Halal Food in Astoria? There’s Never Been a Better Moment. | Eater NY

"A women-focused, anti-violence nonprofit that has organized walking tours, a halal festival, and a museum exhibit to spotlight the corridor; founder Rana Abdelhamid describes changing gender dynamics on the block: "Historically, the block has been very male-dominant." She adds, "If you were a young Muslim woman or a young Egyptian woman growing up in the neighborhood, it was kind of stigmatized to be out in the neighborhood, honestly. Especially the older hookah lounges: They're an important safe space for our uncles, but not necessarily the aunties. A lot of our [women] elders told us this is the first time in 30 years that they feel comfortable just being outside on this block. I think being able to create those alternative spaces had created that openness." In October, the organization hosted the first Muslim Women’s Tea Time at a local cafe." - Caroline Shin