Little Yemen Explained

Little Yemen
ليتل يمن
Settlement Type:Neighborhoods of the Bronx
Subdivision Type:Country
Subdivision Name: United States
Subdivision Type1:State
Subdivision Type2:Counties
Subdivision Name2: Bronx County
Subdivision Type3:Region
Subdivision Type4:Agglomeration
Subdivision Name4:New York metropolitan area
Pushpin Map:USA New York City

Little Yemen is an ethnic enclave located in the eastern half of Bronx, New York, within the Morris Park neighborhood. It is wedged between Van Nest and Pelham Parkway.[1] The heart of the enclave is centered around White Plains Road at the intersection with Rhinelander Avenue.

The Yemeni American community began to grow significantly after the war in Yemen began in 2014. Yahya Obeid, the Outreach Liaison for the Bronx Muslim Center, worked with Google and a journalist to officially designate the area as "Little Yemen."

There are over 500 Yemeni-owned businesses within a one-mile radius of Little Yemen, with most being delicatessens and grocery stores. Previously, the area was predominantly Italian and Latino.

The Yemeni American Day Parade has been held annually in Little Yemen since 2019.[2] The first Yemeni American Day Parade drew over 3,000 people, including visitors from numerous states.

The area features several hookah lounges, Yemeni supermarkets, restaurants, smoke shops, and pharmacies, which are clustered around the central intersection.[3] However, Little Yemen is not officially recognized as an independent neighborhood, and its name is more of a vernacular designation.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Little Yemen Bronx, New York Homes for Sale . neighborhoods . 29 December 2021.
  2. Web site: 3rd annual Yemeni American Day Parade held in Van Nest. News 12 Hudson Valley. 2021-12-26. 2021-08-01.
  3. Web site: Putting Little Yemen on The Map. The Bronx Ink. 2019-10-01. Lila. Hassan. 2019-09-15.