A segment of McDonald Avenue in Kensington was given the official name “Little Bangladesh” to celebrate Bangladesh’s network there and its contributions to the neighborhood.
“Why upload the so-called Little Bangladesh to the McDonald Avenue corridor and Church Avenue?” wrote Hanif on Instagram after the co-call. “It is for us to see this community as our home and identify more our commitment to serve this community. “
Councilwoman Shahana Hanif joined Bangladesh network leaders, City Comptroller Brad Lander and Assemblyman Robert Carroll at the inauguration of the new road sign at the corner of Church Avenue on October 16.
“Much joy in Kensington as a corner of McDonald’s
Bangladesh’s developing network has been the cornerstone of the region for years, especially on the streets surrounding McDonald’s and Church, where Bangladeshi cafes and restaurants abound. About 16 percent of the city’s Bangladeshi population lives in Brooklyn, according to a 2019 survey through the Asian American Federation, and the number of Bangladeshis living in New York doubled between 2010 and 2020, according to city data.
Recognizing the network was especially vital for Hanif, the daughter of Bangladeshi immigrants and the first Muslim woman to be elected to the city council. Forging a network in Brooklyn hasn’t been simple: In 2016, local network leaders raised concerns about evictions. after the presidential victory of Donald Trump.
The council member, who in the past worked at Lander’s workplace, proposed naming the street in April, just months after a Queens intersection was dubbed “Little Bangladesh Avenue” to celebrate Bangladesh’s large population there.
“For years, everyone knew it was the center of Brooklyn’s Bangladeshi community; it’s smart to call it,” Carroll said. “
The joint designation also recognizes the difficulties Bangladeshi immigrants face in arriving and living in Brooklyn, Hanif said online, and allows them to continue fighting and protecting themselves in the city.
“This street has been an integral component of this network for generations to be a testament to our contributions and heritage and love for Kensington,” he said. “My network doesn’t have the opportunity to celebrate and come together for joy, and they know the last 10 months in force have not been easy for me. I have deep gratitude for His grace at times when we have been in conflict, and I know that with His continued blessings, I will continue to rise.
Originally from New Jersey and passionate, Kirstyn covers North Brooklyn for the Brooklyn newspaper, from Greenpoint to Gowanus.