Sociedad La Union Marti~Maceo
When local segration forced the withdrawal
of Afro-Cubans from El Club Nacional Cubano,
an organization of black and white Cubans
involved in Cuban independence, Afro-Cuban
cigarmakers founded a society in 1900 as Los
Libres Pensadores de Marti y Maceo. Ruperto
Pedroso, well known Afro-Cuban patriot, was
among the 23 original founders. The club
merged with La Union in 1904, resulting in the
new name, La Union Marti-Maceo. In 1909
members completed construction of a two-story clubhouse at 11th St. and 6th Ave. With an
average membership of about 300, the club
offered full medical benefits and a stipend for
sick members, as well as social, cultural, and
educational activities. During the depression
of the 1930s, many Afro-Cubans left Tampa.
Membership declined and benefits were
reduced, but the club continued in operation.
Urban Renewal demolished the original
building in 1965, and members moved to the
present location. By the late 1960s, few members
remained and it appeared the organization
would cease to exist. In the early 1970s the
return of a large number of retirees who had
left Ybor City as children, resulted in
increased membership and a revitalization
of the organization.
Marker is on East 7th Avenue (Florida Route 45), on the right when traveling west.
Courtesy hmdb.org
