Glossary
Afro-Caribbean Migration
The movement of people of African descent from the Caribbean to the United States, particularly significant in the early 20th century, bringing new cultural and political influences.
Example:
The Afro-Caribbean migration to New York City in the early 1900s significantly diversified the city's Black communities.
American Influence
The expanding economic and political presence of the United States in the Caribbean, which created both opportunities and dependencies.
Example:
The construction of the Panama Canal exemplified growing American influence in the region, drawing Caribbean laborers.
Black Nationalism
A political and social movement advocating for the unity, self-determination, and empowerment of Black people, often emphasizing racial pride and cultural identity.
Example:
Garvey's Universal Negro Improvement Association promoted Black nationalism by encouraging economic independence and a return to Africa.
C.L.R. James
A Trinidadian historian, journalist, and Marxist theorist known for his writings on Caribbean history, cricket, and the global Black struggle.
Example:
C.L.R. James provided critical analyses of colonialism and revolution, influencing radical thought across the diaspora.
Claudia Jones
An Trinidadian-born communist and Black nationalist activist who was influential in the American and British communist movements.
Example:
Claudia Jones was a fierce advocate for the rights of Black women and workers, challenging both racial and class oppression.
Community Tensions
Friction or conflict that arises within or between groups in a community, often due to competition for resources or cultural differences.
Example:
Initial community tensions sometimes arose between established African American residents and newly arrived Afro-Caribbean immigrants over jobs and housing.
Cultural Fusion
The blending of different cultural elements, such as music, food, or traditions, resulting in new, hybrid forms.
Example:
The vibrant jazz scene in Harlem was a testament to cultural fusion, incorporating rhythms and styles from both African American and Afro-Caribbean traditions.
Economic Hardship
Severe financial difficulties and lack of opportunities, often a driving force for migration.
Example:
Many Caribbean islanders faced economic hardship after World War I, leading them to seek work in the U.S.
Educational Opportunities
Access to schooling, vocational training, or higher education, which can be a significant pull factor for migrants seeking to improve their skills and prospects.
Example:
Many Afro-Caribbean migrants sought educational opportunities at historically Black colleges and universities in the U.S. to gain new knowledge.
Immigration Act of 1924
A federal law in the United States that severely restricted immigration, particularly from Southern and Eastern Europe and Asia, and also targeted Black immigrants from the West Indies.
Example:
The Immigration Act of 1924 was a clear example of discriminatory legislation, aiming to preserve a specific racial composition in the U.S.
Linguistic Expansion
The increase in the number of languages or dialects spoken within a population, reflecting diverse origins.
Example:
The arrival of Haitian immigrants led to a significant linguistic expansion in certain neighborhoods, with Creole languages becoming more common.
Marcus Garvey
A prominent Afro-Caribbean leader who advocated for Black nationalism and Pan-Africanism in the early 20th century.
Example:
Marcus Garvey inspired millions with his message of Black pride and self-reliance through the UNIA.
Pan-Africanism
An ideology and movement promoting the solidarity and unity of all indigenous inhabitants of Africa and people of African descent worldwide.
Example:
Pan-Africanism sought to connect the struggles of Black people in the diaspora with those on the African continent.
Political Instability
A state of disorder or insecurity in a government or country, often characterized by dictatorships or authoritarian regimes, prompting people to seek refuge.
Example:
Periods of political instability in some Caribbean nations pushed citizens to migrate to the U.S. in search of greater freedoms.
Racial Discrimination
Unfair or prejudicial treatment of individuals or groups based on their race or ethnicity.
Example:
Wilfred A. Domingo's article highlighted how the Immigration Act of 1924 was an act of blatant racial discrimination against West Indian immigrants.
Radicalization of Black Thought
The shift towards more fundamental and transformative ideas regarding racial justice and empowerment, often challenging existing reformist approaches.
Example:
The global perspectives brought by Afro-Caribbean intellectuals contributed significantly to the radicalization of Black thought in the U.S., advocating for systemic change.
Religious Variety
The introduction and practice of diverse faiths and spiritual traditions within a community.
Example:
Afro-Caribbean migration contributed to the religious variety in American cities, introducing practices like Santeria and Vodou alongside established Christian denominations.
Settlement Patterns
The ways in which migrants distribute themselves geographically upon arrival, often concentrating in specific urban areas or regions.
Example:
The settlement patterns of Afro-Caribbean immigrants showed a strong preference for major port cities like New York and Miami.
Threat to Black Progress
Policies or conditions that hinder the advancement, empowerment, or social mobility of Black communities.
Example:
Domingo argued that limiting Black immigration constituted a threat to Black progress by preventing the growth of the African American population and its political power.
UNIA
The Universal Negro Improvement Association, founded by Marcus Garvey, which promoted Black nationalism, economic independence, and a return to Africa.
Example:
The UNIA organized large parades and businesses, demonstrating the power of collective Black action.