Antillean Immigrant Workers in Cuba in the Early 20th Century

This paper examines the Haitian immigration that arrived in Cuba in the first decades of the 20th century, influencing the political perspective of the country, promoting a new stage in the discussions of national and racial issues. The research focused on the speeches published in Cuban newspapers and magazines, on the reception and performance of Haitians in the labor and party movements, and their relationship with the first black party in Cuba. The objective is to discuss the process of incorporation of immigrants from the Antilles in Cuba, focusing especially on workers who came from Haiti. We analyze arguments presented by the press and its contribution to the construction of a negative image of Haitian workers; the repatriation of these and other workers from the neighboring islands to Cuba and the organization of an association to educate the descendants in the ideal of culture and national identity of Haiti.