The article that focused on the influential aspect of Harlem was quite eye opening because it occurred during an infamous time period of the WWII. We all, during some point in our life, learned about the significance of WWII, along with the atrocious events that occurred such as mass killings of individuals, along with the Holocaust. However, this article interestingly acknowledges that fact, and states how the larger events occurring in a macro sense, over-lapped the other crucial micro events such as the independence and reform movements of countries in the Caribbean. A reference that was quite intriguingly used by Jason Parker, was the overlapping of the betrayal of Brutus’ death over the other significant events that occurred in the play “Julius Caesar.” This allusion is perfect to describe the relations of the reform movements in the Caribbean, according to the the greater WWII occurring simultaneously.

Another interesting aspect was how reform organization such as the JPL along with other political organization formed in Harlem before they appeared in the Caribbean countries themselves. The irony behind this is that, these organizations were formed for these countries, for their betterment, however, the organization existed in Harlem first, thus emphasizing the great influential power of Harlem during this time. During this time, Harlem was truly stating to develop into a much more complex nexus of power. Gradually, more individuals wanted to implement these rights exposed to them in the U.S., to their own home countries. Many individuals especially the West Indians were becoming politically aware, and were pushing for reforms, especially when taking into consideration the destitute life of the individuals living in these poverty stricken Caribbean countries. In addition, the invasion of Ethiopia was interesting due to how it brought together all the blacks, to conform into union, and proclaim the betterment of their race. How Ethiopia, once being the stronghold of the African nation, known for its superior defensive abilities, was prided by all black individuals in a nebulous manner, and how it affected them after its invasion is quite extraordinary, taking into consideration their conflicting views beforehand.

Along with giving an historical time line of the immigration of Caribbean individuals in Harlem, “Brown Girl Brownstones” gave a first hand view of the immigrant’s experience. A significant motif in the novel was the use of Bajan throughout many instances in the book. A very interesting point in the book was how it was actually looked down upon to resemble a native from a foreign nation, such as Bajans from Barbados. Many of the immigrants actually being called Bajan as an insult, because they did not want to be connected to the hell-hole they left in the first place (Silla)…. However, others such as Deighton had a completely opposing view towards their home country. Deighton actually viewed it as a heavenly paradise, that he was longing to return to, while his wife on the other hand, wanted NOT to assimilate, but become an American, having no connection to Barbados at all. This brings about the question of how their past reinforced their beliefs, especially for Silla, who spent her childhood in pure misery, doing slave work non-stop, along with physical punishments such as being whipped. While Deighton spent most of his time playing with the “boys” his various games, reminding him of his great youthful years, which he remembers while resenting his current life. What is genuinely interesting is how both of these individuals are married, from the same country, have similar aspects in culture and race, but have such opposing and contending views towards being what they are…Bajan.