Halal meat, hijabs, and hair salons bring New Jersey residents Amina Soliman, 22, and Mai Admed, 25, to Bay Ridge, which has “that Arab vibe,” which is “better than taking a trip to the Middle East,” said Admed.

In a clothing store that sells colorful hijabs, skirts, and dresses, Kaid sits and listens to music while she awaits for costumers. Two blocks away, Larsen sits on a bench, a local resident for over forty years. Both have decided that they will not vote in any election this year because they don’t see their communities and their concerns addressed.