Jamaica Colosseum Mall Closes After 42 Years of Black Excellence

[ad_1] by Sharelle B. McNair February 23, 2026

Jamaica, Queens, resident Ketlyne referred to as the mall “legendary” and remembered it not simply being a spot to buy the newest and biggest at cheap costs, however the place you'll go to develop up.

New Yorkers from throughout gathered in entrance of what was often called a staple for retail and hip-hop tradition, the Jamaica Colosseum Mall in Queens, saying final “goodbyes” amid its closing after 42 years.

Jamaica, Queens, resident Ketlyne referred to as the mall “legendary” to Spectrum Information NY 1 and remembered it not simply as a spot to buy the newest and biggest at low costs, but in addition as a spot to develop up. “That is the place all of us used to hold round. It’s simply unhappy to see it go,” she stated.

In a becoming setting, tons of gathered for the Feb. 21 farewell block occasion that includes dancing, performances, and phrases from neighborhood leaders. Legendary Misplaced Boys member and Southside Jamaica native Mr. Cheeks confirmed his love for the outlet by performing among the music guests typically hear whereas procuring.

Queens’ son and co-creator of music video program Video Music Field, Ralph McDaniels, was additionally seen reminiscing on how his legendary run began instantly throughout the road, DJ’ing for a few of hip-hop’s biggest.

For 42 years, Black and different minority small enterprise homeowners grew their companies, promoting sneakers and jewellery and giving beginning to the airbrush t-shirt and title belt period.

The property first went up on the market in 2015, after the Metropolis Council permitted the Jamaica Neighborhood Plan, a rezoning effort with the objective of bringing new growth to the world, together with residences and new retail area. Mike Nurse, who ran the Sports activities in Impact retailer since its 1990 opening, stated enterprise homeowners had been informed to pack up and depart by the tip of February 2026, in line with the united statesSun.

He stated after constructing one thing, it’s very exhausting to stroll away from one thing you constructed.”

Group activist Donovan Richards Jr. posted pictures on X of the block occasion turnout and reminisced about what the location meant to so many, calling it “emotional,” however he additionally notes {that a} new chapter doesn’t imply forgetting the previous.

“Emotional day in Jamaica, Queens, because the Jamaica Coliseum closes its doorways. So many recollections in that constructing. The battles between my alma mater, Jamaica Excessive, and Hillcrest. The faux gold chains. The 5 for 20 tees. The vitality you simply can’t recreate,” he wrote.

“As a brand new chapter begins, now we have a accountability to verify the historical past just isn't erased, and the alternatives develop and never shrink. We are going to hold preventing to protect area for Black entrepreneurs, tradition and neighborhood in Downtown Jamaica. Legacy issues.”

Emotional day in Jamaica Queens because the Jamaica Coliseum closes its doorways. So many recollections in that constructing. The battles between my alma mater Jamaica Excessive and Hillcrest. The faux gold chains. The 5 for 20 tees. The vitality you simply can’t recreate.

As a brand new chapter begins now we have… pic.twitter.com/y2HG266LVY

— Donovan Richards Jr. (@DRichardsQNS) February 21, 2026

Remembering how hip-hop icons like Queens’ personal LL Cool J and Staten Island’s Wu-Tang Clan filmed music movies proper in entrance, instantly throughout deli proprietor Sharif El Samet worries about what the area will grow to be.

He provides to Nurse’s sentiments about how the Colosseum introduced “folks from in every single place to buy,” and he factors out that the enterprise relationships constructed contained in the mall are the toughest to interchange.