West Indian Americans

Census Bureau Westindians in the United States

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West Indian Americans are Americans who trace their ancestry to the Caribbean region, specifically the West Indies. This group includes individuals from a variety of Caribbean nations and territories, such as Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Haiti, Dominica, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and others.

History

The history of West Indian Americans dates back to the early 17th century when the first Caribbean people arrived in the United States. Significant waves of immigration occurred during the 20th century, particularly after the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, which removed national origin quotas and allowed for greater numbers of immigrants from the Caribbean.

Demographics

West Indian Americans are a diverse group with varying cultural, linguistic, and religious backgrounds. The largest populations are found in urban areas such as New York City, Miami, and Boston. According to the United States Census Bureau, there are over 4 million Americans of West Indian descent.

Culture

West Indian American culture is rich and varied, reflecting the diverse origins of its people. It includes elements of African, European, Indian, and Indigenous heritage. Key cultural aspects include:

• Cuisine: Popular dishes include jerk chicken, roti, curry goat, and ackee and saltfish.
• Music: Genres such as reggae, soca, calypso, and dancehall are integral to West Indian American culture.
• Festivals: Events like the West Indian American Day Carnival in Brooklyn celebrate Caribbean culture with parades, music, and food.

Notable West Indian Americans

Several West Indian Americans have made significant contributions to various fields, including:

• Colin Powell - Former U.S. Secretary of State, of Jamaican descent.
• Shirley Chisholm - First African American woman elected to the United States Congress, of Barbadian and Guyanese descent.
• Sidney Poitier - Academy Award-winning actor, of Bahamian descent.

Related Pages

• Caribbean American
• Afro-Caribbean
• Jamaican American
• Trinidadian and Tobagonian American
• Haitian American

See Also

• Immigration to the United States
• Caribbean
• West Indies