The Uncertain Journey

This work investigates the role that migration has
played in the lives of the Cape Verdean people,
particularly those who migrated to the United
States. It analyzes their racial identity
development, education, and achievement based on
important emerging themes such as: the influence of
a capitalistic society on individuals decisions to
pursue jobs instead of education, the lack of
perceived leadership in the local Cape Verdean
community, the understanding of the importance of
education despite minimal engagement with the
educational system, and the belief that identity is
situational and that Cape Verdeans possess an
excellent ability for code switching. This work also
shows the need for effective, pragmatic, and
visionary leadership to lead Cape Verdean immigrants
to a better understanding of the American reality
and to encourage them to become citizens of the
United States which will permit them to participate
more actively in both social and political arenas,
and to take advantages of opportunities available to
citizens of this country.