at Rico London and a resident of New York for the past 25 years, feels working at this shop in Harlem offers him more opportunities to display his work. “I get to showcase my creativity to the world, doing different types of hair and having it displayed throughout the area.”

Photo by Marissa Nicole Pina 82

Photo by Joe Schaefer

As one of many hair salons and barbershops in the area, Rico London’s offers a unique type of hair experience. Customers flock to this area in particular for fresh and creative takes on haircuts and fades that were once popular in the 1980s. Since Harlem is such a hotbed of cultures and identities, it serves up the ideal hairstyle and cut for those of all hair types. Peeking in any shop will prove to any passerby just how diverse the area is and how all stylists have learned to adapt to different types of hair.” There’s always area to grow, you can always learn something you’re not familiar with,” said Louis. Rico London’s is no different from other barbershops and hair salons in the area, there is a diverse mix of artists creating hairstyles for those about to go out for the night or for the rest of the week. Different people pop in and out all creating an atmosphere of liveliness and diversity unmatched in other New York neighborhoods. The spirit of Harlem is alive and well in the friendly barbershop culture that pervades the entire area. “Harlem is an open door, if you choose to peek in, you will want to come in completely,” said Maame. - Joe Schaefer I heart New York

Top left: Rico London at work in his barber shop off 123rd and Lexington Avenue. He has worked here for the past 25 years. Harlem, New York. October 25, 2014. Bottom Left: Maame, originally from Africa, often gets her hair done by Rico. Harlem, New York. October 25, 2014. Below: A child gets his hair cut at Rico Londonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hair Spa. Harlem, New York. October 25, 2014. Photos by Joe Shaefer

History... Looking down 125th Street in Harlem, New York City, you’ll come across an array of chaotic elements. Ranging from the constant motion of the traffic filled streets to the perpetual hustle of the sidewalk salesmen, there’s no shortage of commotion on this bustling promenade. No matter how busy the street can get, one thing will always stand out prominently day or night. It is 6 bright red letters that spell out one of the most historic theaters in America, The Apollo. The Apollo Theater is synonymous with Harlem’s cultural and artistic history. Designed and constructed by George Keister and Sidney Cohen in 1913, The Apollo has been standing for a little more than 100 years. It has seen cultures come and go, economies rise and fall and the theater has continued to stay standing through all of New York’s changes.

Photo by Joe Schaefer 84

Photo by Joe Schaefer

“It’s legendary man, all of the greats have past through here.” Said Black Jesus, a native of the area and group member of the Harlem 6, a hip hop group based in the heart of the Harlem. From James Brown to Michael Jackson, The Apollo has hosted a multitude of legendary artists. Performing on stage at The Apollo is seen as a defining moment in any performers career. The Apollo crowd is known for being one of the toughest in the business and surviving in front of them will prove your artistic worth. With consistent renovations The Apollo’s facade has changed throughout time but has been able to stand the test of time. Drawing people in from all areas, just to see a bit of history, the theater has propelled careers and Harlem into the spotlight. “All of this Mecca here, was wonderful back in the day, “ said David Nathaniel Morris, a photographer who worked in and around the Apollo Theater. - Joe Schaefer I heart New York

Photo by Joe Schaefer

Photo by Marissa Nicole Pina

Photo by Maggie Andresen

I heart New York

epilogue We met Stella as Snow White, tied up in front of a mechanic shop in East Harlem. With ribs showing and tail wagging, she immediately responded to Alisaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s love and melted our hearts with her sweet nature. Initially, we were going to return for Snowball the following Wednesday in a car that we could transfer her in, a plan the group of men initially agreed to. Almost immediately a man who had been walking his equally malnourished dog nearby stopped Alisa, claiming to be a breeder who owned Snowball and was planning on taking her that same day. Without hesitation, Alisa rebuked with a solid no. We walked to Cosco and bought a crate, Alisa paid the man ten dollars in dog food, and we walked to the East Harlem ASPCA. There we met a few NYPD officers and together we came up with the idea to present Snowball as a service dog so we could bring her on the Megabus. We left the ASPCA with our new dog in tow, and named her Stella in honor of the once-rich Italian culture that dominated East Harlem until about fifty years ago.

Stella has been staying with me since October 26 and has been steadily improving since then. After a visit to the vet, we were told that she was likely born deaf but was relatively healthy aside from her weight. As of October 30, she has a couple of infections, but has received an antibiotic to help her heal. She can eat like a regular dog and should start to steadily gain some weight in the near future. My roommates and I are working to housetrain her as well as to help her to learn that she doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to worry about when she will eat again next. She gets very anxious around food and when she is alone, but she is improving and seems very happy in her new home. -Maggie Andresen and Harrison Brink

dedicated to Dr. edward trayes

Back Cover Collage by Matthew Leister 88

I heart New York