I appreciated not only seeing things like costumes, records, and even a mini salsa lesson, but also learning of the history that brought about the creation of salsa. One of the first things our guide did was introduce us to the history, to provide a backdrop in understanding why salsa became so popular and widespread. We learned how in many poorer areas of New York City, such as Harlem and the Bronx, immigrants from Cuba, Dominican Republic, and other Caribbean regions, gathered. Salsa became an outlet for immigrant traditions, which they had left behind in their home countries. Salsa music usually reflected the struggles these immigrants were facing, such as discrimination, inequality, and crime. It also expressed Latin pride and Latin struggles.
The struggles the Latin community faced helped shape their music, and made it largely successful across the United States, because so many immigrants could relate to the struggle detailed in the music.
Problems began to arise in these communities as the poor communities of Harlem and the Bronx, that were originally settled by these immigrants began to experience mass gentrification. The immigrants could no longer afford to live in this communities. Groups like the Young Lords arose, in support of Latin rights, much like the Black Panthers. Something interesting I learned is the large participation of women in these groups, something I had not known previously, thinking it was a largely male-motivated movement.
I was interested in the deep, rich history salsa had behind it, and how it motivated a generation of immigrants and others across the U.S. and had such a great cultural impact.
