“Being raised as a Cuban-American in Miami, Florida, I was informed by a very specific perspective of the Cuban Revolution. Since I am also Iranian-American and grew up in the shadow of the War on Terror, I thought it best to avoid any strife and accept the widespread incendiary rhetoric against both of my parents’ homelands. I’ve since extensively researched Cuban revolutionary history, unraveling deeply rooted threads of indoctrination and complex bias. One thing I’ve learned stands out above all: the illegal embargo set in place by the United States against Cuba must end.
The embargo is a draconic instrument of U.S. imperialism with the singular intention of hurting the Cuban people. For most of the world, the blockade is a distant relic of the Cold War; however, in Cuba, it is a stark reality, one that has led to copious humanitarian crises, supply shortages, and a stunted economy. Though I was once ashamed, I now understand how proud I am to have the blood of profoundly resilient and strong people. I am a Cuban-American, and I will do my part in the fight for Cuba against the U.S. empire’s suffocating coils so that my people may be left to flourish unabated.”
– Andre B., Miami, FL.
“My political journey began in high school when Bernie Sanders’ 2016 campaign introduced me to progressive policies like universal healthcare and free public college. After Trump’s election, my radicalization accelerated as I witnessed events like Hurricane Maria’s devastation, corporate tax cuts, and the pandemic’s inequalities. Joining DSA during Bernie’s second campaign helped me deepen my understanding of socialism and global issues, including the harm caused by U.S. military interventions. Over time, I came to see the U.S. embargo on Cuba as a destructive policy that exacerbates the hardships of ordinary Cubans and stifles progress.
As someone with a nuanced view of the Cuban government, I acknowledge both its achievements—like universal education and healthcare—and its failures, especially on human rights and race relations. Learning about Afro-Cuban experiences and the systemic racism both in Cuba and the U.S. opened my eyes to the complexities of these issues. I oppose the embargo because it inflicts unnecessary suffering on the Cuban people and hinders Cuba’s ability to thrive. While I hope for greater democratic reforms in Cuba, such as expanded political rights, I firmly believe that ending the blockade is a crucial step toward a better future for Cubans on the island and abroad. Cuba sí, bloqueo no.”
-Richard Guerra, New Jersey
Cuban-Americans for Cuba 