The Party for
Socialism and Liberation held a public forum July 27 in the South Bay
to mark the start of the Cuban Revolution 58 years ago. The San José
Peace and Justice Center and its weekly Spanish Class for Activists
co-hosted the event. PSL organizers Christopher Banks and Antoinette
Marquez were the featured speakers. The event was noteworthy for the
sizable number of young people who attended to learn more about Cuba
and its revolution.
PSL activists had
done extensive outreach to students and youth prior to the event,
focused on San Jose State University and De Anza Community College in
Cupertino.
Banks spoke on the
achievements of the Cuban Revolution, the case of the Cuban Five
(Cuban heroes unjustly imprisoned in the U.S. for standing against
terrorism and defending their revolution), and Cuba’s solidarity
with the oppressed around the world. He stated, “Not only has the
Cuban Revolution been able to utilize society’s wealth to meet the
basic needs of all Cuban citizens, it has also managed, in spite of
being faced with underdevelopment and the U.S. economic blockade, to
send tens of thousands of doctors around the world to serve in the
most impoverished and oppressed communities.”
Marquez spoke about
her recent trip to the island nation, stating that she “never felt
as safe walking around at night” as she did in Cuba. Illustrating
her talk with slides from her trip, she pointed out: “In Cuba they
have free health care and education for all. They start teaching
children at an early age the importance of all jobs and how each
profession is equally needed and valued.”
Some 45 people
attended the forum. The high level of participation included many
good questions and comments. People stayed around afterwards to
continue discussion and enjoy light refreshments.
Long live the Cuban
Revolution!
