Encuentro 8: Race Relations in Cuba

ENCUENTRO 8 - APRIL 26TH Race Relations in Cuba Samuel Furé Davis

The Encuentro with Samuel Fure provided us with much information about race relations in Cuba from both a historical and contemporary perspective. He talked to us about the interrelation between race and nation, the early 20th century, the period between 1908 and 1920, and lastly about the 1940s.

The Interrelation Between Race and Nation Professor Furé first explained that Cuba is a country where Spanish settlements were implemented, which created interrelations between nation and race. Then he continued telling us that when the Spanish first came to Cuba, they built and constructed the country. However, he told us that this created a significantly high white population on the island. Between 1860 and 1870, 80% of the population were slaves, and 20% were white settlers. Spanish colonization led to a debate regarding the idea of a 'nation. ' The descendants of white colonizers wondered what their place in society was. In fact, the idealists even had the idea to create a priceless Cuba. However, the republic completely rejected this idea.

Early 20th Century Afterward, Samuel Furé talked about the 20th century and the discrimination. He explained that during the 20th century, the republic discriminated against black veterans. They decided to fight for their rights, being supported by some of the independent parties against discrimination. During this period, the incoming foreign capitals allowed economic growth for white and black Cubans, which attracted black immigrants.

1908-1920 in addition, he talked about the period between the years 1908 and 1920. During this period, the black population increased by thousands, which increased economic tensions between the black and white populations within Cuba. However, it also created tension between descendants from slaves and the new black population who immigrated to Cuba.

1940’s Lastly, he talked for a while about the period of the 1940s when the constitution was created. The constitution was created in the 1940s. It was first created to eliminate discrimination against the black population. Nonetheless, there was still a problem. Even though the constitution was supposed to stop discrimination, the white families still did not allow marriage between black and white people.

The basis of Black Cuban’s problem is the settlement of the Spanish. It is obvious that the problem of laves and black discrimination all started when the Spanish arrived in Cuba. Right after their arrival to the island, 80% of the population were made slaves. If they would have never came to Cuba, no black Cuban would have been made into slaves. It then led to the discussion about the nation. Because of the enslavement of black, descendent do not know what their place in the society was created economic tension between the white population and the descendent from black slaves. Also, if the Spanish had not come to Cuba, their would have been no discrimination against the black community and there would still be some aboriginal communities, which was eliminated by them. In other words, all problems that the Cuban black community has to endure since the 19th century was caused by the Spanish settlement.

Among other things we learned in this field trip, we saw the resourcefulness Cubans displayed in Muralendos and their ability to adapt in the talk about the constitution. However one of the common themes I saw in all the talks was “resilience. ” Cuba seems to be a nation of revolution, a nation in a perpetual struggle for freedom and self-determination. Through all these fights, they have had to struggle but always found a solution around it. Maybe this resilience is what fuels their strong sense of community bond or maybe it is the opposite. Either way, they’ve had to overcome such things as the Special Period in creative manners such as starting a garden, as seen in the urban agriculture talk. During that time of crisis, there was a shortage of food. Aniete’s family, the speaker of that talk, started a project that was able to provide food for their family but also for the neighbourhood. This shows cuban’s ability to bounce back from difficulties. Another example of their resilience is how they coped with the blockade that was put in place by the United States. They made a trade deal with other latin countries, otherwise known as the TCP, to help get around the trade deficit left in place by the blockade. They have also manufactured their own vaccine against covid-19. All in all, though Cuba has had it’s fair share of struggles, and some have persisted to this day in relation to its relationship with the United States, it has never shown signs of giving up or giving in. Instead, it has always found a way to thrive on its own.

By: Mia

The solidarity that the Cuban population has is quite admirable, and it sets an example for the rest of us. Through the different talks and topics discussed, it became evident that most initiatives and projects in Cuba function to include the needs of as many people as possible. One example of this reality is Cuba’s healthcare system. Medical care is a crucial need to which all Cubans have access. Unlike Western medicine practices, Cuba’s healthcare system focuses on integrating the health care professionals in the community. They don’t simply concentrate on people’s physical health but also their psychological and social state. The doctors are aware of everyone’s living situations, and they work on preventative treatment based on that information. Moreover, the sewing initiative started by survivors of abuse is another example of how the Cuban community comes together for people in need. The sewing initiative’s economy is solidarity-based. They put the women’s needs above profit and distribute the earnings based on everyone’s necessities. Although the action was started to help women, they soon expanded it to include disabled youth who didn’t feel included in their communities. Their inclusion shows that the movements are adapted and include diverse marginalized and vulnerable populations even if they weren’t the targeted public. The solidarity and care Cubans have towards one another have allowed them to create an inclusive and involved society.

By: Samiha

Additionally, we learned that Cubans do everything with heart and soul. They seem to be inspired by the strength of the previous generations and the creativity of the ones to come. Looking back at talks and meetings such as Muraleando and Aniete’s garden, it is obvious that they care deeply about the well-being of future generations and want to keep the children’s creative and joyful spirit alive. The Muraleando project, for example, uses art and culture to keep children out of trouble. The center gives them a safe space where they can express their emotions and creativity. As kids are guided by amazing teachers who volunteer their time and knowledge, children can enjoy themselves and feel a sense of belonging. However, the project would not exist if there was not a strong desire to see creative and bold children become good adults, who in the future will also inspire and get inspired by the new spirits to come. In fact, intergenerational knowledge seems to be important for Cubans, as they still inspire children with the wisdom of the elders, poets, like Jose Marti, and members of the Cuban revolution, such as Camillo and Che. Aniete’s garden is another example of generational wisdom (Heidi’s Encuentro 8). Inspired by her father-in-law green thumb, Aniete started her garden to help her neighbors and her community. Aniete’s love for poetry is also transposed in her garden as she used Jose Marti poetry to care for the plants and inspire a love for the land to her children and to the teens in the community. Aniete’s garden and the Muraleando project are proof that Cuban’s souls and hearts transcend generations and always encourage a better Cuba.