Little Manila Queens Bayanihan Arts (LMQBA) joined the APA VOICE Redistricting Task Force, a non-partisan coalition of organizations committed to advancing the opportunities of Asian Pacific American and minority communities to meaningfully participate in the political process. The Task Force supports redistricting plans that keep together communities that share common interests, culture, and economic factors.

Following the 2020 Census, the redistricting process in New York, was underway in 2021 where their efforts will define power for the state for the next 10 years. Asian Americans, the fastest-growing community in New York City have a vital stake in the outcome of the process.

This is particularly important for Filipinos in Queens because Little Manila, a community of interest, is currently divided between three State Assembly districts (30, 34, and 39). LMQBA advocated to keep the community together to increase our voice and our power.

The Little Manila community is facing threats of displacement as a result of political and cultural invisibility locally. The community is situated at a location attractive to real estate developers. Little Manila is along the 7 train, the Long Island Rail Road, and major bus lines making Midtown Manhattan and LaGuardia Airport accessible. Already we have seen attempts to displace the community, and underway is an effort to rezone blocks to build high-rise condominiums where small businesses have been for decades.

The Independent Redistricting Commission provided maps that amended the fragmentation of the Little Manila, potentially resulting in the community being unified in a new Asian-majority district with neighborhoods Woodside and Elmhurst. The final maps and district lines are still being contested.

APA VOICE REDISTRICTING TASK FORCE

Academy of Medical and Public Health Services
Asian Americans for Equality
Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund
Caribbean Equality Project
CHHAYA
Chinese Progressive Association
Chinese American Planning Council
Homecrest Community Services
Korean Community Services of Metropolitan New York
MinKwon Center for Community Action
OCA-NY
Shetu
South Asian Council for Social Services
South Queens Women’s March
Taking Our Seat

PRESS

Filipino Residents Want ‘Little Manila’ to be Incorporated Into One Assembly District, Currently Split Into Three