Legislators and Advocates call for U.S. to Let Cuba Live! NYC demands an end to embargo in face of Cuban challenges.
On October 27th, legislators, community advocates and organizations held a rally at Grand Central Station in NYC calling for the U.S to let Cuba live without the destructive embargo imposed by the U.S. Hundreds of advocates attended the event, organized by the Cuba Si coalition, in preparation of the annual United Nations vote, held October 29th and 30th, where each year the world overwhelmingly votes to end the blockade imposed by the US government on Cuba.
At the rally NY state Senator Jabari Brisport, emphasized that part of the U.S policy has served as a way to strangle Cuba and prevent U.S citizens from seeing the successes of the Cuban project, stating “The US is afraid of a government that actually fights for its people instead of billionaires and multi billionaires that run this country. I stand in solidarity with Cuba and will keep fighting with those who support Cuba.”
This rally comes at a time when Cuba faces an increasingly difficult situation under the accumulated damage of the US embargo. Over the past few days there has been a disastrous nationwide power outage and a destructive hurricane. Community advocates and legislators came together to support the island nation and demand that the U.S ceases its endless economic and political war on Cuba and removes obstacles to the delivery of direct assistance.
Gail Walker the executive director of IFCO Pastors for Peace, a faith based organization in the United States, described the harsh reality Cubans face due to the recent blackout and overall blockade, saying “Cuba is facing hell right now and we know what’s behind that, the blockade, the policies, and an overall attempt to dismantle the nation.”
The community emphasized that while there are increasing challenges due to the blackouts, hurricane, and overall embargo, the people of the U.S continue to learn from Cuba. Rosemari Mealy, on the executive board of Pastors for Peace and who helped in passing the historic 2023 NYC resolution to Take Cuba off the State Sponsor of Terrorism list, spoke on Cubas legacy of friendship and international solidarity. She emphasized the need to direct energy to combat U.S war against Cuba, saying “The Cuban revolution teaches us to be humane, we must continue to fight”
The rally is connected to other initiatives such as a national letter started by NY state Senators and Assemblypeople calling on Biden to immediately take Cuba off the State Sponsors of Terrorism List, an action Biden can take immediately. This letter, signed by over a dozen legislators, including New York State Senator Jabari Brisport, Senator Julia Salazar, mayoral candidate and Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani, and many other individuals and organizations, represents a coordinated effort to pressure Biden to stop the economic and political war on Cuba now. There have been additional initiatives for the people of the U.S. to show Cuba support and provide much needed supplies to the island during this difficult period. The “Let Cuba live” campaign has raised $125,000 in humanitarian aid, which will be directly given to families in Cuba.
