SPC2608 Reflection Blog #2 Isabella Gonzalez

 

SPC2608 Reflection Blog #2

Isabella Gonzalez 

     For the second and final reflection blog for Intro to Public Speaking, the project was called “Hialeah Past-Present-Future. In which we were presented with the following subtopics: Hialeah’s Past, Hialeah’s Present, Hialeah’s migration in the 1980’s and Hialeah’s Future. 

The first group presented Hialeah’s past (1921-2005), the introduction for their presentation was visually pleasing and organized. But throughout the presentation I see a difference in slide themes throughout each person presenting which did not make the whole presentation fluid. But even though the themes in the presentation were different, the information shown on each slide was informed with pictures to engage the audience. Out of all the presentations I think this is the best one regarding showing the information they are talking about.

This first presentation talked about Hialeah’s past.  Originally inhabited by the Tequesta people, the area was later settled by Seminoles before Spanish and American settlers arrived. The city was officially incorporated in 1925, during the Florida land boom, and quickly grew due to its strategic location and railroad access. In its early years, Hialeah was known for its horse racing at Hialeah Park, a historic racetrack that attracted celebrities and tourists alike. Over time, Hialeah became a hub for Cuban exiles fleeing Fidel Castro’s regime in the 1960s, dramatically shaping the city’s cultural and political identity. 

Hialeah’s past is deeply intertwined with the rapid expansion of South Florida during the early 20th century. Initially, the land was largely agricultural, with a focus on farming and citrus production, but as the region saw a population surge, Hialeah transformed. The city’s pivotal moment came in the 1920s, when it became known for its luxurious Hialeah Park racetrack, which opened in 1925. The racetrack became a major attraction, drawing celebrities and dignitaries from across the nation. During the post-World War II era, Hialeah’s growth was propelled by the migration of Cuban immigrants, and the city quickly became a cultural epicenter for the Cuban-American community.

The second presentation is the one I’m taking part in. The presentation introduces us to the second topic which is about Hialeah and Cuban migration. This presentation was a bit more organized regarding the themes but not a lot of information or pictures was shown on the slides. 

The Cuban migration to Hialeah, which began in earnest during the 1960s, was largely a result of political and economic turmoil in Cuba following Fidel Castro’s rise to power. After the Cuban Revolution in 1959, many middle and upper-class Cubans fled the island due to the communist regime’s oppressive policies, land reforms, and the nationalization of industries. Hialeah, located just a short distance from Cuba, became a prime destination for these exiles. The city's proximity to Miami made it an accessible refuge, and many Cuban families, particularly those with financial means or professional backgrounds, sought to start new lives in the U.S. where they could escape the authoritarian government and preserve their way of life. The migration continued in waves throughout the '60s, '70s, and beyond, each time driven by political crackdowns or worsening economic conditions on the island.

One of the main reasons Hialeah became the center of Cuban migration was its affordability and availability of housing in the early years. While other parts of Miami were more expensive or less accessible, Hialeah offered relatively affordable homes, many of which were bought and renovated by incoming Cuban families. The city’s burgeoning Cuban community quickly established businesses, schools, and cultural institutions that made Hialeah feel like a home away from home for many exiles. The Cuban population in Hialeah grew rapidly, creating a sense of community that was rooted in shared history, culture, and language. Over time, this migration transformed Hialeah into a cultural hub, with Cuban restaurants, stores, and festivals becoming central to the city’s identity. Today, Hialeah remains one of the most significant Cuban-American enclaves in the U.S., a testament to the resilience and enduring spirit of its immigrant community.

The third group presents another subtopic which is about Hialeah’s present. This group didn’t present a lot of information on the slides and it was mostly pictures. The group did not rely on the slides for information, instead they used the slides as guidance for their presentation plus a lot of pictures.

The city has undergone significant modernization in recent decades. The skyline of Hialeah has grown taller with new apartment complexes and commercial buildings, and the city is becoming a hub for small businesses, many of which are family-owned and reflect the multicultural influences that have shaped its development. The influence of Cuban culture remains present, with iconic restaurants serving typical Cuban food, cafes, and streets lined with shops offering everything from traditional Cuban pastries to handcrafted goods. The annual events and festivals, such as Carnaval Miami, continue to celebrate the city’s Latin roots while embracing the diversity of its residents.

However, Hialeah is not just a reflection of the past; it is evolving into a modern urban center with an eye on the future. The city is focusing on infrastructure improvements, better public services, and initiatives to attract younger generations and entrepreneurs. The restoration of Hialeah Park and surrounding areas has brought in new developments, making it an increasingly desirable location for residents and visitors alike. Despite this growth, Hialeah still maintains a sense of close community, with local schools, parks, and businesses serving as important pillars for its residents.

The last group talked about Hialeah’s future. This group had a very cohesive themed presentation that I enjoyed and kept me captivated by the speaker and the information shown was also very organized and interesting along with pictures.  I think this group’s presentation was the most visually pleasing. 

Hialeah’s future looks promising as the city continues to navigate its transformation from a historically working-class community into a thriving urban center. As Miami’s population grows, Hialeah is expected to become an even more attractive option for both residents and businesses, thanks to its affordability relative to other areas in Miami-Dade County. Urban development projects are already underway, with new housing developments, commercial spaces, and infrastructure improvements aimed at accommodating a diverse and growing population. There is a strong emphasis on revitalizing older areas, particularly around Hialeah Park and the downtown corridor, to make the city more pedestrian-friendly and environmentally sustainable. Furthermore, Hialeah’s Latino heritage will likely remain a defining feature, as the city continues to attract immigrants from across Latin America and the Caribbean. With investments in education, technology, and public services, Hialeah is on track to become a modern, cosmopolitan city that honors its past while positioning itself for the future.