News :: Opinion
Afro-Cuban Heritage Omitted
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Published: June 7, 2008
Regarding "Ybor City's Historic Clubs Are Treasures Worth Supporting" (Our Opinion, May 31):
As a longtime supporter of Ybor City heritage, I was very pleased with the editorial suggesting public funds be allocated to support the historic social clubs.
These organizations are indeed exemplary of the contributions and character of the early Latin community. The system of comprehensive medical care they developed was uniquely successful, humane and efficient.
We would do well to emulate these organizations in our current health care crisis.
Your otherwise fine editorial omits the Martí-Maceo Society, which was founded by Afro-Cuban cigarmakers in 1900. This club, which has been in continuous existence for nearly 108 years, was recently designated a historic landmark by the city of Tampa. Their building is at 13th Street and 7th Avenue, at the gateway to Ybor City.
The founders included important figures in the Cuban independence movement, whose descendants are still among the current members.
Past practices of discrimination have left the Martí-Maceo Society out of most written accounts of Ybor City. The Tampa Tribune needs to formally break this habit of ignoring the Martí-Maceo Society and its members.
Amidst your message of respect for the cultural accomplishments of our immigrant founders, this omission strikes exactly the wrong chord.
SUSAN GREENBAUM
Temple Terrace
The writer is professor of anthropology at the University of South Florida and author of "More than Black: Afro-Cubans in Tampa."
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