Synopses & Reviews
This study of Boston's West Indian immigrants examines the identities, goals, and aspirations of two generations of black migrants from the British-held Caribbean who settled in Boston between 1900 and 1950. Describing their experience among Boston's American-born blacks and in the context of the city's immigrant history, the book charts new conceptual territory. The Other Black Bostonians explores the pre-migration background of the immigrants, work and housing, identity, culture and community, activism and social mobility. What emerges is a detailed picture of black immigrant life. Johnson's work makes a contribution to the study of the black diaspora as it charts the history of this first wave of Caribbean immigrants.
Review
"... adds a new perspective to both the scholarly understanding of the Afro-Caribbean diaspora in the United States and Boston's Black community.... enjoyable, Johnson's tidy little volume should be of intereat to many readers." --Historical Journal of Massachusetts, Spring 2009 Indiana University Press Indiana University Press Indiana University Press
Synopsis
The story of the first wave of black immigration to Boston from the Caribbean
About the Author
Violet Showers Johnson is Professor of History at Agnes Scott College.
Table of Contents
Contents
Acknowledgments
Introduction
1. Origins of Migration: British West Indian Economy, Society, and the Lure of Emigration
2. Work and Housing in "Freedom's Birthplace"
3. Identity, Culture, and Community
4. Militant Immigrants and Relentless Ex-colonials?
5. "Making Good in America" and Living the West Indian Dream
Conclusion
Notes
Bibliography
Index