The idea of New York City being a place for revolutionary activism started from the late 1800’s. The Ten Years’ War was a collaboration between New York Latinos and Latin America for Cuban Independence. Although the Cubans lost the war, this contributed to a new wave of Cuban and Puerto Rican refugees fleeing to New York City. The many failed attempts at achieving freedom inspired this new wave of activists to continue the struggle to gain independence for Cuba.
Even though immigrants migrate from their home country, they still feel patriotic towards their homeland. This loyalty caused Jose Marti to make a difference for his home country. Marti, as many other immigrants, migrated from Cuba to New York City in order to find a safe haven to organize his future revolution. He was known as a teacher and diplomat throughout Latin America, but in New York he took on a new role. Marti became a political activist and collaborated with many other migrants in order to free Cuba and Puerto Rico from Spanish autocracy. He united many Cuban and Puerto Rican exiles across the United States order to create revolutionary organizations to raise awareness of his plans to free Cuba. However, Marti characterized New York as a “double edged sword” (Jaffe 110). The city was a safe harbor that allowed for individual freedom but it also was becoming a prominent city that limited the freedom of people around the world. For instance, Cubans were enslaved in order to produce sugar that would be shipped into the Brooklyn dock (Jaffe 112). New York was prospering from the enslavement of Cubans, which intensified Marti’s feelings of New York being a threat for Cuba’s freedom. While Marti was working in New York City, he also noticed another group of people being discriminated against.
Marti recognized the reality for African Americans living in New York. He asserts, “blacks are considered little more than beasts” (Jaffe 115). African Americans lived in segregated societies and were dehumanized with no individual rights as others in society. Marti realized that in the interest of obtaining Cuban independence, he must join forces with the African Americans and break down the barrier of racial segregation. For example, Jaffe states, “…It was a way to mobilize Afro-Cubans and Afro-Puerto Ricans in the city, in Florida, and in the islands to support the cause of liberation” (115). Marti created a strategic plan that would integrate the African Americans as well as unite them towards the Cubans in the revolutionary cause. He educated the working class Afro- Cubans and Afro-Puerto Ricans about the situations that were taking place in Cuba, and the urgent need for independence. As a result of Marti’s advocating against racism and educating classes, people of all races joined together in raising funds for the revolutionary cause.
After many years of planning for the revolution, Marti finally upheld his promise to start the revolt for Cuban independence. Although Marti died while fighting for his cause, he left behind a prominent legacy among Latino New Yorkers. Contrary to his desires, the United States acquired the economic empires of Cuba, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines from Spain. The United States seized Cuba, but they were able to gain independence in 1902. His reputation in American history earned him a statue in Central Park because of his courageous actions to bring advancements for Cuban society.
We have discussed New York as being a safe haven for individuals from around the world. Everyone brought their own unique culture with them and were still loyal to their own country even though they settled into a new territory. Many perceived America as a foe towards their own country. Marti observed the ties that the United States had with Latin America as only terms in order for Americans to benefit. This opposition towards the safe haven posed a controversy for many immigrants who had strong patriotic ties. Immigrants with strong ties to Cuba fought for their countries independence in spite of the difficulties posed by the U.S.
-A.B
