THE PROMISED LAND
It was almost a necessity for blacks in the south, and the West Indies, to migrate north. They were like the Israelites leaving Egypt, headed for “the Promised Land”— a land of opportunity, one that promised a better life (at least, that’s what they were told.) And, in truth, the north opened new horizons for blacks that were never to be found in the south’s restricting, prejudiced society— one that put whites on top, light-skins second, and blacks last, like the West Indian Caste System did.
"You were never able to get out of the class in which you were born down there. In America, you could go any damn place. There was prejudice here, but it was better than having no hope down in the West Indies."
~ Harold Ellis, Caribbean immigrant
~ Harold Ellis, Caribbean immigrant