If Streets Were Paved With Dreams
A Story of Willets Point, Queens
by Virginia Allyn
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About the Book
This is an increasingly familiar story. In search of a better life people have gambled on coming to America. Willets Point, Queens, New York has served as a refuge and place to make a living for newcomers to America. Today this once busy and thriving place looks like a ghost town. It is a mishmash of auto parts and auto repair shops. It has come to be known as the "junkyard." But on this desperate stage of dusty streets with damaged and totaled cars where the odor of paint fumes is at times overwhelming, where spanish music blares from radios, hopes were woven into dreams, many versions of the American dream. "Every night I look to the sky and I say 'hey God, I'm here. Don't leave me alone.'" Few speak english. Everyone fears deportation. Willets Point is on the verge of great change. A redevelopment plan includes building a shopping center, entertainment complex and park here. The winds of change are too tangible and people are frightened. This story is not about a place per se but about the people of a place. The ending has not been written because no one knows what will become of the people of Willets Point and their dreams. Theirs are coming to America stories, stories of challenge, stories of survival.
Features & Details
- Primary Category: Street Photography
- Additional Categories New York, United States of America (USA)
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Project Option: US Letter, 8.5×11 in, 22×28 cm
# of Pages: 60 - Publish Date: Mar 12, 2016
- Language English
- Keywords Immigration, Willets Point, New York, Queens
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About the Creator
virginia allyn
Brooklyn, New York
I am a documentary photographer and photojournalist.