Calle 8

About 500 000 cubans live in Miami, result of 15 years of exodus. The first Cuban refugees began trickling into the United States shortly after Castro seized power on Jan. 1, 1959. In mid-60's the Cuban government allowed people to leave through "freedom flights" from Havana to Miami. The flights brought an average of 3,500 Cubans a month into the country until Castro suspended tem in 1973. More than 650,000 Cubans entered the United States between 1959 and 1974. Spanish-speaking residents make up more than half the population of Miami. Half cubans living in Miami don't speak English and nearly 2/3 of them live in poverty. This doesn't stop them to send about 1 billion yearly to Cuba, 1/3 of Cuba's GDP.This is the classic shot of Máximo Gómez park in little Havana. Turned to B&W to increase the effect of the checkers.