Madison’s Cuban Community Has Stories to Tell
The Mariel Boatlift exodus has been called one of the U.S.’s most complex waves of immigration.
It was named for the Cuban Port of Mariel, where more than 125,000 people emigrated from in 1980. You’ve likely heard about the large Cuban community that flourished in Miami. But did you know that nearly 15,000 Cuban refugees were sent to Fort McCoy, the U.S. Army base between Tomah and Sparta in southwest Wisconsin? Many settled in Madison. And many didn’t talk about their experience, until now.
Maureen McCollum and Omar Granados tell their stories – and more – in an eight-part podcast. It’s called WPR Reports: Uprooted.
You can find it wherever you get your podcasts (NPR link). All eight episodes are also on YouTube.
Also mentioned on the show:
Madison Film Festival is August 26
Sponsored Interview: Scrum Day is Sept 14
Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm. We’re also on Instagram!
Want more Madison news delivered right to your inbox? Subscribe to the Madison Minutes morning newsletter.
Looking to advertise on City Cast Madison? Check out our options for podcast ads.
Subscribe To Our Newsletter
Latest Episodes
City Threatens Police Monitor’s Independence, Beagles Stay at Ridglan, and Delays at Public Market
Tuesday, Madison’s City Council heard hours of public comment and debate before ultimately punting a proposal to tighten regulations for...

Your Guide to Madison Coffee Shops
Here in Madison, we’re blessed with dozens of great coffee shops. Whether you’re looking for a quick jolt of caffeine or a spot to hang o...

How Happy is Madison, Really?
Last month, WalletHub released a study that ranked Madison the 12th happiest city in the US. Is Madison actually that happy? We asked YOU...

Miss Wisconsin and BGC’s Michael Johnson on Leading the Next Gen
What does it take to lead young people through anxious, high-stakes times? City Cast Madison host Bianca Martin talks with Miss Wisconsin...

Charlie Berens on Wisconsin Grandpas, Data Centers, and Running for Office
Oh hey der. Did you know that comedian and Wisconsin legend Charlie Berens will be performing on May 7 and 8 at the Overture? He is known...

'Your City Could Be Better': Why Seattle Gives Every Voter $100 — Presented By City Cast Madison
Could public financing get more Madisonians involved in local elections? For the last decade, the City of Seattle has issued $100 in vouc...

Extreme Weather, UW Athletics Shakeup, and Olbrich's Expansion Contested
Madison was just hammered by extreme weather — flooding, high winds, hail the size of baseballs, and possibly (maybe) even a tornado?! Ho...

The Neighborhood Bars That Hold Madison Together
Madison has no shortage of cocktail bars and dives to satisfy your need to imbibe. But there’s something extra special about those neighb...

How Isthmus Keeps It Real, 50 Years In
Longevity in the media industry is hard to come by. Longevity for a local alternative weekly is an even tougher task. But Isthmus has man...

How Safe Are Our Streets?
How safe are Madison’s streets? After several high profile crashes this year, including one that resulted in the death of a 17-year-old h...


