Hialeah's Past - Blog #2 - Ruth Rebarter Martinez

 A City of Progress: Reflecting on Hialeah’s Past, Present, Future, and Migration

On Tuesday, June 10, 2025, our class came together to present a series of group projects exploring the multifaceted history of Hialeah, from its early beginnings in 1921 to projections for its future. Each group tackled a different focus: Hialeah’s past, present, future, and the crucial role of migration. Being part of Group 4, the first to present, gave me the chance to help open this deep dive into a city that’s much more than its headlines: it’s a place of resilience, growth, and cultural richness.

Group 4: Hialeah’s Past (1921–2005)

Our group focused on the commercial, technological, and social transformation of Hialeah between 1994 and 2005, closing out the broader timeline that began in 1921. This final stretch of “Hialeah’s past” was marked by a retail boom and the rise of small businesses, many of them Cuban-owned. What stood out in our research and presentation was how these businesses shaped daily life — neighborhood bakeries, beauty salons, and family-run cafeterias weren’t just economic staples, they were gathering spaces that helped strengthen community ties.

We also explored how digital tools slowly entered everyday life, from families owning their first desktop computers to schools installing computer labs and offering typing classes. The gradual introduction of the internet and flip phones transformed communication and education, especially for younger generations.

Healthcare also became more accessible during this period, with the expansion of Palmetto General Hospital and the opening of more clinics and urgent care centers throughout the city. The fact that many began offering services in both English and Spanish was a reflection of Hialeah’s commitment to serving its majority Hispanic population. These years weren't just about growth, they were about creating lasting support systems, from small businesses to better healthcare, all while embracing cultural pride through local festivals and school celebrations.

Group 2: Migration and Identity

Group 2’s presentation explored the waves of Cuban migration that helped shape Hialeah’s cultural landscape. They began with early Cuban migration in the 1800s and guided us through pivotal events like the Cuban Revolution, the Mariel Boatlift, the wet foot/dry foot policy, and the recent asylum and parole programs of the 2000s and 2010s. What made this presentation stand out was its emotional depth, the group didn’t just present facts, they illustrated how each wave of migration brought not only new residents, but also new cultural values, tensions, and transformations.

One key takeaway was how the city became a “refuge of identity” for Cuban immigrants. The Mariel Boatlift in the 1980s, for instance, brought thousands of Cubans to Hialeah in just a few months. While some locals welcomed the influx, others —including earlier migrants— feared that the newcomers would bring instability. Despite those tensions, these new residents ultimately strengthened the community and added new layers to Hialeah’s cultural fabric.

Group 2 also highlighted the role of U.S. immigration policy, showing how Cuban migrants were treated differently from migrants of other nationalities, especially through the now-ended wet foot/dry foot rule. They concluded by discussing how recent migrants are navigating their journeys with the help of social media, smartphones, and sponsor-based parole programs. Migration in Hialeah isn’t just about movement, it’s about rebuilding identity, family, and future from the ground up.

Group 1: Hialeah’s Present (2005–2025)

Group 1 took us through the past two decades of Hialeah’s story, from economic struggles and housing crises to the gradual recovery and community resilience that followed. One of the most eye-opening parts of their presentation was the explanation of the 2008 housing crash. Many immigrant families, seeking the American Dream, took out risky mortgages to buy homes. When the economy collapsed, foreclosures soared and entire neighborhoods were left with abandoned houses. Hialeah, with its high concentration of working-class families, was deeply impacted.

Yet despite the challenges, Group 1 emphasized how the city didn’t give up. Local leaders stepped in to support small businesses and community projects, and the city began investing in public infrastructure and parks. They also discussed how public schools adapted by expanding ESL and bilingual programs and offering more after-school activities, even during budget cuts.

The COVID-19 pandemic was another major turning point. Businesses closed, healthcare systems were stretched, and many residents struggled with food insecurity. But the community found ways to push forward, with testing sites, food drives, and an increased sense of solidarity.

Culturally, Hialeah remained vibrant. Group 1 shared stories of local festivals, political shifts (like the election of Esteban Bovo Jr.), and infrastructure upgrades. Despite corruption scandals and economic strain, Hialeah’s spirit never faded, it adapted and persisted.

Group 3: Hialeah’s Future

The final group left us with a hopeful vision of what Hialeah can become. They introduced the Hialeah 2050 Master Plan, an ambitious effort to redesign the city for sustainability, connectivity, and quality of life. With goals like widening sidewalks, adding green spaces, and expanding public transit, the plan shows that the city is thinking long-term.

Group 3 introduced exciting new projects like Factory Town and the Leah Arts District, which aim to turn industrial zones into creative hubs filled with music venues, art galleries, and affordable housing for artists. The comparison to Wynwood made it clear: Hialeah is ready to be recognized as a cultural capital in its own right, not just for its Cuban roots, but for its potential to lead in innovation and art.

Another highlight was their focus on affordable housing and infrastructure. With migration continuing and housing demand growing, Hialeah is investing in programs to provide low-income families, seniors, and newcomers with affordable living options. They also showed plans for turning unused areas, like the space under the Metro Rail, into parks and public gathering spaces like the Hia Line.

Group 3 ended with a reminder: progress should be inclusive. Cultural preservation, community input, and economic equity all need to remain central. Reinvention doesn’t mean erasure, it means elevation.

Final Reflections

Listening to all four presentations one after another gave me a much deeper appreciation of Hialeah, not just as a city, but as a living story. It’s a place defined by waves of migration, community resilience, economic shifts, and cultural pride. Through each era, the factories of the 1920s, the Cuban exile waves of the ‘60s and ‘80s, the economic rollercoaster of the 2000s, and now the revitalization plans for the 2030s and beyond, Hialeah has never stopped evolving.

What struck me the most was how consistent the spirit of the city has remained. Whether through food, music, festivals, or local businesses, Hialeah has always found ways to stay rooted in its identity while looking toward the future. Each group told a different version of the same story: a community that refuses to be forgotten, a city that builds its future by honoring its past.

These presentations reminded me that urban development isn’t just about buildings or roads, it’s about people. It’s about family-run bakeries, kids learning to type in a public school lab, a neighbor finally opening her own hair salon, or a young artist finding space to create in a converted warehouse. That’s Hialeah. And that’s what makes it more than just a “City of Progress”, it’s a city of heart.

Ruth Rebarter Martinez