“Capital of the Caribbean” by Jason Parker demonstrates how Harlem became the new capital for African Americans. WWII was one of the main causes for the migration of African Americans to Harlem, however, there was another reason before WWII. Ethiopia has always been a symbol of unity between U.S. African Americans and West Indians. However, when Italy invaded Ethiopia this sparked the rise for equal rights and freedom. After the invasion, the U.S took part in the Destroyers for Bases Agreement. This agreement states that the U.S destroyers will be given to the Royal Navy in exchange for Caribbean naval bases. In doing this, the U.S.had a neutral standpoint in the war. After the possession of the Caribbean naval bases, FDR sent Charles Taussig to the Caribbean islands to learn about the people residing there. Taussig was chosen because he had support from Walter White who led the NAACP. Taussig gave FDR feedback on the situation of the people living on the islands. In return FDR imposed various policies to improve the Caribbean standard of living.
Brown Girl, Brownstones begins by first introducing the brownstones. The brownstones were buildings built by Dutch-English and Scotch-Irish. But eventually, the West Indians started to take over. The brownstones are inhabited by mostly Barbadians and this is where the Boyce family is introduced. Selina Boyce, a ten year old child, fantasizes about welcoming the past white family that has previously lived there. In her imagination she feels like she fuses with the white family and becomes part of them. However, she is quickly reminded that this is an imagination when she sees herself in mirror. Selina has these imaginations because she wants to feel connected with society. Ina Boyce, Selina’s sister is also introduced. Ina is described as having pains because of her coming of age. The Boyce family also had a son that died right before Selina came into this world and Selina believes that she took his place in the world. Deighton Boyce, Selina’s father is introduced as someone who dreams about wealth but not working for it. For example, he claims that he got land from his sister that passed away and he was going to move back to Barbados to create, “A house to end all house.” In reality he doesn’t have that much money. Finally Silla Boyce is introduced as a person who constantly works and is never cheerful. “Her lips, set in a permanent protest against life, implied that there was no time for gaiety.” Even though immigrants move to America they are still constantly reminded of their homeland. For example, Suggie Skeete, Selina’s tenant, prepares a meal of okra and water and in doing so she is reminded of her home in Barbados in which there are yam patches, mango trees and lizards. There is also a contrast in the wide open land to crowded rooms. More tenants are introduced and they are Miss Mary and Maritze, Miss Mary’s daughter. Miss Mary is an elderly woman that is about to die and Maritze is constantly annoyed about her mother. They are the only white people living in the brownstones. Going back to Deighton and Sillia Boyce, their relationship is damaged. Deighton doesn’t save money for the house, instead he spends it on clothes. His excuse is the land he has in Barbados however, he doesn’t even want to sell the land for money. Silla is the one who does all the work in the house. Deighton just thinks of ways to make money but never does anything. Deighton also goes out and plays with other women. Later on in the novel, Silla questions Selina about the meeting she had with her father. Silla tells Selina about The Third Class and her hardships when she was Selina’s age.
As months passed, the subject of all discussions was land. Selina asked her mother if she could go to prospect park with Beryl, her best friend. Her mother told her that she could go and that she is more of a woman than Ina. Selina then walks around town and finds out the whole town is speaking about her dad and his land. Selina meets up with Beryl and they make their way to prospect park. On the way to the park Selina describes how she feels free. “Life suddenly was nothing but this change and return.” When they get to the park, Beryl tells Selina how she is bleeding from down there just like Ina. Selina can’t comprehend the idea of becoming a woman because she is still a child. Deep down inside Selina wants to bleed but in reality it is not her time yet. Eventually Selina realizes that everyone is connected like parts of a mosaic. Selina finally feels accepted into the society in which she lives in.
