One of the reasons for America's popularity and success, has been the comfortable diversity in the country.
 |
| Surrounded by Sonias'! |
Now, because of the disruptive and destabilizing methods being used by ICE, many legal immigrants are feeling uncomfortable and withdrawing into their communities.
Tamarac, Florida seems to be going along that path.
Tamarac is a tiny but vibrant city of only slightly over 75,000 people. The makeup is, just over 30% Hispanic, while the vast majority are Afro Americans and Caribbean, with a tiny number of others who originated from Europe, living comfortably together.
Admirably too, because we have a wonderful music-loving Mayor, (Michelle Gomez,) we have quite a few concerts and cultural events annually.
When these events are held in the parks, you usually see this great cultural diversity in action.
However due to the fear now pervasive especially in the Hispanic community, due to the heavy handed operation of ICE, the attendance at these events this year, appear significantly smaller.
I first made this observation after the 4th July Independence concert, as even then, you could see a trend where legal immigrants were preferring to stay home rather than tolerate the possibility of unnecessary, brutal and embarrassing harassment.
 |
| Poor turnout at the concert. Nevertheless, at the Hispanic concert last night, despite the small numbers, spirits were high and the music good, as Tomasito Cruz and the rest of his trio had us rocking non-stop to music from throughout Latin America. We all had a good time and the weather which had been rainy and miserable all week, was perfect for this event. Know what I realized too? How much Hispanic men love to and can dance. They are on the dance floor throughout, in comparison to say, Jamaican men, who tend to excel at sitting around and watching their partners jump and wine. 😁 |
 |
| Cruz in action. |
