Romani
RidgewoodCommunity Profile: Many different waves representing a diverse array of Roma communities have come to New York since at least the mid-19th century. Many were emancipated slaves who came from regions across Southern and Eastern Europe, principally Kalderasha (mostly Rusurya, or "Russians") and some Machvaya from Serbia, also speaking what is considered a "Vlax" language variety. Given a long history of discrimination in Europe, NYC Roma have kept a low profile, but many have maintained community languages as well as forms of internal organization and governance such as the local kumpanija, kris, and shato.
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umerous Roma communities have existed across Queens. Members of a Ludar Roma community (from Bosnia/Romania) associated with circus work reportedly built a small village in Maspeth from 1925 to 1939 before it was broken up. The fall of the Iron Curtain after 1989 brought new waves of Roma refugees — with communities and individuals from Romania settling across southern Queens, among other places — as well as a new impetus to scholarship, activism, and visibility.
Note that the language above may be used throughout the New York area — this is just one significant site.