The event was jointly organized with Midnight Books by Monet Cárdenas, leader of LAHOC, as part of a series of film screenings across the city. In her remarks, she noted:
“This documentary is fundamental because it addresses Cuba’s revolutionary history, offering viewers a deep historical understanding of why the revolution endures and what that sacrifice means for Cubans and for people around the world.
Later in the film, it becomes clear that the United States neither respects nor values Cuban life — nor even American life — when the reality of U.S. sanctions against Cuba is linked to historical events. The U.S. government intimidates nations worldwide to prevent them from trading with Cuba, under threat of tariffs and sanctions against their own countries.
Cuba is not a ‘failed state.’ The only reason the island has not been able to develop is the sanctions imposed by the U.S. government over 67 years. Cuba has carried out reforms and allowed privatization on the island; it does so with a boot on its neck preventing it from breathing. These changes do not reflect Cuba submitting to capitalism; such ‘transformations’ arise from the island’s desire to survive.”
Visual artist, activist, and actress Lili Bernard — born in Cuba and based in Los Angeles — gave a presentation. She organizes trips for artists to Cuba several times a year to deliver humanitarian aid and art supplies to Cuban creators through her Art Roots Mambí project, which she described during her talk. (To collaborate or donate to Cuban artists in this project, write to: artrootsmambi@gmail.com). Lili shared the following comments with this reporter for publication:
“I am Cuban American. I live in Los Angeles and do not support U.S. military intervention in Cuba.
As a Cuban American, I know how difficult conversations about Cuba can be. But I also know that increased sanctions and military intervention have only made things worse. I want to see a future where Cuba and the United States can have normal relations, like any other pair of neighbors.
Cuba has so much to offer the world in culture, art, music, dance, medicine, and low infant mortality rates. They are at the forefront of science, cancer research, and vaccination. Their literacy levels are extraordinary; they have a very low illiteracy rate and first-class education. Our countries could achieve much together, especially in agriculture.
Cuba has been on the right side of history. They stopped the expansion of apartheid!
This criminal, genocidal, cruel, and inhumane blockade against Cuba must end once and for all. It has lasted decades and is causing immense suffering to our loved ones. There is hunger, thirst, and extreme shortages of fuel, electricity, water, food, and medicine.
So, as a Cuban American, I say: Let Cuba live! No to war against Cuba.”
Destiny Rivera, leader of the LA Hands-off Cuba Committee, commented after the screening: “Tonight’s event at Midnight Books was moving. With more than 45 attendees — 25 of whom were participating in our committee’s activities for the first time — we achieved a solid mix that also included long-time defenders of Cuba. The event reaffirmed the growing support and interest in Cuba.
Today it was reiterated that Cuba faces debilitating attacks and pressures from the United States; the more we learn and share about Cuba, the closer the Cuban people are to achieving sovereignty and independence.”
Bita Amani, LAHOC leader and professor of medicine who takes her students to Cuba for training, prepared brief remarks after watching Abby Martin’s interview. She emphasized that Cuba’s health model was built to eliminate the challenges created by profit-driven systems. Cuba has developed medicines that have saved millions of lives worldwide and invested in training generations of scientists, engineers, and health professionals capable of serving their people.
By obsessively focusing on those who left Cuba, we diminish the importance of those who stayed to defend their system. They challenge the idea that the imperial core has the right to judge what is or is not democracy. In constant violation of the rights of other nations and their peoples, imperial freedom is both an illusion and a seduction.
The way Cubans mobilize shows that, for them, the most important thing is respecting the dignity of children, the elderly, pregnant women, and the sick who cannot fend for themselves. They want a system built to honor their humanity, and in this they remain united.
And, despite people worldwide urging their leaders not to punish the Cuban people, the self-proclaimed “owners” of freedom and democracy insist on undermining the sovereignty of a nation that has embodied internationalism and solidarity.
Four hundred dollars were raised for Global Health Partners. Twenty people signed up to receive more information about trips to Cuba and purchased books about the country worth more than $100.
The next solidarity event with Cuba in Los Angeles will feature a tour by two Cuban jurists from the Cuban Embassy in Washington, D.C., sponsored by the National Lawyers Guild and the LA Hands-off Cuba Committee. Both played a key role in drafting Cuba’s prestigious new Family Code, ratified after thousands of meetings and proposals.
They will also discuss Cuba’s current political and economic “transformations,” reflected in 176 proposals being debated and implemented across the island.
The tour includes numerous activities: a breakfast with medical students, a special meeting with LA-area lawyers, media interviews, and a public cultural and political event — featuring a mariachi singer, Afro-Cuban dancers, and the Cuban jurists — at Mercado Paloma (3655 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90007) on July 8 at 6:00 p.m.
Website: ushandsoffcubacommittee.com E-mail: LA.US.Handsoffcuba@gmail.com
