(Re)envisioning Refuge: Black Central Americans and the Politics of Belizean Transnational Solidarity

This article contextualizes the experiences of Belizean immigrants who settled in the U.S. and in Los Angeles during the late 1970s and 1980s. It critically examines their contributions that challenge the often reductive narratives imposed on Central American migrants. Focusing on the distinct experiences of Black Belizeans, I uncover how they employed creative forms of organizing through media and philanthropy, strategically navigating dual identities as both literal and symbolic citizens of both Belize and the United States. These efforts, frequently overlooked by dominant discourses, underscore the complexity of Central American immigrant identities that transcend conventional frameworks of belonging. By positioning media and philanthropy as forms of sanctuary, Belizeans cultivated resilient support networks within their communities, thereby asserting their agency in ways that the broader societal gaze has marginalized. This article contributes to a more nuanced understanding of the strategies employed by Black Central Americans to preserve their histories and identities, enriching the discourse on Black immigrants in California and offering insights into their unique role within a challenging historical context.