This study of Bostons 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 Bostons American-born blacks and in the context of the citys 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. Johnsons work makes a contribution to the study of the black diaspora as it charts the history of this first wave of Caribbean immigrants.
. . . 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.Spring 2009
Violet Showers Johnson is Professor of History at Agnes Scott College.
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
![The Other Black Bostonians: West Indians in Boston, 1900-1950 [Hardcover]](/itemImage/2/5/6/0/2_323124.jpg "The Other Black Bostonians: West Indians in Boston, 1900-1950 [Hardcover]")