About Our Chapter

Curry Chicken or Chicken Curry? It makes a difference who you ask because their answer gives a picture of the diversity in Indo-Caribbean and South Asian cultures that are celebrated in our South Queens membership base. This age-old debate is rooted in British colonial history and resilience of people to survive, adapt and thrive. This question has spiced up subway rides, meetings, and many a dinner table. It reflects the vibrant mix of who we are, Indo-Caribbean members from Trinidad & Tobago, Guyana, and Suriname, and Punjabi members who bring their own flavor to the neighborhood, from homemade rotis to langar at the local gurdwaras. Together, we laugh, cook, and organize, steeped in love, culture, and solidarity. And yes, we’re still arguing (lovingly) about the name of the dish.

Indo-Caribbeans have been one of the oldest members in the neighborhood—from the roti shops to the West Indian grocery stores, it is clear that there is a vibrancy of a people who have established a community. Immigrants from Punjab and Bangladesh bring a rhythm that’s bold, joyful, and deeply grounded in community too. The stores and streets are always bustling during Diwali, Eid, Bandi Chor Divas and for sure at the Phagwah Parade. From the gurdwara to the street corners, you’ll find aunties organizing, uncles chatting, and workers, truck drivers, restaurant staff, construction crews holding each other up. Langar isn’t just food, it’s how people connect, support, and show up. This base is loud in the best way, not just in celebration but in resistance. When hard things happen, our folks mobilize with heart and humor, turning crisis into care.  

Founded in 2016 in response to a wave of ICE raids across Queens, this base was built out of urgency and love. As families were torn apart and fear spread, we chose to fight. What started as a defense turned into something lasting: a place to gather, build power, and imagine together. The South Queens base continues to grow not just because we resist, but because we care for each other, for our cultures, and for our collective future.