The first Cubans arrived in Chicago as early as 1898, following the Spanish-American War. However, the Cuban population remained small until the Cuban Revolution in 1959. After Fidel Castro’s rise to power, hundreds of thousands of Cubans fled to the United States, with many settling in Chicago.
Relocation Programs and Job Opportunities
In the 1960s, the U.S. government implemented relocation programs to disperse Cuban refugees from Miami to other cities. Chicago became a major destination due to its abundant factory jobs. By 1970, about 15,000 Cubans were living in Chicago, making them the third-largest Latino group in the city.
Cuban Enclaves in Chicago
Cubans settled in various Chicago neighborhoods, with notable concentrations in:
- Edgewater
- Irving Park
- Logan Square
These areas became hubs of Cuban culture, anchored by:
- Catholic churches with large Cuban congregations
- Cuban-owned grocery stores
- Cuban restaurants and nightclubs
Political Divisions and Activism
The Cuban American community in Chicago was politically diverse and often polarized. Various groups emerged, including:
- Cuban Power: A far-right organization
- Abdala: A Cuban exile student group
- Antonio Maceo Brigade: A progressive organization seeking to build relationships with Cuba
Despite these divisions, some Cuban Americans became influential in Chicago politics, particularly during Harold Washington’s mayorship in the 1980s.
Tania’s: A Cultural Landmark
One of the most significant Cuban establishments in Chicago was Tania’s, located in Logan Square. Opened in 1976 by Elias and Martha Sanchez, Tania’s was a combination of:
- Grocery store
- Restaurant
- Nightclub
Tania’s became known for its:
- Authentic Cuban cuisine
- Live music performances
- Diverse clientele, including celebrities
- Inclusive atmosphere that welcomed people from across the political spectrum
Tania’s remained the epicenter of Cuban nightlife in Chicago until its closure on New Year’s Eve, 1998.
Changing Demographics and Dispersal
In the 1980s and 1990s, Chicago lost many of its manufacturing jobs, leading some Cuban Americans to leave the city. Many relocated to Miami, attracted by its large Cuban community and warmer climate. However, the overall Cuban population in the Chicago metro area has remained relatively stable, with around 18,000 Cubans as of 2021.
The main change has been the dispersal of the Cuban community:
- Some families moved to the suburbs
- Others spread out across different Chicago neighborhoods
- The concentration in specific areas like Edgewater and Logan Square decreased
Lasting Impact on Chicago
Despite the dispersal, Cuban Americans continued to influence Chicago’s:
- Cultural institutions
- Religious organizations
- Educational institutions
One notable example is Angelina Pedroso, a Cuban American educator who taught at Northeastern Illinois University for over 40 years. Pedroso, the daughter of Cuban independence leader Juan Gualberto Gómez, faced discrimination as an immigrant, woman, and person of color. Nevertheless, she became a respected advocate for her students and had a center named after her at NEIU.
Contemporary Cuban American Identity in Chicago
While the visible Cuban community in Chicago has diminished, many Cuban Americans still maintain strong ties to their cultural identity. The Cuban influence on the city remains, even if it’s less concentrated in specific neighborhoods or institutions.
In conclusion, the story of Chicago’s Cuban community is one of arrival, growth, political engagement, cultural preservation, and eventual dispersal. From the early Cuban exiles of the 1960s to the vibrant nightlife of Tania’s in the 1980s and 1990s, Cubans have left an indelible mark on Chicago’s diverse cultural landscape. Though less visible today, the Cuban American community continues to be an important part of the city’s multicultural fabric, contributing to its rich history and ongoing evolution.