Urgent News! - African American Collective goes to Cuba

“For those of us who made this journey, the Big Lie of US policy against Cuba (and the Castro regime) is evident, as is the Cuban government's unwillingness to tackle the lingering matter of racism (white privilege) in that nation. “ – Melvin Smith


Dear friends, 


 It is a great honor for me to have permission to present below a statement by an African American collective that has just returned from a genuinely fact-finding trip to Cuba. Additionally, knowing one of its participants, Melvin Smith of MWS Journal, personally, I can assure you that this informative, albeitt concise, declaration reflects a body that represents the highest level of integrity and intellectual capability anywhere, unlike the usual reports we see from the U.S. mainstream media. All African Americans have much reason to be proud. Cheers! 
G. Djata Bumpus
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 MWS Journal 11-July-2012

 Having just returned from a two-week journey abroad, including Mexico and a 10-day visit to Cuba, I want to share with you the summary statement by my travel companions and me regarding our experience and enlightenment in today's Cuba. It was a most unusual and gratifying trip by persons of African descent-- a decided Travel Challenge and research project-- rather than a mere tourist visit. For those of us who made this journey, the Big Lie of US policy against Cuba (and the Castro regime) is evident, as is the Cuban government's unwillingness to tackle the lingering matter of racism (white privilege) in that nation. I will share more details and conclusions soon, but now I present the declaration as agreed and signed by our small group. --MWS
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 A DECLARATION IN SUPPORT OF CUBA On June 28, 2012, the African Awareness Association (AAA), composed of U.S. citizens, embarked as a delegation on an educational and cultural tour (ending July 10th, 2012) to get an understanding of Cuba and to challenge the immoral, racist U.S. restrictions imposed on its citizens on travel to Cuba. AAA, upon nearing the end of the process and completion of our 10 days’ travel challenge of the U.S. blockade declared that:

 1. We stand in full solidarity with the Cuban Socialist Revolution and its right to sovereignty, self-determination and self-defense, consistent with the United Nations Declaration of the Right of Nations to Self-Determination and Non-Interference in the Internal Affairs of Nations; and

 2. We therefore assert that we do not support the U.S. Blockade/mbargo of Cuba;

3. We see Cuba as a model based upon their historic support for Freedom Fighters, Anti-Colonial movements, and their worldwide Internationalist Programs;

 4. We demand the lifting of the illegal racist Blockade and the release of the Cuban 5;

 5. We call on Africans and all other people of good will worldwide to support the right of Cuba to self-determination by joining the worldwide demand for an immediate end to the unjust racist U.S. blockade and release of the Cuban 5;

 6. We further urge Africans and all other people of good will to engage in programs of educational and cultural exchange to see for themselves the model that Cuba has created;

 7. We call for support of and encourage institutionalization of the Annual Cuban Appreciation weekend to be hosted the first weekend of March 2013 in Richmond, VA and other cities across the U.S. Signed this 8th day of July 2012:

 Lee C. Robinson Tejvir Kaur Grewall Dedon Kamathi Richard L Clemmons, Sr. Michele A. Tingling-Clemmons Mba Mbulu Banbose Shango Antonio M. Leon Melvin Webster Smith