DEFINING THE BOROUGH OF QUEENS, NY THROUGH ITS PEOPLE
2.3 million people. As many as 138 languages spoken here. Over 125 different neighborhoods.
Southeastern Queens: Saint Albans
Saint Albans is working class traditional African American neighborhood. In 1899, a year after Queens was officially deemed a part of New York City, the first street lights illuminated the intersection of Linden Blvd & Farmers Boulevard, which is now the central point of Saint Albans.
Pictured is the Liberty Rock located at the junction of Farmers Blvd & Liberty Ave. Not much is documented on the Liberty Rock. It has been said sometime in the late 80’s, a young teenage Saint Albans native named James Smith, now known as LL Cool J first met the legendary rap producer Rick Rubin at his grandmother’s house located on Ilion Ave. During the sit down LL was interrupted by his grandmother to run an errand to buy milk at the local grocery. Rick Rubin accompanied him, and on the way, they stopped for a photo op at the Liberty Rock. LL Cool J hosts an annual summer basketball tournament at Daniel O’Connell Park or OCP as the locals call it, on 196th St & Murdock Ave.
Famed meteorologist Al Roker is also a Saint Albans native.
The History section is in collaboration with Steve Vazquez of Queenscapes.