The Herro Family Legacy: From Milwaukee Roots to National Recognition
The Herro family's story is a compelling narrative woven into the tapestry of Milwaukee's diverse ethnic communities and, more recently, the national sports scene. From their origins as part of the early Arabic-speaking immigrants in Milwaukee to the present-day achievements of Miami Heat star Tyler Herro, their journey reflects resilience, adaptation, and the pursuit of the American dream.
Early Immigration and Settlement in Milwaukee
The late 19th century witnessed a surge in immigration to the United States, with Milwaukee becoming a destination for various ethnic groups seeking better economic opportunities. Among these were Arabic-speaking immigrants from regions like Syria and Lebanon, including families like the Herros, Metterys, and Nabkeys.
The "Milwaukee Journal" reported in June 1891 that approximately 100 Syrians resided in the city, having arrived in the United States around three years prior. They formed a close-knit community, settling on Huron Street in the city's east end, near the Milwaukee River's mouth. Approximately seventy-five individuals, including six women, resided in a two-story frame house at 138 Huron, led by "a sort of landlord or boss."
Many of the men worked as street merchants, carrying their wares of silk and woolen fabrics, gold and silver thread, and other small items in shoulder boxes covered with oilcloth. Nicholas Mubarack (Barrack), whose experience mirrored that of many others, left his home near Zahlah in Lebanon in 1893 to seek better economic prospects. Upon arriving in the United States, he went directly to Milwaukee to join relatives already residing there. He lived on Huron Street and worked as a peddler, primarily dealing in candy, fruit, and ice cream. He later married Sarra, a Lebanese girl who arrived in 1895.
These early immigrants established a lifestyle that would persist for many years. The community expanded gradually, with marriages primarily occurring within its own ranks. New immigrants were drawn to Milwaukee by reports from their relatives.
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Growth and Change in the Early 20th Century
The first decade of the 20th century brought changes to the community. As its members gained some affluence, they began to move from the Third Ward to the Fourth Ward around Second Street and to Kinnickinnic Avenue.
In 1906, approximately 6,000 Syrian-Lebanese immigrants arrived in the United States. Among them was James Arrieh, who joined his uncle (a member of the Herro family who had arrived in 1901) in Milwaukee, seeking greater economic opportunity. They resided in the newer Syrian community on Fifth Street between Wisconsin and Wells. James worked at his uncle's fruit stand for fifteen dollars a month and board. Like many of his peers, he had only completed village school before coming to the United States and was unaware of the educational opportunities available to him here. His long working hours left him with no time for formal education. Similar to many other men in the community, his initial intention was to return to his home village near Balabakk after amassing his fortune.
The census of 1910 listed the number of Middle Eastern people in Wisconsin as a separate figure for the first time, totaling 791 and including Armenians, Turks, Palestinians, and Syrians. It is safe to assume that most of these individuals resided in the Milwaukee area. Living conditions were often poor for many of them.
However, there were indications that the Syrian-Lebanese community was developing. James Arrieh, Joseph Herro, and Charles Nabkey took the lead in founding the Syrian-American Men’s Club on April 20, 1914. The club aimed to promote fellowship and Americanization among Syrians and to provide financial aid to families in Syria.
Most members of the Arabic-speaking community were Maronite Christians. They held their services in St. George’s Hall until 1917, when they moved into the newly-built St. George’s Church. The community also participated in the New Americans Pageant held at the Civic Auditorium on May 17-18, 1919.
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Post-World War I and Assimilation
The post-World War I years saw a new wave of immigrants from the Levant to Milwaukee. Typical of these immigrants were Charles Kashou, who came from Ram Allah, Palestine in 1920, and Charles Bab, who arrived from Zahlah, Lebanon in 1922.
During the 1920s, there was significant interest in assimilating immigrants into American life. The International Institute was founded in Milwaukee in 1923 with the goal of developing leadership among the foreign-born and promoting appreciation of them by acquainting other Americans with their cultural contributions.
Another factor contributing to the community’s assimilation was the physical dispersion of its members over a wider area. By 1929, the majority lived along State and Cedar (now Kilbourn) Streets between Seventh and Twentieth Streets. Many operated confectionery, fruit, linen, and novelty shops in that neighborhood. A smaller number were scattered along National, Kinnickinnic, and Downer Avenues. The community likely numbered around 600 people.
Arabic-speaking women began attending school, and Syrian women were members of a group of about 900 women of various nationalities who attended classes in the extension division of the Milwaukee Public Schools in 1927-28.
While older women still primarily focused on their homes and social clubs, limiting their English proficiency, the younger generation increasingly used English in their activities, gradually losing their knowledge of Arabic.
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Despite the geographical dispersion, the community remained close-knit in the late 1920s. Social and cultural activities revolved around their church and clubs. Marriages were almost always within the group, with men sometimes returning to their native villages to find a wife.
The Depression Era and Community Resilience
As the Depression decade began, estimates of the number of Arabic-speaking people in Milwaukee varied. The census of 1920 listed only 28 foreign-born Palestinians and 134 foreign-born Syrians, with the entire Syrian population of Milwaukee at 349.
Immigration continued, although at a slower rate than in the previous decade. George Hishmeh, who arrived in May 1935, came because relatives in Milwaukee sent for him. Like many others, he did not intend to stay, and his wife did not join him until 1946.
During the Depression years, the Palestinian-Syrian community maintained many of its cultural characteristics. There was still some social segregation of the sexes, and marriages were often arranged by families. Community solidarity and interdependence were strong, with members taking pride in the fact that no one in the community had been on public relief during the Depression.
By 1936, some of the men had joined the Masonic Order and other lodges. Literacy rates were improving, with lower rates of illiteracy among those born in the United States compared to foreign-born members.
Post-War Changes and Cultural Shifts
In the 1940s and after, the Arabic-speaking community in Milwaukee was large and active enough to draw attention to its culture and contributions. It made a significant contribution to the war effort, selling over $76,000 worth of bonds and sending thirty-eight men into the fighting forces.
By this time, the Syrian populace was no longer prominent along West State Street, and their shops had disappeared from that neighborhood. More subtle changes were occurring, worrying some older members of the community. While most still spoke Arabic in their homes, a growing percentage did not, and among their children, the majority did not speak Arabic or spoke it only occasionally. Intermarriage with non-Syrians was also increasing.
Efforts by the church and social clubs, as well as participation in folk festivals, helped to slow these tendencies to some degree.
Tyler Herro: A Modern-Day Success Story
In recent times, the Herro family name has gained national recognition through Tyler Herro, a star guard for the Miami Heat. Born in Milwaukee, Tyler attended Whitnall High School in Greenfield before playing college basketball at the University of Kentucky.
Herro's rise to prominence in the NBA has brought attention to his Milwaukee roots and his family's connection to the city's Arabic-speaking community. While he may not be deeply immersed in the cultural traditions of his ancestors, his success serves as a testament to the opportunities that Milwaukee and the United States have provided to immigrant families like the Herros.
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