The Bronx
Despite the borough’s long history and ever growing presence of Latinos, there is surprisingly little written about their history. The main emergence of Latinos in the Bronx began around the 1940’s when many inhabitants of European roots, mainly Irish, German, Italian, and Jewish, left to the suburbs and surrounding areas leaving behind “a thriving Hispanic (mostly Puerto Rican and Dominican​) and African-American population.” (History) The corresponding urban renewal in Manhattan and elsewhere became a push factor for Latinos into the Bronx. Over time, more Hispanic groups have migrated to the Bronx; most notably Mexicans and Ecuadorians. This migration to the Bronx has pushed Whites and Blacks, the previous majorities into smaller sections of the Bronx while the remained of the borough is wide spread with Latinos.
While diverse in associated countries, these people share an identity unique from other Latinos in the US. Unlike “Most U.S. Hispanics” who “tend to call themselves “White””, Bronx Hispanics refuse to identify as such, probably due to the strong Caribbean presence. (Bosworth) This refusal into the American racial binary showcases the pride felt by these people.
Works Cited​
