The Growth of Miami’s Caribbean-American Community
The 1960s: The Early Years of Immigration
Over the last 50 years, Miami has grown from a relatively quiet, southern city to become one of America’s more exciting metropolises. Coinciding with this growth was the rapid growth of the Caribbean-American community. In 1970, there was no distinctive English-speaking Caribbean community in Miami or South Florida, although there were small Bahamian and other Caribbean communities in certain areas.
The Cuban Influence
The city’s migration population began to grow significantly in the early 1960s as middle-class residents left Cuba to settle in Miami, fearing Cuba’s new President Fidel Castro and his communist regime. In 1965, over 100,000 Cubans arrived in Miami, with many settling in the Riverside neighborhood, which became known as Little Havana. This neighborhood eventually spread west to include Coral Gables and Southern Miami, as new Cuban immigrants established thriving retail and real estate businesses.
The Jamaican Presence
In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Miami was an enticing shopping center for Jamaicans coming from Jamaica, rather than an alternative home. Several Jamaicans bought items like ladies’ shoes, clothing, and jewelry at low prices from Cuban-operated stores to resell in Jamaica. The situation changed drastically in the mid-1970s as the Jamaican middle class grew weary of Democratic Socialist policies.
The "Mariel Boatlift" and Economic Boom
In 1980, a large influx of Cubans, known as the "Mariel Boatlift," arrived in Miami, leading to a rapid increase in the city’s Caribbean-American community. The early 1980s also saw an economic boom in Miami, sparked by the illegal drug trade. As a result, a new Caribbean-American community flourished in the region, with many immigrants settling in areas like Cutler Ridge, Perrine, and West Kendall.
Broward County’s Growing Caribbean Community
Today, Broward County accounts for one of the largest Caribbean-American populations in America, consisting of several communities from different nations. In 1992, Hurricane Andrew destroyed many homes and businesses in Southwest Miami, leading hundreds of Caribbean Americans to relocate to Broward County, further expanding the region’s Caribbean community.
Conclusion
Miami’s Caribbean-American community has come a long way since its early beginnings. From its humble roots to the thriving, diverse community it is today, Miami’s Caribbean community has made significant contributions to the city’s cultural and economic landscape.
FAQs
Q: How did the Caribbean-American community grow in Miami?
A: The community grew significantly in the early 1960s as Cubans fleeing Fidel Castro’s regime arrived in Miami. Later, Jamaicans and others from the Caribbean arrived, driven by political instability and economic opportunities.
Q: What factors contributed to the growth of the community?
A: Factors included the "Mariel Boatlift," the illegal drug trade, and Hurricane Andrew.
Q: What is the makeup of Miami’s Caribbean-American community today?
A: Today, the community is comprised of individuals from several Caribbean nations, including Jamaica, Haiti, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, and Barbados.
Q: Where has the community concentrated in the region?
A: The community has concentrated primarily in Miami-Dade and Broward counties.
About The Author
