IDENTIDADES 1 ENGLISH IDENTIDADES 4 ENGLISH | Page 94

Yes, there are a few newcomers on the scene:
Akala (from London) and Immortal Technique
(from Peru). But the ‘mainstream’ American rappers still have that “slave mentality” theme in
their lyrics. We are still not free in America.
These stereotypes of Blacks in America find their
way to Cuba. Raudel states that the government’s
information about America does not include the
‘Blacks’ in US History. But when he arrived here,
he saw a different America. What he saw “is different and more unbelievable than the history we
learned in Cuba.” For me that was very shocking
and impactful.
He was looking for the American dream. He
didn’t find it. I laughed and told him that we are
all looking for that dream.
On visiting the U.S., David commented that being
able to perform in here has allowed him to raise
funds to add space to his ‘safe house’, making
room for more people. He enjoys meeting new
people, conducting deep conversations and even
arguments, although he doesn’t need to leave
Cuba to do this. “I love my culture, my neighbors.
I come to United States to sell my product (my
music and paintings). I’m not here to sell an idea;
that’s the politician job. I’m an artist.”
Raudel said, “Every time I come it’s a new experience. This trip I was introduced more to the
communities in Miami, Atlanta, New Jersey, and
New York. I met new people, talked to them people who have different views. It’s very enriching - not the material things but the contact with
people. I return to Cuba more powerful than when
I left." With all the misconceptions about Cuba, I
asked Raudel what he would like us to know. He
shared that his country is not that far and its history is not what the government is sharing. “It’s a
country with beautiful people, who struggle every
day. It’s our hard reality. We want the people in
the United States to know what our reality is.”
I look at Raudel and I see a warrior, someone who
is about the struggle every day, and his lyrics and

94

the risks he takes every day prove it. I asked him
what advice he would give those Blacks in United
States who are fighting the injustice in the killings
of our Black men by police. How to keep their
voices heard? “You have to bring social consciousness to more people. To connect the same
thinking to many people. Get people involved,
keep them motivated. Make sure they understand
the real problem. People with knowledge, people
making pressure can resolve problems. The government may not have the answers, the people
have to pressure the government.”
I feel many of our own fair-weather, self-promoting activists can learn a lot about long-term mission from the Cuban activists, and American
rappers and other artists can learn from the Cuban
movement behind the music of these “warriors”,
David and Raudel. Perhaps when they visit next
time we will be able to schedule more events
within the Black community. I feel it is important
for us to connect in our common struggles. The
2014 visit could not have come at a better time,
considering the protest in Ferguson, Missouri regarding an unarmed Black man killed by a white
policeman and the ongoing deadly violence of police against the Black community. Our visiting
Cuban friends were able to see firsthand what really goes on in America when it comes to
Black/white relationships, especially in how our
local and federal government is run. Even with a
“Black” man as president, the oppression of
Blacks lives on in full effect. Perhaps on their
next visit they will be able to visit more Black
community organizations and see more of daily
life: after-school programs, a public school and
classroom, church, neighborhoods where Black
populations live and the conditions of their communities in Pittsburgh. Another great encounter
would be for the Black community to host a creative program and share the talented artists we
have in Pittsburgh.
I felt sad after the interviews. Raudel and David
are so full of promise, with a direction to a better