Black Like Me: The “Patria y Vida” Movement thru an Afro-Cuban Lens

770 Northeast 125th Street,North Miami FL 33161

27 August, 2021

Description

Have dinner with your peers to discuss the recent Cuban protests through an Afro-Cuban lens. We are creating space to amplify the perspective of Afro-Cubans, and Afro-Latinos as we explore the intersection of Patria y Vida, the recent anti-government demonstrations in Cuba and the Global Black Lives Matter Movement that started in the United States. We will have deep authentic dialogue and share untold stories that explore the multilayered issues in Cuba such as the U.S. economic sanctions, anti-Black consciousness in Cuba and the world. This intimate conversation will help break down the politics, the propaganda and the misconceptions that can segregate the Black Solidarity movement across the African diaspora. Donation: $ 50.00 - Sliding scale donation to cover dinner and facilitation This intimate, personal learning format invites participants to share and learn in the community without fear of being shamed, blamed or unheard. In this environment, participants can express their depth of feeling and have an opportunity to be heard. So be prepared to share. Also be prepared to listen deeply with an open mind and an open heart. And be prepared to learn from each other. Participants leave with greater understanding, insights, and ideas for how to connect more dots for themselves, their communities and organizations. Unity360 Institute (U360I) powered by South Florida People of Color (SFPoC) Statement of Solidarity with our relations in Cuba Unity360 Institute (U360I) powered by South Florida People of Color (SFPoC) stands in solidarity with the people of Cuba. We follow the lead of those who have boldly gathered in the streets of Cuba, risking their lives to disrupt existing oppression and shift power, and echoing the resounding cry, “Patria Y Vida!” We honor your collective Spirit to choose both Homeland and life. We acknowledge and amplify that a majority of the people risking their lives in Cuba are identified as Afro-Cuban, a label associated with the trauma of anti-blackness experienced throughout the world with the intention to invisibilize the existence of the African Diaspora. We empathize with the Afro-Cuban experience in the struggle for liberation, an experience very different from some Cubans who are welcomed into a new country and benefit from the privileges inherent in supremacy and oppression. These acts of resistance have motivated and inspired us all. We uplift the practice of centering the needs of marginalized communities who are the experts of their experience and hold the solutions to eliminate injustice, anything else is moot. We maintain that those who distract from the needs being amplified by the people in the streets in Cuba are accountable to humanity. We support our Cuban relations in defining and crafting their Libertad so that their basic needs are met with dignity and free from fear of death on a path toward thriving. Dedicated to ending racism and bigotry by providing creative programs for open dialogue and personal connection across the racial, ethnic and cultural divide by connecting our neighbors to build stronger, more empathetic relationships.