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American Morning

Report From Diverse Sunnyside, Queens

Aired May 28, 2002 - 08:25   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
PAULA ZAHN, CNN ANCHOR: This morning we're going to take a look at a new Census report just released.

We're not going to bore you with any of the dry statistics and figures here; instead, we're going to turn to Maria Hinojosa, who is in one neighborhood where the faces really just reflect the latest Census numbers. She joins us from Sunnyside, Queens, in New York.

Good morning -- Maria.

MARIA HINOJOSA, CNN CORRESPONDENT: But you know, Paula, one statistic, 36 percent of New Yorkers now are foreign born. That's the highest percentage since 1910. So I'll throw that out.

But check this out in Queens. This is a Korean store. But here on the sign (speaking in Spanish). But then if you come inside, of course, they've got the Korean newspapers, in case you need them. They've got Korean slippers, in case you need them, and traditional Korean pillows.

But you know, if you have your fill of things Korean, then you just bounce your way out the store, you make your way past an Italian restaurant that's actually owned by Ecuadorians.

And then you come into the Colombian bakery.

Let me tell you, we've been testing some of this food out here. You know, there are more West Indians and more Africans now in New York City than ever before, and the African-American population is actually descending. But here, the language is Spanish.

(speaking in Spanish.)

OK, a little bit of tea. And this is Paula (ph). Hey, Paula (ph), (speaking in Spanish).

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: (speaking in Spanish).

HINOJOSA: (speaking in Spanish).

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: (speaking in Spanish).

HINOJOSA: (speaking in Spanish). For lunch, (speaking in Spanish), a Spanish lesson. (speaking in Spanish), chicken soup. It's all very tasty. They have the best smelling streets in New York City are here in Queens -- Paula.

ZAHN: It is quite remarkable that you've just shown us maybe a quarter block area representing so many different cultures. Does the rest of the neighborhood look like that as well?

HINOJOSA: It's extraordinary. Just looking at people hanging out in front of the bus stop, I mean they're from every part of the world you can imagine. You hear all different kinds of languages being spoken to the children, to the adults. It's pretty incredible. It's pretty wonderful.

ZAHN: Folks, that neighborhood might be upset you did a live shot from there, because they might be descended upon by tourists who want to see what America really looks like.

HINOJOSA: Come to Queens.

ZAHN: All right, thanks so much, Maria.

Maria Hinojosa, reporting for us from Sunnyside, Queens, this morning.

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