Detroit Says “Hands Off Cuba”

Detroit Cuba Solidarity Rally with Dr. Gloria House, July 26, 2021. Photo: Abayomi Azikiwe, Pan-African News Wire

Detroit Cuba solidarity rally with participants, July 26, 2021. Photo: Abayomi Azikiwe, Pan-African News Wire

Detroit Cuba Solidarity Rally with Maureen Taylor, MWRO, July 26, 2021. Photo: Abayomi Azikiwe, Pan-African News Wire

Detroit Cuba solidarity rally with Bill Meyer of Michigan Peace Council, Juy 26, 2021. Photo: Abayomi Azikiwe, Pan-African News Wire

Detroit Cuba Solidarity Rally Chair Monique, July 26, 2021. Photo: Abayomi Azikiwe, Pan-African News Wire

By Fighting Words Staff

A rally was held in solidarity with the Cuban Revolution outside Detroit’s Coleman A. Young Municipal Center on Monday, July 26, 2021.

Scores of activists and organizers gathered and spoke on the contributions of Fidel Castro, Jose Marti and the current leadership of President Miguel Diaz-Canel.

Several organizations were represented including the Moratorium NOW! Coalition, EMEAC, Palestinian Youth Movement, United States Palestinian Community Network, Yemeni Liberation Movement, Michigan Peace Council, Dr. Gloria House, veteran SNCC organizer and award-winning poet, John Williams, co-founder of the League of Revolutionary Black Workers, Prof. W.F. Santiago of the Puerto Rican Independence Movement, Maureen Taylor of the Michigan Welfare Rights Organization (MWRO), Bill Meyer and his Jazz musicians, Sarah Torres, Detroit musician, Ishmael Duran of the Garage Cultural also provided music, while the youth moderator Monique gracefully gave context to the various guests and artists.

The event took place on the 68th anniversary of the Cuban holiday commemorating the attack on the Moncada Barracks in 1953. Detroit has a long history of solidarity with Cuba.