The recent delegation of young leaders from the United States to Cuba has highlighted the importance of solidarity and the urgent need to end the criminal US blockade against the island nation. The delegation, organized by the International Peoples' Assembly (IPA), consisted of representatives from various fields, including trade unionists, activists, artists, and scientists. During their time in Cuba, they engaged in meaningful exchanges with different segments of Cuban society, including LGBTQI+ communities, Afro-Cuban organizations, medical students, educators, athletes, and artists.
The delegates learned about Cuba's efforts to guarantee the economic and social rights of its people, such as healthcare, education, housing, employment, and more. They also witnessed firsthand the detrimental impact of the decades-long US blockade, which has intensified under previous President Donald Trump and continued under President Joe Biden. The fuel shortage crisis in Cuba serves as a stark reminder of the challenges the country faces due to this blockade.
The delegation members return to the US with a profound understanding of the aggression Cuba faces and a renewed commitment to solidarity and activism. They recognize the historic duty to defeat the blockade, organizing and mobilizing in their communities, streets, Congress, and on social media to build a broad movement in solidarity with Cuba. Their experiences in Cuba have taught them valuable lessons about unity, resilience, and the importance of centering love and hope in their endeavors.
As these young organizers return to their respective communities, they carry with them the determination to continue their struggles at home while advocating for an end to the blockade against Cuba. By standing in solidarity and amplifying the voices of the Cuban people, they aim to create a powerful movement that challenges the unjust aggression perpetuated by the United States.