One day after American Independence Day, the Cape Verdean community will unite with their island home in marking the 50th anniversary of Cape Verde’s break from Portugal – a milestone many in the diaspora hope will bring a tighter bond between the African country and those abroad.
Festivities are planned all week with the 2nd annual “40 under 40” gala taking place tonight (July 2) in the Seaport, and a major celebration scheduled for July 4 at City Hall Plaza from 4 to 10 p.m., with entertainers like Nito, Maura Delgado, and Rosa Mestre – among others. An official City Hall flag raising ceremony hosted by Mayor Michelle Wu is slated for July 5 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the plaza.
But already, action began Monday with a noticeable buzz on Bowdoin Street and a visit from Cape Verde Prime Minister José Ulisses Correia e Silva, who held a meet-and-greet with young professionals at Restaurante Cesaria, and a discussion moderated by Boston School Committeewoman Chantal Lima Barbosa.
“This is a unique milestone, 50 years of the independence of Cabo Verde,” said Correia e Silva in Cape Verdean Kriolu, promising closer ties to the diaspora.
He talked about remittances from Cape Verdeans in America being very important, but emphasized the transfer of knowledge, skills, and “know how” from Dorchester to Cape Verde.
“The other part is the productive investment by entrepreneurs, to invest in tourism, the blue economy, the green economy, agriculture, and in the digital economy,” he said. “And then there is the other part, which is even more important - the transfer of knowledge.”

District 7 Council candidate Mavrick Afonso, CVAB President Paulo Debarros, a cabinet member from Cape Verde, Cape Verde Prime Minister José Ulisses Correia e Silva, Tony Barros of Restaurante Cesaria, a consulate representative, and Eliseu Depina of the Mayor's Office.

The young people in the room – including this year’s 40 Under 40 group –have much different concerns than their parents. Many were born in Dorchester or came here young, were raised in America and are now successful. They said they hunger for a stronger identity worldwide, for an opportunity to invest in Cape Verde, and for a direct flight from Boston to the island nation – a journey that now requires a long layover in Portugal.
While older Cape Verdeans focus on independence and past victories, young folks have their eyes on the next 50 years.
“I want to bring Pizza 24 to Cape Verde,” said Vanilda DaRosa, co-owner of the Adams Street pizza shop, who came to Dorchester as a child with her parents. “If they work with us and give us support, we will bring our businesses there. I have a business plan to have my business here and take it to Cape Verde, too. We need support though, because if it’s hard, we might just stay here and not invest.”
Raquel Semedo, who is opening Café Lisboa on Dorchester Avenue, said the justice system on the island is too slow, and even administering a will can last forever. Semedo and Dorchester health care entrepreneur Deu Almeida feel that 50 years have cemented their separate identities.
When traveling outside of New England, Cape Verdeans are often mistaken for other peoples and explaining where they’re from can require a map and a long conversation. They hope this changes.
“It’s a milestone for us being able to separate our identity from Portuguese colonizers,” said Almeida. “It strengthens our identity as Cape Verdeans and that’s important with such a small world population. For those of us not in Cape Verde, it’s particularly important to help define us as a long-standing nation.”
Naldo Cardoso, 24, moved to Boston for college after being raised and educated in Cape Verde. Now working for the Codman Square Neighborhood Development Corporation (CSNDC), he would like a direct flight home.
“When I go back, my grandparents live on a different island and if you happen to miss a flight, you’re there two weeks instead of one week,” he said. “That’s tough to explain with vacation time in America…The flight is tiring. When you’re spending $2,000 on a plane ticket, you want it to be stress free.”

Denise Dossantos, Titiciana Barros, and Luisa Pina.

Cape Verde Prime Minister José Ulisses Correia e Silva greeting one of the young professionals.

Djofa Tavares and Auriza Abreu Mett.

CVAB President Paulo Debarros.

School Committeewoman Chantal Lima Barbosa moderated the question and answer portion of the gathering at Cesaria.

Pizza 24 Co-owner Vanilda DaRosa asked about resources for small business in Dorchester to invest in Cape Verde.