A brief history of Afro-Hispanics in the United States and a more detailed discussion of the Black Cuban population among the recent Mariel Harbor immigrants are provided in this paper. The U.S. Cuban population is contrasted with other Hispanic groups in terms of the former's higher educational and economic level, but changes resulting in the general profile of Cuban Americans due to the Mariel arrivals are described. Specifically, it is noted that these recent immigrants are, overwhelmingly, unskilled, single males, most of whom are black or mulatto. Racial attitudes and bias among Cubans are discussed, and evidence of institutional discrimination on the island, both before and after the revolution, is cited. Some preliminary data on employment and social adjustment of the Mariel arrivals who relocated in New York are offered, and further adjustment problems for black Cubans are predicted. Reference is made to a large number of other publications written on this subject. (GC)