CUNY DIGITAL HISTORY ARCHIVE

This short article from the Daily News profiles Richard Hansen, the newly appointed president of the Jamaica branch of the NAACP. Shown with his wife and two smiling children, the article describes Hansen's hopes for the future of Jamaica, Queens and its residents. Of particular interest, the new president states "We're glad to have York College built in Jamaica," adding "higher education belongs in Jamaica."

CUNY's commitment to housing a four-year college in Jamaica, Queens in New York City offered great promise for many in the often overlooked neighborhood. Throughout the 1970s, the college struggled to build a permanent campus due to the economic downturn of the decade. Until 1986, the college relied on temporary and rented spaces throughout Jamaica before settling into their new and present home.