Coming to America | Great Migrations

Learn the story of the mass migrations of Africans and Caribbeans to America in the 20th and 21st centuries. Like all immigrants, Africans and Caribbeans come to the United States in search of a better life for themselves and their families, to escape persecution or limitations, and to seize the opportunities America offers. Their journeys have contributed significantly to the broader story of what it means to be Black in America. African and Caribbean migration to the United States has surged in recent years, and these communities have left indelible marks on the American story—from their worldviews and the traditions they brought with them, to the vibrant culture they helped shape.

In these activities, students will explore the transformative impact of African and Caribbean immigrants throughout the 20th century and into the early 21st century—be that via an activity that explores the Latin music brought over by Puerto Rican immigrants to New York, or a Socratic Seminar and essay activity that explores the evolution and pivotal moments in American immigration policy and attitudes.