VDM De Carvalho, J: 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.