Afro-Caribbean Migration

Ryan Lee

5 min read

Next Topic - The Universal Negro Improvement Association

Listen to this study note

Study Guide Overview

This AP African American Studies study guide covers Afro-Caribbean migration to the U.S. in the early 20th century, focusing on the causes (economic hardship, political instability, U.S. influence, and opportunity) and effects (settlement patterns, community tensions and cultural blending, religious and linguistic diversity, and radicalization of Black thought). Key figures like Marcus Garvey are highlighted. The guide also analyzes Wilfred A. Domingo's 1924 article on restricted West Indian immigration, emphasizing its arguments against racial discrimination and the 1924 Immigration Act.

#AP African American Studies: Ultimate Study Guide 🚀

Hey there! Let's get you prepped for the AP exam. This guide is designed to be your go-to resource, especially the night before the test. We'll break down the key concepts, make connections, and give you the tools you need to feel confident and ready. Let's do this! 💪

#1. Afro-Caribbean Migration: An Overview

Key Concept

Afro-Caribbean migration to the U.S. in the early 20th century was a major turning point, bringing new cultural influences and radical ideas that reshaped African American communities. It's a high-value topic, so let's dive in!

# Causes of Afro-Caribbean Migration

#Economic and Political Factors

Economic Hardship:
- Caribbean economies suffered during World War I due to trade disruptions.
- Reliance on exports (sugar, bananas) made them vulnerable.
- Job losses and instability pushed people to seek opportunities elsewhere.
American Influence:
- U.S. expanded its economic and political influence in the Caribbean.
- Control of the Panama Canal (1903) increased American presence.
- Increased American investment created job opportunities.
Better Prospects in the U.S.:
- Higher wages and living standards attracted migrants.
- Chance to escape poverty and limited economic mobility.
Political Instability:
- Dictatorships and authoritarian regimes limited freedoms.
- Seeking political asylum and safety in the U.S.
Educational Opportunities:
- Access to higher education at universities like Howard and Fisk.
- Desire to gain skills and knowledge to bring back home.

Memory Aid

Think of "E.P.I.C." to remember the causes:

Economic hardship
Political instability
Influence of the U.S.
Chance for better opportunities

# Effects of Afro-Caribbean Migration

#Settlement Patterns

Numbers: Over 140,000 Afro-Caribbean immigrants arrived between 1899 and 1937. * Key Locations:
- Florida (proximity and climate)
- New York City (major port and economic hub)
- Other cities: Boston, Chicago, Philadelphia
Urban Focus: Migrants sought economic opportunities in industrial cities with established African American communities.

#Community Tensions and Cultural Blending

Tensions:
- Competition for jobs, housing, and resources.
- Differences in language, culture, and customs.
Cultural Fusion:
- Mixing of musical styles (jazz, calypso) and dance traditions.
- Blending of culinary traditions.
- Strong sense of heritage and resistance to oppression.

#Religious and Linguistic Diversity

Religious Variety:
- Introduction of Catholic, Anglican, and Episcopalian faiths.
- New practices like Santeria and Vodou.
Linguistic Expansion:
- Creole languages (Haitian Creole) and dialects.
- Bilingualism and code-switching.
- Challenged the idea of a single Black experience.

#Radicalization of Black Thought

Intellectual Influence:
- Afro-Caribbean thinkers brought a global perspective to the struggle for racial justice.
- Drew from experiences of Black empowerment in the Caribbean.
Key Figures:
- Marcus Garvey: Black nationalism and Pan-Africanism (UNIA).
  - 💡 Garvey's message of Black pride and self-reliance was transformative. 💡
- Claudia Jones and C.L.R. James: Active in communist and socialist movements.
Impact:
- Challenged reformist strategies.
- Emphasized structural change and global power dynamics.
- Shaped groups like the Black Panthers and SNCC.

Memory Aid

Remember "C.R.I.M.E." to recall the effects:

Community tensions & cultural fusion
Religious and linguistic diversity
Intellectual influence
Migration patterns
Empowerment and radicalization

#2. Required Source: Wilfred A. Domingo, "Restricted West Indian Immigration and the American Negro" (1924)

This article is a goldmine for understanding the racial dynamics of the time. It's a primary source, so pay close attention to its arguments and context.

#Key Points from Domingo's Article

Immigration Act of 1924: Aimed to restrict "undesirable racial strains," including Black immigrants from the West Indies.
Racial Discrimination: The act targeted West Indian colonies with majority Black populations, while allowing unrestricted immigration from Canada.
Not About Numbers: West Indian immigration was much smaller than Canadian immigration.
Not About Culture: West Indians were culturally similar to Americans (English-speaking).
Maintaining White Dominance: The law aimed to limit Black immigration while allowing continued white immigration.
Call to Action: Domingo urges African Americans to oppose this racial discrimination and advocate for equal treatment of all Western Hemisphere immigrants.
Threat to Black Progress: The law threatens to keep African Americans a "hopeless minority" by limiting Black immigration.
**"White Man's Country