Brooklyn, NY – On the early evening of April 3, a dozen people gathered outside of the Metropolitan Detention Center to observe Good Friday. The vigil was called by Black Alliance for Peace on what is also the three-month anniversary of President Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores’ kidnapping.

On January 3, the Trump administration launched an attack on Caracas, Venezuela to kidnap the two government officials. In the process, they murdered over 100 people. Some of the people murdered couldn’t even be identified because all that was left of them was a melted body.

The protesters took turns giving speeches, saying the names of the deceased, and lighting candles to honor those who had been martyred.

The speakers expertly connected the religious overtone of the day to martyrs in Venezuela and Cuba. They brought up the ongoing war for oil, the blockade in Cuba, and how U.S. imperialism is teetering on the edge of self-destruction.

The protesters are part of a loose coalition of solidarity for Venezuela who will continue to show up on the 3rd of every month until President Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores are free!

#NewYorkNY #NY #Venezuela #Maduro #CiliaFlores #Cuba #AntiWarMovement #PeoplesStruggles

New Orleans, LA – On March 3, New Orleans Stop Helping Israel’s Ports (NOSHIP) hosted a rally and march against the escalatory U.S. sanctions against Cuba and Venezuela as well as the unprovoked attacks against Iran that have killed upwards of 900 people.

The protesters marched through the French Quarter and gained supportive cheers and fist pumps from workers and tourists alike.

Speakers at the event pledged to continue the solidarity with nations attacked by U.S. imperialism and the oppressed nationalities and communities here in the United States. Mich González from the New Orleans-based Sanctuary Now Abolition Project (SNAP) referred to colonized peoples saying, “We are testing grounds all the time for the policies of imperialism and victimization.”

Luke Rojas Nogueira of the Communist Party USA also spoke in support of imperialized nations saying, “Cuba never kidnapped my neighbors and deported them far from their homes. It wasn't the knee of an Iranian that crushed the neck of George Floyd.” He continued “Our enemies have never been abroad, and those who oppressed us here are the same people who drop bombs that are brothers and sisters in Latin America, West Asia, and Africa.”

#NewOrleansLA #LA #AntiWarMovement #Iran #Cuba #Venezuela #NOSHIP

Denver, CO – Around two dozen activists in Denver gather in front of Colorado Senator Michael Bennet’s office to demand that he oppose Trump’s recent escalations against Cuba and that he support the release of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores.

The rally was called by Denver Anti-War Action (DAWA) in response to a national call for a day of action from the Anti-War Action Network, addressing the urgency in resisting Trump’s attacks on Venezuela, Cuba and Iran.

Protesters gathered in front of the building and occupied the space right next to Speer Boulevard during rush hour, allowing thousands of cars driving by to see banners demanding “No war with Venezuela” and “Reel in Trump.” Members of the crowd held Cuban and Venezuelan flags as well as signs to show solidarity with the countries under attack. DAWA members spoke out against Donald Trump’s actions and the disastrous effects they have had so far.

Salym Mead of DAWA told the crowd, “In the early morning of January 3, 2026, the United States forces launched an aggressive, illegal and large-scale attack on Venezuela. During the attack, 83 people were killed and more than 112 were injured. The U.S. forces then kidnapped the president and his wife.”

Mead contined, “Since the abduction, the United States has been controlling the Venezuelan people’s oil, stealing 50 million barrels for themselves, and shipping more to Israel to continue their genocide of the Palestinian people. Cuba – who heavily relied on Venezuelan oil – has been affected greatly by Maduro’s abduction.”

Born and raised in Cuba, Dailyn Briñas with Cuba Sí Colorado said, “Most of my family in Cuba is living without power for 12-plus hours, with rotting food, little to no medicine and are missing basic supplies.”

Briñas continued, “The oil siege that has been employed recently has made transportation in the country virtually impossible.” This has resulted in produce that is still being farmed spoiling prior to distribution. Soon, Briñas will be traveling with a convoy to bring humanitarian aid to Cuba in an attempt to break the siege.

The energy stayed high in the crowd as the emcee raised chants such as “No boots on the ground, no bombs in the air! U.S. out of everywhere!” DAWA has always spoken out against U.S. aggression and intervention, and the grassroots group is taking to the streets to lead emergency actions to raise awareness about the current military madness

As cars drove past the action, the streets were filled with car horns honking in support. Motorists waved and raised fists and peace signs in solidarity with the community members.

While the president has made promises of no new wars, he has escalated military might in many countries this year alone and the people have had enough. The propaganda that Trump and the billionaire war profiteers are trying to sell the people is not working. The people are ready to take a stand against war and the criminal actions of the Trump administration.

#DenverCO #CO #AntiWarMovement #Cuba #Venezuela

San Jose, CA – On the evening of Tuesday, March 3, about 40 people gathered in front of the steps of Dr. MLK Jr. Library in the heart of downtown San Jose to protest U.S. intervention in Venezuela, the intensified blockade on Cuba, and the U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran.

A colorful array of flags for Cuba, Venezuela and Iran flew, along with signs saying, “End the blockade on Cuba,” “Hands off Venezuela” and “No war with Iran.”

Drusie Kazanova, member of Freedom Road Socialist Organization told the crowd, “It’s barely March, we’ve already seen Trump escalate his aggression against Cuba, Venezuela and Iran, three of the world’s strongest and most steadfast opponents of U.S. imperialism.”

Kazanova continued, “The decline of U.S. imperialism is accelerating. Trump is trying to preserve the dying U.S. empire, and control of the Middle East and Latin America is a part of that project.”

Nassim Nouri, an Iranian-American and member of the Green Party of Santa Clara County, said, “Every socialist country that has raised its fist, its hope, its humanity and its resources for the people, has been subjected to crushing attacks and sanctions and deprivation by the U.S. empire.”

Akubundu Amazu of the All African Peoples Revolutionary Party spoke to the crowd, “There is a common denominator between all these places that U.S. imperialism goes against and that is oil. They all have resources that this war machine desperately needs. But the people are organizing against this!”

Joan Simon of the San Jose Peace and Justice Center spoke about the difference in peoples’ rights in Cuba and the U.S. saying, “In the Cuban constitution everyone has the right to healthcare and education. Just think about how different our country could be if we prioritized people over profit. That is why Cuba is such a danger to the U.S.”

Dyon Capote, a Cuban-American and member of San Jose Against War said, “We will not be silent at the time when Trump launches wars of aggression, and justifies the kidnapping of Venezuela’s president. Nor will we remain silent when the U.S. intensifies a policy of economic warfare on Cuba!”

Sharat Lin, another member of the San Jose Peace and Justice speaking on their experience observing elections in Cuba and Venezuela and compared it to U.S. elections, saying, “The turnout in Cuba’s constitutional referendum was 90% whereas in the U.S. we’re lucky if we get 60% participation,” highlighting how much more confidence Cubans have in their democracy than their counterparts in the U.S.

Tim Phan of Students for a Democratic Society at San Jose State University stated, “We condemn the U.S. Israeli strikes on not just Iran, but on Palestine and the rest of the world!”

Phan continued, “From Mexico to the Philippines, to Palestine and Iran, we will stop the American war machine and say, ‘Hell no!’”

The rally ended with a call to action by San Jose Against War and their allies to mobilize at the San Jose City Council meeting on March 24 at 1:30 p.m. to demand the city pass an ethical investment policy which would divest and bar any further investment in companies with ties to Israel, ICE and the prison system.

#SanJoseCA #CA #Cuba #Venezuela #Iran #AntiWarMovement

Detroit, MI — Over 80 people came out to a protest called by the Detroit Anti-War Committee, on March 3, to oppose the bombing on the Iran by the U.S. and Israel, as well as the continued attacks on the Venezuela and Cuba.

Detroit Anti-War Committee was joined by Code Pink Detroit, and Wayne State Students for a Democratic Society, along with community members. Many people were waving Iranian flags, and signs reading, “Detroit for peace not war!” During the protest, people chanted, “Israel bombs, USA pays, how many kids we kill today!”

Rose from Detroit Anti-War Committee stated that these attacks on Cuba, Venezuela, and Iran “is Trump’s playbook.” At the same time, she also said, “The people aren’t falling for the lies that Venezuelans are all narco-terrorists, nor are we falling for the lie that he has the interest of the Palestinian, the Iranian or the Cuban peoples at heart.”

Even as the sun was setting for the day, many of the attendees of the rally who were fasting for the month of Ramadan were still outside chanting, “We want justice, you say how? Detroit, divest now!” It is clear that Detroiters oppose Trump’s war on Iran and stand in solidarity with the people of Venezuela and Cuba.

#DetroitMI #MI #Cuba #Venezuela #Iran #AntiWarMovement

Tampa, FL – On Thursday, February 26, Tampa Bay Students for a Democratic Society mobilized around 15 students to demand U.S. hands off Cuba.

As a part of their organization’s National Day of Action, Tampa Bay SDS held a rally in solidarity with Cuba, and to demand the U.S. out of Latin America and an end to the blockade against Cuba.

“The U.S. war machine infringes on sovereign nations and tries to take its natural resources,” said member Vicky Tong. “In Cuba, the U.S. enacted and is still enacting an embargo that has gone on for 60 years too long.”

Members also denounced the multiple attempts of U.S. intervention in Latin America, including the kidnapping of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores that severed the main lifeline Cuba had to oil. Students demanded an end to all U.S. intervention, explaining that the only people who benefit from these acts is the U.S. government.

“These ruthless attempts by the U.S. to isolate Cuba will not go unnoticed,” SDS member Allie Enriquez said. “The Cuban people continue to remain resilient despite the ongoing attacks the Western world continues to send their way. Despite the attacks from the U.S. over the years, socialist Cuba has continued to build a society for and by the working people.”

#TampaFL #FL #AntiWarMovement #Cuba #StudentMovement #SDS

The attack took place on the morning of February 25, against a surface unit of the Border Guard Troops of the Ministry of the Interior, in the northeast area of the El Pino canal, in Cayo Falcones, Corralillo municipality, Villa Clara province.

According to preliminary statements by those detained by the Cuban government, they had intentions to carry out an infiltration for terrorist purposes.

Aboard the speedboat the men had in their possession assault rifles, handguns, Molotov cocktails, bulletproof vests, telescopic devices and camouflage uniforms.

The Cuban Ministry of the Interior released a statement identifying the individuals as Amijail Sánchez González, Leordan Enrique Cruz Gómez, Conrado Galindo Sariol, José Manuel Rodríguez Castelló, Cristian Ernesto Acosta Guevara, and Roberto Azcorra Consuegra. Among the deceased was Michel Ortega Casanova. Work is being done to identify the other three.

Those identified so far are Cubans living in the United States, most of them with a known history of criminal and violent activity, including Amijail Sánchez González and Leordan Enrique Cruz Gómez. Both men appear on the national list of persons and entities that, by virtue of Resolution 1373 of the United Nations Security Council, international law and Cuban legal system, have been subjected to criminal investigations and are sought by the Cuban authorities, based on their involvement in the promotion, planning, organization, financing, support or commission of actions materialized in the national territory or in other countries, based on acts of terrorism.

Duniel Hernández Santos has been identified by Cuban authorities as an on-island accomplice. Authorities report that he has confessed to being sent from the United States to guarantee the reception of the armed infiltration.

First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba and President of the Republic of Cuba Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez said in a public statement, “We have stated this on repeated occasions and we reaffirm it today: Cuba will defend itself with determination and firmness against any terrorist and mercenary aggression that seeks to affect its sovereignty and national stability.”

Attacks like this have occurred before. The United States government has used attacks like these in the past in an attempt to destabilize and overthrow the popular and democratically determined Cuban government.

After 1959 the CIA recruited and trained thousands of Cuban exiles in Miami to infiltrate or invade Cuba. This preparation was for the operation which would take place in the Bay of Pigs in April 1961, when Brigade 2506 landed by sea in a failed U.S.-organized invasion.

After the Bay of Pigs, Kennedy authorized Operation Mongoose, a secret government program that included plans for speedboat raids, sabotage and assassination, using Cuban exile groups as proxies. CIA Director Allen Dulles oversaw U.S. financial support to give to exile political groups, which it was subsidizing at a level of $90,000 per month ($999,067.58 in 2026 dollars).

The Trump administration has continued this legacy of aggression toward Cuba. On January 29, Trump signed Executive Order 14380, declaring a national emergency “with respect to Cuba” and placing tariffs on imports from any country that sells or provides oil to the Cuban state. This is on top of the U.S, blockade to stop almost all trade, banking and investment between U.S. entities and Cuba, and to coerce other countries and companies away from trading with Cuba.

People from all over the world have long opposed the blockade on Cuba, from the streets of Chicago to Havana and echoed in the halls of the UN by the world majority, against the stranglehold that the United States imposes on the world. Voices from all around the globe cry out for an end to the blockade.

#DenverCO #CO #International #Cuba #Featured

Minneapolis, MN – 30 people gathered in 16-degree weather in the heart of Minneapolis on February 7 to call for U.S. hands off Venezuela, Cuba and Iran, after weeks and months of tension, threats of escalation, and direct attacks on these sovereign counties.

The Minnesota Peace Action Coalition organized the action as part of an International Day of Action called by the Unione Sindicale di Base (USB), a dockworkers union located in Genoa, Italy. The dockworkers union called for the day of protest to shut down the U.S. war machine.

The cold weather did not discourage the crowd in their energy as they filled the streets with chants of “We will say it every time; U.S. sanctions are a crime!” and “From Venezuela to Falasteen, stop the U.S. war machine!”

Speakers addressed the parallels between the attacks from ICE in Minnesota to Trump’s attacks on Venezuela, Cuba, and Iran.

Yossi Aharoni, a member of the Minnesota Anti-War Committee and Minnesota Peace Action Coalition, stated, “Six months ago in a brazen act of aggression and escalation the Trump administration attacked the nuclear facilities in Fordow, Isfahan and Natanz in Iran. One month ago, the Trump administration kidnapped the sitting president of a sovereign nation, President Nicolás Maduro of Venezuela, killing over 30 Cuban bodyguards along with dozens of Venezuelans. Two months ago in December 2025, the Trump administration began Operation Metro Surge, which can only be described as a federal occupation of the Twin Cities.”

Aharoni continued, “Both ICE and the IOF [Israeli occupation forces] rely on Palantir’s AI surveillance technology data to track and capture their victims. The bombs dropped on civilians in Gaza are made by the same companies that build the bombs that Trump and Netanyahu drop on Iran. The same 200-year-old Monroe Doctrine that Trump uses to justify attacks against Venezuela are used against Cuba; Trump believes the U.S. can treat Latin America like its own backyard! The same threats that Trump makes against Venezuela are made against Cuba.”

Allison Gunderson, a member of the Minnesota Anti-War Committee and the Women Against Military Madness, participated in a U.S. delegation to Venezuela in December and spoke about the need to stand with the people of Venezuela and President Maduro against U.S. attacks.

Gunderson stated, “It is our duty to stand with Venezuela, Cuba, Latin America and the Caribbean and demand an end to U.S. interventions, devastating sanctions, and the stealing of resources and wealth from these countries!” She continued, “We cannot allow the Trump administration to do whatever it wants, especially not waltz into any country it pleases and kidnap their democratically elected leaders, as Trump has made it clear he intends to do to Cuba next! We must demand President Maduro and First Combatant Cilia Flores be released and we must be ready to get in the streets to protest these sham court proceedings. We have to let it be known we say hell no to Trump's efforts to criminalize the Bolivarian revolution!”

Oil shipments from Venezuela to Cuba have been cut off as a result of the U.S. attack on Caracas, Venezuela. Cuba is now facing an energy crisis; this, combined with the pre-existing embargo, will directly threaten the lives of the people.

Demonstrators held signs saying, “Hands off Venezuela” and “No war with Iran.”

Dex Davis explained why he felt the need to show up in the streets. “How can anyone build a life when a foreign power controls their access to medicine, food, fuel, electricity and education? This is the reality for people in Cuba, Venezuela and Iran.”

As Minnesotans continue to respond to the attacks by ICE in their communities, it is clear they are making connections to Trump’s attacks abroad and will keep showing up in the streets.

#MinneapolisMN #MN #AntiWarMovement #Iran #Venezuela #Cuba #MNAWC #WAMM #MPAC

Seattle, WA — On February 7, two dozen people attended fundraiser for medical aid for Cuba hosted by the Freedom Road Socialist Organization. The fundraiser featured a screening of the Spanish-language documentary Che: Un Hombre Nuevo and a panel discussion with activists who had all recently been to Cuba and who shared details about the blockaded country.

Recent escalations to the unilateral sanctions on Cuba by the U.S. are not only violations of international law but represent the dying gasps of an empire no longer able to achieve its imperial aims through “soft power.” Cuba may pose no material danger to the United States, but its successful socialist revolution, refusal to bend a knee, and continued humanitarian support and solidarity to sovereign nations under similar threat from the U.S. empire – Venezuela is only one example – makes it an ideological threat to a state that relies on a lie: that the only viable way of life is under capitalism.

Che: Un Hombre Nuevo (2010), a film by Tristán Bauer, shows the thoughts of Ernesto “Che” Guevara, the doctor-turned-revolutionary born in Argentina who became one of revolutionary leader Fidel Castro’s most trusted comrades-in-arms during Cuba’s revolutionary struggle.

In this documentary, which took 12 years to come together, viewers are able to understand the day-to-day of revolutionary struggle, the hardships of training, the material support of the rural peasants; incredible strides made post-revolution through literacy campaigns and carefully planned industrialization; the personal sacrifices of those who serve the revolution, just to name a few details – through private archives, letters and recordings. These powerful footages and narrative dispel the propaganda of the U.S. empire that aim to delegitimize the socialist revolution to manufacture consent for imperialism’s unilaterally imposed sanctions which kill thousands through what is effectively a modern-day siege.

Beyond the informative aspects of the documentary, the brave struggle of the people who fought to liberate Cuba from the dictatorship of Fulgencio Batista serves as an inspiration to all those who fight for liberation today. As Che himself says, “The eagerness to sacrifice a life for the good of the noble ideals is useless if it is a one-man effort. To start a revolution, you need the people mobilized as a whole.”

After the documentary, a panel that included Nolan Good, a member of FRSO Seattle who was on the 2025 May Day Brigade, and Cindy Domingo, a labor leader and activist who has visited Cuba regularly since the 90s, answered questions from the audience about daily life in Cuba.

Cuba’s revolution is threatened by tightening U.S. sanctions designed to force regime change on the country. Now more than ever all progressive people should stand up and say “Hands off Cuba! End the blockade now! ¡Cuba sí! ¡Bloqueo no!”

#SeattleWA #International #Cuba #AntiWarMovement #Blockade

Charleston, SC — The Lowcountry Action Committee (LAC) hosted the National Network on Cuba (NNOC) for its annual fall meeting in Charleston, South Carolina November 7 through 9. Founded 35 years ago, the NNOC is composed of over 70 member organizations dedicated to normalizing relations between the United States and Cuba, organizing support for the Cuban people and actively opposing sanctions, in the form of the economic blockade, against the island. The United States blockade of Cuba is the longest in human history, beginning in 1960.

The theme for the NNOC fall convening was “Unity in Action,” and Cuba solidarity organizers from across the country came together to strategize ways to end the ongoing economic blockade and to remove Cuba from the United States’s State Sponsors of Terrorism list. The event kicked off Friday night with a film screening highlighting Cuba’s solidarity with Palestine and an art build hosted by the Elbit Out of South Carolina (EOSC) Coalition.

During their opening remarks, NNOC Co-chair Onyesonwu Chatoyer stressed the importance of the NNOC’s work, “Let us be clear about our objectives, our politics, and our history. We are not here to merely resist. We are here to build a unified, strategic and disciplined force that can win. The work of the National Network on Cuba – from delivering medicine, to forming brigades, to passing resolutions – is a direct contribution to a world beyond imperialism, a world where a sovereign Cuba can continue to thrive and inspire, and where global solidarity is not just a slogan, but a practiced reality.”

During breakout groups, attendees discussed national growth strategies, material aid strategies, ways to organize around local resolutions in support of Cuba, and renewed efforts in cultural activism. Participants left the groups feeling energized about the work ahead.

“We have a duty to stand in unwavering support of the Cuban people and their just struggle. It’s important that we leave this meeting with a clear plan in place to carry out the steps necessary to support the ongoing revolution there,” said LAC co-founder Erica Veal.

The annual convening also featured a panel with representatives from the Charleston Community Service Organization, Free Palestine Charleston (FPC), EOSC, and the Cuban Embassy, who discussed their shared struggles. Two new organizations presented their formal applications for membership in the NNOC; both organizations were voted in unanimously. An election was also held for two co-chair positions.

The convening concluded Sunday morning on Sullivan’s Island with a tribute to Assata Shakur led by Carlie Towne, a Gullah Geechee elder. The tribute included the offering of libations, poetry readings and a performance by the Harambee Dance Company.

“Assata’s legacy reminds us that the fight for liberation is never isolated, but instead a living, breathing continuum of resistance crossing borders, languages, and generations. Honoring Assata means moving past empty remembrance, and accepting the revolutionary charge to struggle forward with deep courage, clarity and disciplined political action,” said Shaquille Fontenot, co-chair of the NNOC, and LAC co-founder.

After the event, attendees had the opportunity to join the EOSC coalition and FPC in a keffiyeh walk and banner drop in the heart of downtown Charleston. The banner was painted with the phrases “Elbit out of SC,” “ICE out of SC” and “U.S. out of Cuba.” When asked about the banner, Nate Hubler remarked that “The phrases are a clear reminder of our shared struggles and that we must look for unity in action as our work continues in the coming year.”

#CharlestonSC #SC #CubaSolidarity #International #Cuba

St. Paul, MN – On October 29, the world came together to support of the United Nations voting on Cuba’s resolution to end 63-year U.S. blockade on Cuba. Participating in the national day of action, the Solidarity Committee on the Americas (SCOTA) and Minnesota Cuba Committee gathered at the Women Against Military Madness’ End War weekly vigil on the Marshall Avenue/Lake Street bridge.

About 45 people rallied to expose the United States government’s brutal blockade on Cuba. It was a pleasant and sunny day as supporters walked up and down on the bridge that goes over the Mississippi River between Saint Paul and Minneapolis. They carried carrying signs expressing their message, “Cuba si, bloqueo no,” “Hands off Cuba,” “Take Cuba off the U.S. terrorist list” and “Say yes to the U.N. resolution.”

As people continued to cross back and forth, they cheered and waved when cars and buses honked in support.

As the rally ended, Sarah Martin, member of SCOTA (WAMM) called the group together by chanting, “Cuba si!, ¡Bloqueo no!” along with “When the people of Venezuela are under attack, what do we do? Stand up, fight back!”

Martin addressed the crowd, “That's why we're here tonight, right? Two pretty outrageous things going on in the Caribbean and in our backyard. The blockade on Cuba and Trump’s bombings on boats in international waters and threatening Venezuela. All of this really has been alarming and we want to highlight Venezuela along with supporting Cuba.”

Rebecca Pera from Solidarity Community of the Americas stated, “As we draw awareness to the 33rd annual vote to remove Cuba off of the SSOT and to end the over six-decade illegal and inhumane embargo and blockade against our Cuban neighbors. We know that Ronald Reagan put Cuba on the U.S. State Sponsor of Terrorism (SSOT) originally for when Cuba accepted people who were being persecuted by racist, illegal persecution in the United States, like Assata Shakur.”

Pera continued, “They can't get medical supplies. They can't get food, construction supplies, or infrastructure supplies. We know that Cuba's medical brigades and medical professionals are the best in the world.”

Sandi Sherman, member of the MN Cuba Committee, talked about the solidarity of countries standing with Cuba. “This was demonstrated before the United Nations General Assembly when 165 countries voted to oppose the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the United States on Cuba.”

Sherman continued, “Cuba makes a new call to mobilize the international community to stop military action against Venezuela. Once again, this is their statement, we declare our firm and unwavering support for the Bolivarian and Chavista government of Venezuela and for the popular and military unity of the Venezuelan people. Latin America and the Caribbean must remain a zone of peace.”

As the Trump administration heightens their attacks in the Caribbean, the Solidarity Committee on the Americas (SCOTA) and Minnesota Cuba Committee will continue to speak out for Cuba and Venezuela.

#StPaulMN #MN #AntiWarMovement #Cuba #Venezuela #SCOTA #WAMM

Chicago, IL – On Tuesday, October 29, over 50 student and community activists gathered in the quad at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) to demand an end to the illegal U.S. blockade of Cuba. This solidarity action was prompted because on October 30, the United Nations was set to vote on a resolution submitted by Cuba calling for an end to the brutal blockade imposed by the United States government.

This vote marked the 32nd time in the history of the UN that Cuba has submitted a resolution calling for the blockade, which is illegal under international law, to be lifted. In 2023, 187 countries voted to lift the blockade of Cuba. Only two countries voted against lifting the blockade, the U.S. and Israel.

Activists in attendance made it clear that they are proud to stand with the people of Cuba in calling for an end to the illegal U.S. blockade of Cuba.

Members of the campus-based Progressive Student Coalition at UIC, which includes Students for a Democratic Society (SDS), Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) Anakbayan and others, spoke at the rally. Community organizations like the Chicago Cuba Coalition, Palestinian Youth Movement, Party for Socialism and Liberation, and Freedom Road Socialist Organization (FRSO) endorsed the action and had representatives speak.

Jeremiah Muñoz, a member of SDS at UIC, spoke in solidarity with Cuba as someone who had the opportunity to visit the country. Muñoz said, “For over six decades, the United States has waged an economic war on the people of Cuba, trying to suffocate it into submission. Despite sanctions, blockades, threats and invasions, Cuba has stood strong against the U.S. empire. It has not only survived, but has shown the world that resistance against empire is possible and that revolution will prevail!”

Then, the president of SJP at UIC, Jenin Zayed, spoke about the parallels between the Palestinian freedom movement and the struggle to end the brutal blockade against Cuba. Zayed said, “America views Cuba as a threat because of Cuba’s anti-imperialist stance. Anything that threatens American imperialism, colonialism, or empire – the United States will sanction and choke off from the rest of the world. The country of Cuba has continued to support Palestine and Palestinians by providing medical aid to Palestine and scholarships to Palestinians.”

On behalf of the FRSO, Liz Rathburn gave a sweeping history of Cuba’s fight for national liberation and socialism, stating, “From the 1860s to the 1950s the Cuban people fought again and again to throw out colonial masters and liberate their country,” she said. “But in 1959, the Cuban people drove the U.S.-installed puppet dictator out of their country. They smashed the old system and sent the old rulers packing. In its place the Cuban people established a people's government – one that made the nation's wealth serve its people.”

Finally, a number of speakers noted that the blockade against Cuba starting in 1962 and Cuba’s designation as a “State Sponsor of Terrorism” by U.S. officials in 1982 were both direct measures of economic and political repression against the people of Cuba. Similarly, the U.S. is still occupying parts of Cuba in Guantanamo Bay, which is illegal under international law.

Activists pointed to the fact Cuba has made great strides in eradicating homelessness, providing free universal health care, achieving a 99% literacy rate, and more. At the same time, however, the brutal blockade has starved Cuba of hundreds of billions of dollars and prevents it from importing critical technology, medicine, and food – all things crucial to guaranteeing the health and prosperity of the roughly 11 million people living in Cuba.

As a result, many deaths have taken place that could have been prevented by lifting the blockade. Currently, over 80% of Cuba’s population has never experienced life in Cuba without the blockade. Student and community activists ended the rally by taking a group photo, waving Cuban flags, and repeating the powerful chant of “Cuba sí! Bloqueo no!”

#ChicagoIL #IL #International #Cuba #StudentMovement #SDS #FRSO

Chicago, IL – Socialist Cuba has been in the news quite a bit lately, from its resounding victory at the recent UN vote condemning the blockade of the revolutionary island to its people-centered response to Hurricanes Helene and Milton. What is it about the political and social system in Cuba that has simultaneously drawn the wrath of U.S. imperialism and also allowed it to resist and develop the revolution under the most difficult conditions? Over 100 activists and revolutionaries decided to travel to Cuba to find out.

Nearly 100 people joined the 52nd Venceremos Brigade to Cuba in July to stand in solidarity with the revolution and deliver much-needed material aid. What is the Venceremos Brigade? The VB's website explains, “In 1969, a coalition of young people formed the Venceremos (We Shall Overcome) Brigade in an act of solidarity with the Cuban Revolution, by working side by side with Cuban workers and challenging U.S. policies towards Cuba, including the economic blockade and the U.S. government’s ban on travel to the island. The people who came together to initiate this project represented a broad cross-section of the radical movements of the era.”

This year, the 52nd Venceremos Brigade was in Santiago de Cuba for the July 26 national holiday commemorating the assault on the Batista regime's Moncada barracks by revolutionaries led by Fidel Castro. The Brigade did voluntary work cleaning up beaches, assisting with the construction of a new wing of a pediatric hospital, and delivered over 100 suitcases of needed aid. The 52nd Brigade successfully challenged Washington's imperialist blockade.

A report-back meeting was held by Brigadistas Aaron Dille (All African Peoples Revolutionary Party), Haki Drake Materre (Malcolm X Grassroots Movement) and Eric Struch (Freedom Road Socialist Organization) on October 19 at the offices of the Chicago Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression on the city's South Side.

Each of the panelists described their experiences in revolutionary Cuba, giving firsthand accounts of how Washington's illegal blockade has affected Cuban citizens lives as they continue to build socialism. An informative discussion ensued on the topic of racism in Cuba. The revolution removed much of the institutional racism, but there is still more to be done. The Cuban people have the state in their hands, which is the most effective weapon against racism.

#ChicagoIL #International #Cuba

Minneapolis, MN – On October 28, Cuba solidarity activists rallied at the Federal Building in downtown Minneapolis to demand the Biden administration vote at the UN to end the economic war on Cuba. For 32 years, the United Nations has voted every year almost unanimously to end the cruel economic blockade against Cuba which the U.S. has imposed for over 60 years. To tighten the noose, in 2021 the U.S. added the designation of Cuba as a “state sponsor of terrorism” (SSOT) a ridiculous charge that leads to only more sanctions.

This vote took place while Cuba is experiencing a severe power outage. For over a week the entire island has had little to no electricity up to 20 hours a day due to fuel shortages and lack of equipment to repair the infrastructure because of the brutal U.S. blockade.

The demonstrators heard from several speakers including Gary Prevost, a member of the MN Cuba Committee, who said, “There is a groundswell of support to remove Cuba from the SSOT list here in Minnesota and around the country, including resolutions from 120 labor unions and cities as large as NYC, Washington DC and San Francisco.” Prevost also spoke of the U.S. role in the blackout, saying, “Make no mistake, the recent blackout in Cuba occurred because of a lack of fuel, and that’s directly a result of the fact that ships carrying badly need fuel, can’t dock in Cuba because most are insured by U.S. companies.”

Joe Callahan, a member of the Solidarity Committee on the Americas, described the concerns of a visiting Cuban, stating, “We were fortunate to have Cuban filmmaker Gloria Rolando here with us last weekend. She lives in central Havana, and she said people on the street were feeling at the end of their rope, “finito.” She fears it will mean an ongoing exit from the country by young people. The population has declined by a million people in the last few years.”

Amina Sheikh, a trade unionist who recently visited Cuba, spoke about how inspired she is by the gains Cuba has made for its people and its importance in the world. Sheikh emphasized, “Cuba has a history of internationalism and solidarity. It has been so generous in giving scholarships to people from all over the world, including countries under attack from the U.S. like Palestine and Syria. In spite of crippling U.S. sanctions, it teaches the world how to be generous.”

The rally concluded with Robyn Harbison, a Cuban-American who is the director of Women Against Military Madness, describing the current dire hardships the people are experiencing since the beginning of the blackouts on October 18, stating, “There have been failures in the obsolete water system, meaning no running water for most of the island, food and medicine are spoiling without refrigeration, there is no air conditioning, and essential workers are home indefinitely. This is the total fault of the U.S. sanctions and blockade.”

The activists vowed to stand with Cuba now and forever and to double down efforts to fight to take Cuba off the “terrorist” list and to end the U.S. blockade on this heroic island and shining example for the world.

#MinneapolisMN #MN #International #Cuba #SCOTA #WAMM

Falcon Heights, MN – On Sunday, September 1, Cuban solidarity activists bannered at the Minnesota State Fair demanding the United States government remove Cuba from the State Sponsor of Terrorism list and to end the 62-year blockade against the country.

Fairgoers heading toward the main gate of the “Great Minnesota Get Together” could see the Cuban flag propped up and waving in the wind. Closer to the main gate, they were greeted by three banners demanding: “U.S.A. people say, Cuba sí, bloqueo no!, No U.S. blockade of Cuba, U.S. out of Guantanamo,” and two banners in English and Spanish, “Take Cuba off the U.S. Terrorist List/Llevar a Cuba de la lista de terroristas.”

The activists got a chance to talk to many people about Cuba. They gave out stickers about ending the blockade as well as Cuba’s recently passed progressive family code which ensures the rights of the LGBT community.

An African American family selling water at the entrance noticed the banners, and two brothers, in their twenties, ran up excitedly saying, “We love your banner!” This resulted in conversations with the activists talking about Cuba and encouraging them to visit the country.

Two Cuban families greeted the solidarity activists with great delight when passing the banners, they said, “Thank you very much.” One family recently moved to Saint Paul and another family lives in Canada. They were both happy and very appreciative seeing people and the banners, knowing that there are people that support their country and also want the blockade to end.

The event was organized by the Women Against Military Madness Solidarity Committee on the Americas and the MN Cuba Committee.

#FalconHeightsMN #MN #International #Cuba #AntiWarMovement #WAMM #SCOTA #MNCC

Minneapolis, MN – On Thursday, April 18, about 30 members of the Minnesota Cuba Coalition gathered at U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar’s Minneapolis office, under the banner of “Minnesotans love Cuba,” to call for an end to the U.S. embargo of Cuba

While at the senator’s office, the coalition hosted a program of speakers, with veteran organizers, Cuban Americans and their allies new to the movement represented. During rush hour near the heart of Minneapolis’s downtown, cars honked in support and solidarity as they passed the crowd.

The coalition’s main demand is for Senator Klobuchar to sign a letter calling on the Biden administration to take Cuba off the list of State Sponsors of Terrorism (SSOT). As they arrived, SCOTA member Marcy Shapiro handed Klobuchar’s state director 500 petitions, with dozens of signatures each, supporting the call.

Many of the coalition members have taken educational trips to Cuba to study its culture, healthcare and education systems, its ecology and its environmental protection measures, its socialist government and its history of international solidarity with poor and oppressed peoples, including in the U.S. There is no legitimate reason Cuba should be on SSOT list. The listing and sanctions have caused immense damage and harm to Cubans as well their economy for over 60 years. The coalition urges the need to normalize relations with the U.S.'s neighboring country.

The coalition has lobbied the senator’s office to sign a letter to Biden calling on his administration to take Cuba off the list, hoping she would sign a similar letter as she did when Trump placed Cuba on the list. The senator has not responded in the four months that this campaign has been underway.

Robyn Harbison of Women Against Military Madness (WAMM), the founder of SCOTA, closed the rally. He reiterated that “Cuba is a friend of Palestine, and Palestine is a friend of Cuba. Historically we must remember who was on the right side of history during this era of anti-imperialist revolution. The U.S. has no right to intervene into other country’s affairs or sovereignty, and that includes Cuba and Palestine.”

The April 30 protest delegation was made up of MN Cuba Coalition member groups Minnesota Cuba Committee, Solidarity Committee on the Americas (SCOTA), and Witness for Peace Solidarity Collective

Reach out to solidaritycommitteeofamericas@gmail.com to learn more about how to get involved with the MN Cuba Coalition.

#MinneapolisMN #MN #International #Cuba #WAMM #SCOTA #Klobuchar

Chicago, IL – On January 24, over 60 people crowded the Latino Cultural Center at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) to join a discussion with Juan González of the Great Cities Institute and David Ramirez of the Cuban Embassy around the current immigrant crisis and its root causes. The discussion was co-hosted by two campus groups: New Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) at UIC and Mexican Students de Aztlán (MeSA) at UIC.

SDS is a national grassroots organization fighting for progressive change on campus, led by and for students. Members of SDS continually work to fight against U.S. wars and interventions, racist discrimination, police crimes, homophobic and transphobic attacks, attacks on women, attacks on reproductive rights and more through mobilizing protests and campaigns. MeSA is a Chicano, Latino, community-based organization that was established in 1993. MeSA emerged primarily to address pressing problems and issues affecting the Mexican, Chicano and the Latino communities. Young student activists and representatives from six other organizations also got the opportunity to chime in and speak at this extremely insightful gathering.

The importance of a conversation around the current immigrant crisis was made clear to members of SDS and MeSA after tens of thousands of Venezuelan immigrants began pouring into Chicago after being bused out of states like Texas and Florida by racist right-wing Republican governors Greg Abbott and Ron DeSantis. These new arrivals are living in poor conditions inside and outside police districts, local parks, empty lots, and sometimes on street corners and sidewalks. Meanwhile, both major political parties are set to host their national conventions in the summer of 2024 – with the Democratic National Convention taking place in Chicago.

In October 2023, the veteran activist and renowned journalist Juan González published his report titled How U.S. Policy Toward Latin America Has Fueled Historic Numbers of Asylum Seekers. It was then that SDS and MeSA decided to team up with the Chicago Cuba Coalition to organize this educational event. Student activists and representatives from the endorsing organizations were asked to speak about the effects U.S. foreign policy has had on immigration from their respective homelands, as well as what that means for our movement today.

First to speak was Louise Macaraniag from Anakbayan at UIC, a youth activist organization fighting for the liberation of the Philippines through the national democratic movement. Macaraniag drew connections between the newly arrived immigrants from Venezuela to those coming from Mexico, Syria and the Philippines, reminding the crowd that this immigration “is a symptom of U.S. imperialism.” After elaborating on the economic ties between the governments of the Philippines and the U.S., they shared the story of their own family’s forced migration and the trauma that ensued. Macaraniag urged those in attendance to “stand in solidarity with all colonized people across the world to fight against U.S. imperialism.”

Next was the vice-president of the Union of Puerto Rican Students at UIC, Patricia Sepulveda. She began her speech by commending the discussion’s attendees for refusing to stay silent in such turbulent times. Sepulveda shocked the room as she quoted what Puerto Rico’s first civilian governor, Charles Herbert Allen stated in 1901, “Puerto Rico is a beautiful island with its natural resources undeveloped, and its population unfitted to assume the management of their own affairs. With American capital and American energies, the labor of the natives can be utilized to the benefit of all parties.” However, Sepulveda pointed out that what followed was exploitation and destruction of the island in the name of profits, much to the benefit of the U.S. and to the detriment of Puerto Ricans.

Sepulveda concluded that there is an immigrant crisis only because the U.S. has “created a system that leaves people all over Latin America in shambles, and with no choice but to come here, just to be treated like second-class citizens.”

Mahdi Muhamad spoke immediately after on behalf of the Students for Justice in Palestine at UIC, a powerful student organization that promotes justice, human rights and liberation for the Palestinian people. His passionate speech further exposed the heinous crimes that the U.S. government continues to facilitate in Gaza and all of occupied Palestine by sending billions of dollars in “aid” to the genocidal state of Israe. Muhamad closed his remarks with chants of “Free Palestine” that participants proudly echoed.

A co-founder of the newly formed Latine Student Coalition at UIC, Jay Campos, spoke about the brutal exploitation of Latin America by U.S. multinational corporations in the 20th century and the crippling consequences of the coups that they backed against several democratically-elected governments in the region. He also identified the annexation of northern Mexico by the U.S. in 1848 as a “critical point in history” and oppression.

Then, Sol Márquez joined the discussion online to represent Legalization For All (L4A), a large network of organizations and individuals fighting for immigrant rights and legalization for all 12 million undocumented people across the country. Márquez shared what she and others in L4A witnessed during their delegation to the U.S./San Diego border in April 2023, “Policies like NAFTA and embargos like the ones placed on Cuba and Venezuela led to immigration waves from these progressive nations.”

Márquez continued, “We have witnessed protective asylum status for Ukrainian immigrants, and the U.S. fondly referring to them as refugees – but the same gestures are never afforded to immigrants like my Mexican parents or Central American ones.”

The co-hosting student organizations, MeSA and SDS, made their final remarks before segueing to Juan González and David Ramirez. The president of MeSA at UIC, Lucy Arias, called attention to the historic hypocrisy of the U.S. government for their use of Mexican labor via the “Bracero” program implemented during World War II. She said, “Policies have been passed in the United States to both impede and facilitate the flow of immigration, depending on what is most convenient and needed by the United States. We are exposed to exploitation, maltreatment, threats, extortion and more, all because we looked for a new opportunity. They wanted our Braceros, “our brazos” but not our persons and people.”

Sahian Sotelo, a student organizer, emphasized the importance of community and solidarity in their speech on behalf of SDS at UIC. “Recently,” they said, “right-wing reactionary politicians have been having their way as they watch generations of existing Latino communities in Chicago turn against the incoming Venezuelans. The most potent weapon of the oppressor is the mind of the oppressed. In turning against each other, we oppress ourselves and our very own community, when the reality is we are all struggling- and struggling together at that. In the struggle, there should be solidarity. Solidarity to stand up to our true oppressor.” Sotelo left the crowd on a powerful note with the vintage SDS chant, “Dare to struggle, dare to win!”

After the student activists and organizers finished their remarks, keynote speakers Juan González and David Ramirez were set to talk. At this point in the program, they both acknowledged and informed the audience that the youth speakers had energized and fired them up. González, in particular, fondly recalled being a member of the original SDS during his time as a youth activist in the late 1960s. During the presentation of his report on the current immigrant crisis, González repeatedly drew attention to and identified U.S. economic warfare against three specific countries – Nicaragua, Venezuela and Cuba – as a driving force in the latest migration surge.

González also detailed why so many people are fleeing Venezuela; the endless Cuba embargo; the sanctions against Nicaragua; the history of U.S. intervention in Latin America, and practical solutions.

Finally, David Ramirez joined the discussion virtually from Washington, DC to speak on his work at the Cuban Embassy, the historic relations between the governments of the U.S. and Cuba, and Cuba’s tourist economy. Ramirez explained that we need background and context to understand why over 400,000 Cubans have immigrated to the U.S. Southwest border in the last couple years – the vast majority then heading to Florida.

Julie Wolenski spoke on behalf of the Chicago Cuba Coalition and motivated the audience to see Cuba for themselves. She suggested to folks, “Join a May Day delegation or brigade and join the campaign to take Cuba off the SSOT list!”

Afterwards, the students, organizers and community members gathered and held banners to record a short video demanding the U.S. end its blockade against Cuba and lift the sanctions against Venezuela and Nicaragua. The Latino Cultural Center was soon infused with a militant mood as activists broke out in a spirit of solidarity. We chanted “Cuba si! Bloqueo no!” and “El pueblo unido jamás será vencido!” Juan González and David Ramirez reminded those of us in the room that day that things didn’t have to be this way. If we wanted the situation to change, we had to fight for it.

#ChicagoIL #ImmigrantRights #StudentMovement #SDS #MECHa #International #Venezuela #Nicaragua #LatinAmerica #Cuba #L4A

Minneapolis, MN – On January 28, the Women Against Military Madness’ Solidarity Committee of the Americas (SCOTA) and the MN Cuba Committee held their monthly car caravan with 15 cars and 20 people to demand Cuba be taken off the U.S. terrorist list.

As people gathered, they decorated their cars with signs and Cuban flags. Signs included “Cuba sí, bloqueo no,” “Hands off Cuba” and “Cuba off the terrorist list.”

Sarah Martin, a member of SCOTA, rallied the crowd with the chant, “Cuba off the terrorist list!” Martin stressed the reason for this month’s caravan, stating, “With a stroke of the pen, Biden could remove Cuba from the State Sponsors of Terrorism list and end the unprecedented humanitarian crisis the heroic people of Cuba are facing causing tens of thousands to migrate.”

People held banners in English and Spanish, reading “Take Cuba off the U.S. terrorist list/Llevar a Cuba de la lista de terroristas.”

Joe Callahan, a member of the MN Cuba Committee and SCOTA told the crowd, “In between trips to the Middle East, Anthony Blinken went to Mexico to demand that they stop immigrants from coming to the border. In response President Lopez Obrador said that if the U.S. ended sanctions against Cuba and Venezuela, there would be less immigrants.” Callahan added, “In Cuba they say, ‘A better world is possible.’”

David Logsdon, president of the Veterans For Peace, Chapter 27 strongly urged people to visit Cuba. He stated there are many organizations that organize trips, and it is important to go when we get a chance.

Before the caravan went on its way, the rally gave tribute to Jose Martí on his birthday. Marcy Shapiro, member of SCOTA, noted, “Today is Martí’s birthday. He is the national hero of Cuba. He was born on January 28, 1853, 171 years ago, He was a poet, writer and philosopher. He is considered a national hero because of his role in the liberation of Cuba from Spain. His goal was the promotion of liberty and political independence. His name is used as a rallying cry to Cuban revolutionaries. The words to the song Guantanamera were written by Jose Martí. It is sung everywhere and all of the time in Cuba.”

The caravan drove on to Lake Street from the parking lot of South High School, along about a three-mile stretch through a Minneapolis working-class neighborhood, and then back to South High.

People on the streets gave thumbs up, pumping fists in support and even grooving with the honking beeps coming from the cars. A few cars even joined the caravan; they turned on their hazards and honked along. A person stood out of their car’s sunroof bouncing up and down while waving their fist in the air.

This month, the caravan participants felt the excitement all around for Cuba and the importance of taking the country off the “State Sponsors of Terrorism” list.

#MinneapolisMN #International #Cuba #SCOTA

Minneapolis, MN – On December 14 members of the Solidarity Committee on the Americas and the MN Cuba Committee rallied at Chicago and Lake Avenues to demand the U.S. government to take Cuba off the U.S. State Sponsors of Terrorism list and continued to pressure the U.S. to end the blockade of Cuba. The people who live in the neighborhood are multinational working-class families. The people passed by cheering and waving fits in the arm in support of the people. As the rally continued, cars and trucks drove past honking loudly and continuously approving the message.

#MinneapolisMN #International #Cuba

Los Angeles, CA – On Thursday, November 2, the United Nations General Assembly voted on a resolution that is put forward every year to end the U.S. imposed economic blockade of Cuba. For the 31st year in a row, the resolution was not passed despite the overwhelming majority of the world voting in favor of the resolution. Those in favor of ending the U.S. imposed sanctions were 187 countries, and only two voted against the resolution, the United States and the apartheid state of Israel.

The economic blockade, or embargo, of Cuba has been in place for 63 years. The United States imposed it to punish Cubans for daring to fight and win their liberation in armed struggle against U.S. imperialism during the Cold War era. Cuban guerilla fighters defeated the dictatorship of Fulgencio Bautista and won their right to independence, democracy, and true liberation through a socialist revolution. In 1960, the U.S. attacked Cuba’s revolution with many cruel tactics, one of them being economic warfare.

The intention of the economic blockade is to starve and suffocate Cuba’s economy in order to break the spirit of the Cuban people and pressure them to turn against their own government. The blockade does not allow Cuba to trade with U.S. companies and it prevents other countries from engaging in trade relations with Cuba, if they want to remain in relations with the U.S. Food, medicine, medical equipment, hygienic products, cars, industrial equipment and much more are difficult to import into the country due to the embargo.

The world condemns the blockade and recognizes the cruelty and injustice that Cubans have suffered for more than six decades. In explaining its vote, the UN representative of the United States, Paul Folmsbee said, “We strongly support [Cubans] pursuit of a future with respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms,” and that sanctions are “one set of tools” to accomplish this.

The U.S. has never respected the human rights of oppressed people. On the same day, the U.S. House of Representatives approved $14.3 billion in military aid for Israel's genocide and ethnic cleansing of Gaza despite the recent historic mass protests across the country calling on the end of U.S. aid to Israel.

Cuban foreign minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, stated after the UN General Assembly vote that Cubans are deprived of their right to progress, through this “illegal, cruel and inhumane policy.” He also condemned Israel’s illegal occupation of Palestine and extended his solidarity to the Palestinian people. “These barbaric acts must stop.”

Karina Lopez is a proud Chicana member of Centro Community Service Organization (CSO) in Los Angeles.

#LosAngelesCA #Cuba #Blockade #CentroCSO