As New York City's largest borough, and second most populated, Queens is home to nearly 2.3 million people. The borough is known for its historical landmarks, major airports, sports, entertainment venues and famous Atlantic Coast beaches.

It's also in Queens that African Americans have a rich, longstanding history. The borough was once home to abolitionists and stops on the Underground Railroad.

In the mid 20th century, during the Great Migration, many Black Americans moved from the segregated south to Queens for better jobs and more opportunity. During the 1940s and 1950s, they bought homes in St. Albans, a neighborhood that symbolized Black achievement.

And in the late 20th century, notable R&B and hip hop artists, born and raised in Queens, influenced arts and culture.

On this special edition of Here and Now, we pay tribute to African American legends and the younger generation preparing to become the future leaders of Queens.

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