Contesting Race and Power: Second‐Generation Dominican Youth in the New Gotham

Abstract

One of the effects of the new era of globalization has been an intensification of racialized inequalities, both globally and locally. Youth in cities like New York have been working arduously to establish projects and coalitions that challenge globalization and its consequences. This article examines social and racial justice projects in which New York based Dominican youth are involved. In their attempts to confront and challenge globalization and racism, they have begun to construct a new political identity; their work involves other people of color throughout the diaspora. What does the work of these activists tell us about the prospects of the “new contestatory politics” emerging among youth? What does their work tell us about the ways in which people reconfigure their sense of self, of political community, and social justice ideology in today's world?