Supporters of Cuba and Black Lives Matter find common ground

Both have criticism of U.S. policies at home and abroad

Rick Karlin
July 25, 2020
Updated: July 25, 2020 6:11 p.m.

Saying that racism and imperialism are two sides of the same political coin, a group of activists gathered Saturday to call for unity between the Black Lives Matters movement and Cuba, which has been under a U.S. trade embargo for more than six decades due to its Marxist government.

“This horrendous statue behind us reminds us of the arrogance of empire,” said Jose Rossy-Millan, of the Albany Cuba Solidarity group.

He was referring to the statue at Albany’s Townsend Park commemorating the 1898 Spanish American War which resulted in an independent Cuba. He added that activists like himself often refer to the park as “Imperialism Park.”

While Cuba became its own country, American victory in the 10-week Spanish American war also led to the U.S. gaining control of the Philippines, Guam and Puerto Rico. And it marked the end of what had been a centuries-old Spanish Empire that at one time spanned the globe.

More:
https://www.timesunion.com/news/article/Supporters-of-Cuba-and-Black-Lives-Matter-find-15434303.php