In Cuba and around the world, July 26 is considered the start of the Cuban Revolution. That day a group of young men and women attacked the Moncada Garrison of Santiago, the 2nd largest military base in Cuba, in protest and rebellion against the dictatorship of Fulgencio Batista with its brutal police and military killings and repression and political corruption, under the continuing domination of the United States with its resource draining big corporations like United Fruit and Revere Sugar, its ownership of Cuba’s utilities such as the telephone, ownership of vast landholdings, its corruption of politicians and ravages of daily life through gambling, prostitution and exploitation of workers. The rebellion and attack were a disaster, with many killed and the leaders thrown into prison. But in prison Fidel Castro wrote “History will Absolve Me” which laid the foundation and spelled out the platform for what would become the successful Revolution starting in 1959 to build universal free education, healthcare, equal rights, housing and land rights, access to culture, sports and welfare for all, without political corruption, a society built for the good and with kindness for all, including international solidarity. In the 67 years since, the United States government has done all possible to try to smash and smother that dream of a society for all, including for the past year a complete oil blockade on top of the 65 year economic and financial embargo, propaganda campaign, subversion, sabotage, bombings and attempts at assassination of Cuba’s leaders.
But Cuba still stands. Every attempt to smash it has ensured continued and unbelievable hardship for the Cuban people but also continued resistance and determination to find a way out, for themselves, and by themselves if necessary.
July 26 was celebrated in the Cuban province of Pinar del Rio with the presence of hundreds of people from around the world, it was celebrated all over the world and the United States, and it also was celebrated in Massachusetts:
Solidarity Rally with Cuba’s National Rebellion — Northampton, MA
A rally of some 35 people was held in downtown Northampton organized by the River Valley Anti-War Committee and co sponsored by Freedom Road, Massachusetts Peace Action, River Valley DSA, Veterans for Peace, and Mass Cuba Solidarity.
Cuba After Castro Watch Party & Discussion
The July 26 Coalition of New England held an online discussion of the film, the most recent attacks by the Trump Administration on Cuba and the Cuban people, and the latest attacks by the administration on Cuban solidarity and other movement groups.
Light for Life Dance Party — Easthampton, MA
Massachusetts Peace Action’s Light for Life Campaign for Solar Systems for Cuban Maternity Homes held a dance party at the Marigold Theater in Easthampton, with music by José González & Banda Criolla. About 100 people danced for hours at the Marigold; there were Cuban sandwiches prepared by MAPA’s own Cole, Claire and Merri with volunteers Roman, Shelly and Thea. There were mojitos and full bar. People came from all over the Pioneer Valley, drawn by the well known band as well as by the cause of providing safety and a future for at-risk pregnant mothers and their babies. Donations were made at the door and on line to MEDICC, the US-Cuba medical professional group guiding the solar energy project with the Cuban medical personnel and maternity homes. Readers can read more about the Light for Life Campaign for the mothers and children of Cuba and contribute at medicc.org
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By Merri Ansara