USA –
Jamaica, Queens, the neighbourhood I grew up in, started as an ancient trading trail for American Indian tribes, played a pivotal role in the American Revolution and more recently housed both Donald Trump and 50 Cent growing up. By the early 2000’s the Jamaica Muslim Center attracted a large number of Bangladeshi families into the area and helped revitalize the neighborhood and surrounding areas both demographically and economically. Their cultural influence extends to the Howard Beach section of Queens where Jamaica Bay is now used as a stand-in for the sacred waters of the Ganges River and the faithful perform rituals called “puja” in which offerings are given to the goddess on the banks of its shore.
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