 Challengers to the U. S. blockade of Cuba cross the border from Canada to Buffalo, N.Y. Photo: Beth Massey |
On July 19, around 220 activists triumphantly returned to the United States from Cuba in defiance of the U.S. blockade of the island. The blockade, officially in place since 1963, prohibits unlicensed travel to Cuba.
More than 100 activists representing the Venceremos Brigade, the U.S./Cuba Labor Exchange, and the African Awareness Organization crossed the border by walking over the International Peace Bridge, from Canada into Buffalo, New York. At nearly the same time, the Pastors for Peace 15th Friendshipment Caravan returned to Texas via Mexico.
The groups refused to apply for licenses to travel to Cuba. Together, they mounted one of the largest organized travel challenges since the implementation of travel restrictions.
This year’s challenge also protested the latest U.S. attack on Cuba, which seeks to tighten the blockade and ultimately overthrow the government of the socialist nation.
 Ian Thompson, participated in this summer’s travel challenge on the U.S./Cuba Labor Exchange. He poses here with mothers of two of the Cuban Five prisoners held in the U.S. Photo: Rafael Rodriguez Cruz |
For their courage, each activist faces the possibility of civil and criminal penalties. Criminal maximums are 10 years in prison and $250,000 in fines.
Reverend Lucius Walker, Executive Director of Pastors for Peace, explained the necessity for continued unlicensed travel to Cuba: “We are committed to demonstrating our friendship with Cuba and we do not follow the evil intentions of our own government in trying to make enemies out of our friends. So we never ask for licenses. … Constitutionally, it is not illegal to come to Cuba. … We will continue to visit Cuba even if our government threatens us.” (Granma International, August 10)
